FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 14, 2006
Contact: Karen Richter at 206-971-3289 or richter@psrc.org

SEATTLE—  The Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board has released for public comment a diverse group of priority transportation projects recommended to receive $502.4 million in funding during 2008 to 2010. Each of the projects plays a critical role in implementing Destination 2030, the region's long-range transportation plan, through support for centers and the corridors that connect them.

"The Transportation Policy Board had a very thorough discussion about the merits of these projects," says Board Chair Councilmember Julia Patterson, King County, "the projects recommended to receive funds meet important needs in the regional transportation system and I look forward to hearing what the public thinks about the recommendation."

A complete list of the 123 projects and more project information is available online. Many of the projects can also be viewed geographically on PSRC's Web based map at psrc.org.

Examples of projects recommended for funding include:
Acquisition of Articulated Hybrid Buses: $8,450,000
Airport Link: $27,919,667
Bellevue Downtown Circulation Improvements: $2,049,000
King County Metro Bus Rapid Transit: $5,000,000
Lincoln Ave. Bridge (Puyallup River Crossing): $2,300,000
Lincoln Ave. Grade Separation: $2,500,000
Pacific Ave. Safety and Mobility Improvements: $3,759,865
Pacific Highway South HOV Lanes: $2,000,000
S. 228th St. BNSF Grade Separation: $5,000,323
South Lake Union Street Car: $3,380,000
SR 99 Bus Rapid Transit: $5,000,000
South Park Bridge Replacement: $5,000,000
South Spokane St. Viaduct - 4th Ave. Off-ramp: $4,500,000
SW 27th St./Strander Blvd. Connection: $4,600,000
University Link: Purchase ROW for Light Rail Stations: $12,000,000
S. Everett Freeway Station and HOV Access: $2,000,000
Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal: $8,500,000
Ferry Boat Replacement/Fleet Expansion: $2,250,000
Waaga Way Extension: $3,200,000
Downtown Tacoma Intelligent Traffic Control: $2,556,000
WSDOT Fleet Warning Light and Exhaust Retrofits: $1,500,000
Puget Sound Traffic Buster: $1,370,573

The funds are derived from three federal sources available via the PSRC: Surface Transportation Program (STP), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds. The projects have met air quality conformity requirements.

Written comments will be accepted until October 5 and included in the agenda packet for the Transportation Policy Board meeting on October 12, when it finalizes its recommendation to the Executive Board. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy Board meeting, as well as the Executive Board meeting on October 26, when the draft Transportation Improvement Program is scheduled for final approval.

How to Make a Comment:
Online: psrc.org/projects/tip/commentform.htm
E-mail: krichter@psrc.org
Mail : Puget Sound Regional Council
        ATTN: Karen Richter
        1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
        Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
Telephone: 206-464-6343
In Person: October 12th at 9:30 AM or October 26th at 10 AM at PSRC

This news release satisfies the program of project requirements for the Federal Transit Administration funds included in the recommendations for the region's transit agencies.

Puget Sound Regional Council 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 Transportation 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.