December 14, 2000

Councilmember Dave Earling, Vice Chair, TPB
Councilmember Dave Somers, Chair, GMPB

Implementation Strategies for Inclusion in Destination 2030 Plan

On December 14, the Transportation and Growth Management Policy Board of the Puget Sound Regional Council reviewed, made a number of edits and approved 19 of the 22 proposed implementation strategies. Of the remaining 3 implementation strategies, Board members provided comments for clarification or modification. An ad hoc subcommittee will address two of these major items for Policy Board review at the January 11 meeting.

Policy Board members provided guidance with respect to the various growth and transportation implementation strategies intended to improve the 1995 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

The implementation strategies, combined with preferred financial strategies, will provide the necessary framework to identify projects/programs for both Destination 2030's 10-year and long-range investment programs. Regional Council staff will use this policy direction to analyze the preferred investment program for system performance, support of local comprehensive plans and clean air attainment.

The following items were endorsed by the Policy Boards:

• Congestion Management System (CMS) Performance and Monitoring
• Nonmotorized Transportation
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
• Smart Travel/Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
• Physical Design Guidelines
• Develop Goals to Guide Centers Development
• Best Practices for Effective Growth Management
• Growth Management Tools
• Transportation Pricing Policy
• Financial Principles
• Candidate/Approved Process for Major Investments and Programs
• Mitigate Impacts Related to Major Transportation Facility Investments
• Roadway System Recommendation
• Freeway HOV System Recommendations
• Freight Mobility Recommendations
• Ferry System Plan Recommendations
• Intercity Passenger Rail
• Long-Range Commercial Aviation Recommendations
• Destination 2030 Implementation Monitoring

• Regional Programming Criteria
• Investment Recommendations
• Transit System Recommendations

Direction on Short- and Long-Range Investment Strategy

The Policy Boards also heard a presentation from Mr. Peter Hurley, Chair of the Ad hoc Subcommittee on Financial Alternatives. Mr. Hurley presented a report on the discussion and evaluation done by the subcommittee prior to the December 14 meeting. The purpose of the subcommittee was to address the significant revenue shortfall over the next 10 years for the projects and programs that are included in Destination 2030. The Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation has recommended an estimated $10 billion in new revenue for the first 10 years, leaving a $13 billion shortfall for the first 10 years of Destination 2030.

The subcommittee will again meet to complete their work prior to the January 11, 2001 Joint Policy Boards meeting. They will return with an integrated financial and investment strategy for the boards to consider at that time. For further information, please call Kevin Murphy, (206) 464-6411.

Recognition of Commissioner Charlotte Garrido

Commissioner Garrido is the outgoing Growth Management Policy Board Chair and a member of the Executive Board. Charlotte has been a valuable member of the Executive and Policy Boards. Each provided a recognition plaque in appreciation of her outstanding service. Her contributions will be missed.

Introduction of Lon Wyrick, Thurston County Regional Planning Council