SEATTLE—A proposed amendment to the region's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which would add several major highway projects designed to increase traffic safety and address congestion, has been released for public review and comment by the Puget Sound Regional Council. The project list includes several FAST-Corridor roadway and rail separation projects, the next stage of safety improvements to Highway 522 between Woodinville and Monroe, and Issaquah's planned Sunset Interchange.
The amendment contains 57 projects representing a combined investment of over $425 million. The projects have been submitted by the cities of Arlington, Bellevue, Covington, Everett, Issaquah, Kirkland, Lakewood, Marysville, Puyallup, Redmond, SeaTac, Seattle, Snohomish, Tacoma, Tukwila, Woodinville, King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
A list of the projects included in the proposed amendment is attached. The formal public comment period begins August 13 and continues through September 10, 1998. Written comments are encouraged.
Write:
Puget Sound Regional Council
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500 Seattle, 98104
Attention: Karen RichterFax: (206) 587-4825
Phone: (206) 464-7532
e-mail: psrc@psrc.org
Web site: www.psrc.org
"We've completed a technical review of the air quality requirements of the TIP with the proposed projects. They do conform with air quality requirements," said Regional Council Transportation Planning Director King Cushman. "The projects also are included in, and are consistent with, the region's transportation plan."
As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties, the Regional Council establishes and maintains a three-year regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to meet the requirements of federal and state transportation laws. Any federally funded transportation project, and any project of regional significance regardless of funding source, must be included in the TIP to proceed. The process is designed to assure the most efficient use of scarce transportation funds and better coordinate the region's various transportation systems.
"What's significant is that gradually it appears many of the projects that have been on the shelf are now moving forward. And while full funding for all of the larger projects has not yet materialized, it now appears much more likely that they will be funded, get built, and begin to make a difference," said Cushman.
For projects to be included in the TIP, the Council must determine through technical analysis that the projects help the region meet federal and state air quality guidelines. The Council also evaluates projects to assure that they are consistent with and help implement VISION 2020, the regional growth management and transportation strategy, including its transportation element, the Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
The proposed TIP amendment does not include any new decisions about which projects should receive funding. The amendment simply provides an opportunity to meet regional air quality requirements for projects which have received federal, state or local funding commitments since the last major TIP update in the fall of 1997.
Following public review and discussion at the region's Transportation Policy Board meeting September 10th, the Regional Council's Executive Board will consider the proposed TIP amendment on September 24th and, with approval, forward it to the governor and federal government for final approval.
The proposed TIP amendment is available for public review by calling the Regional Council Information Center at (206) 464-7532 or checking out the Council's Web site (www.psrc.org).