News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2007
Contact: Benjamin Brackett, 206-389-2162, bbrackett@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Comment on JARC and New Freedom Special Needs Transportation Projects

SEATTLE—  The Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board has released for public comment a diverse group of special needs transportation projects recommended to receive $2 million in funding. These projects are designed to provide transportation service, create or maintain an infrastructure for coordinated planning, or provide training and educational resources for individuals with special transportation needs.

Defined by state law, those with special needs are individuals and their attendants that, due to mental or physical disability, income status, or age, are unable to transport themselves or purchase appropriate transportation services. Each project plays an important role in the mobility of these populations or the coordination of special needs transportation services.

Examples of projects recommended for funding include:

Bellevue Easy-Rider Pilot Project: $122,760
Hyde Shuttle II: $174,937
Beyond the Borders: $254,000
WorkFirst Van Continuation: $165,000
Transportation Assistance Program (TAP): $628,238

A complete list of the 17 projects and detailed project descriptions are available online at http://www.psrc.org/boards/advisory/specialneeds/specneeds.htm.

The funds are derived from two Federal Transit Administration sources available via the PSRC: Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC), and New Freedom. The projects are not required to be modeled for air quality conformity.

Written comments will be accepted until July 3rd and included in the agenda packet for the Transportation Policy Board meeting on July 12th, when it finalizes its recommendation to the Executive Board. Comments can be made in person at the Special Needs Transportation Committee Meeting on June 20th, Transportation Policy Board meetings on June 14th or July 12th, as well as the Executive Board meeting on July 26th, when the draft program of projects is scheduled for final approval and inclusion into the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

How to Make a Comment:

  • Online: http://www.psrc.org/boards/advisory/specialneeds/specneeds.htm.

  • E-mail: bbrackett@psrc.org

  • Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
    ATTN: Benjamin Brackett
    1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
    Seattle, Washington 98104-1035

  • Phone: 206-389-2162

  • In Person: June 20th at Sound Transit (Boardroom)
    June 14th, July 12th, or July 26th at PSRC (Boardroom)

  • Information Center: Open Mon.-Fri. 8-5, 206-464-7532, info@psrc.org
This public notice of public involvement activities and time established for public review and comments on the TIP development process will satisfy the FTA's Program of Projects requirements.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. It coordinates the distribution of about $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.

Title VI Notice: PSRC fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, contact PSRC at 206-587-4819 or see http://www.psrc.org/about/titlevi/index.htm.

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