PSRC News Releases Feed

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Special Needs Transportation Project Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2012
Contact: Gil Cerise, gcerise@psrc.org, 206-971-3053

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Special Needs Transportation Project Funding

SEATTLE — The Puget Sound Regional Council is encouraging public comment on 15 special needs transportation projects slated to receive an additional $624,137 of PSRC’s Jobs Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom Federal Transit Administration funds.

Example projects include:

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington: Disabled Veteran’s Transportation, $21,141
Pierce County Community Service: Beyond the Borders, $60,598
Senior Services of King County: Preserve the Hyde Shuttle, $90,792

View the full list of projects here.

The public review and comment period will run from May 8 to 31, 2012.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Gil Cerise
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: tipcomment@psrc.org
In Person: May 10 at 9:30 a.m. or May 31 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

Written comments received by May 24 will be included in the agenda packet for the Executive Board meeting on May 31, 2012. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy or Executive Board meetings.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

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.

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, call 206-587-4819.

Servicios de Traducción Disponible 206-971-3052, Diana Martinez. Có dịch vụ thông dịch sang tiếng Việt. Xin liên lạc Thu Lê số 206-464-6175.

###

Transportation 2040 Amendment Under Consideration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2012
Contact: Kelly McGourty, kmcgourty@psrc.org, 206-971-3601

Transportation 2040 Amendment Under Consideration

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council General Assembly is scheduled to adopt an amendment to Transportation 2040 on June 7, 2012. Transportation 2040 is the long-range Regional Transportation Plan for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The plan amendment will add and remove projects, move projects among funding categories, note completions and update financial and other information on state and local projects. These changes are the subject of both an Addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Transportation 2040 and a new Air Quality Conformity Finding. PSRC staff has reviewed the proposed changes and determined that they are consistent with adopted policy and regional procedures. Further, staff has determined that this amendment has no significant impact on the transportation plan’s financial strategy.

The Addendum, air quality information, and a description of the amendment are available online at www.psrc.org or from PSRC’s Information Center at 206.464.7532. To comment on the amendment, email transportation2040@psrc.org or write ATTN: Transportation 2040 Amendment at 1011 Western Ave, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98104.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

Servicios de Traducción Disponible 206-971-3052, Diana Martinez. Có dịch vụ thông dịch sang tiếng Việt. Xin liên lạc Thu Lê số 206-464-6175.

###

PSRC Seeking Comment on Draft Public Participation Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2012
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter, mlesliepotter@psrc.org, 206-587-4819

PSRC Seeking Comment on Draft Public Participation Plan

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council is seeking public comment on its draft Public Participation Plan. The 46-day public comment period will run from May 1 to June 15, 2012.

The draft Public Participation Plan is available online at psrc.org or from PSRC’s Information Center at (206) 464-7532.

How to make a comment:
Email: Michele Leslie Potter at mlesliepotter@psrc.org,
US Mail: ATTN: Michele Leslie Potter, 1011 Western Ave, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98104
FAX: (206) 587-4825
In person: any PSRC board or committee meeting, see calendar

The Puget Sound Regional Council is updating its Public Participation Plan to better reflect its existing practices for public involvement, consultation with interested parties, interagency consultation, and agency governance and operations, all in one document for public reference.

PSRC worked with its membership, boards and committees, interagency consultation process, stakeholder groups, interested parties and the public to develop its public involvement practices. PSRC adopted its first Public Participation Plan in 1993. It was updated in 1994, 2002, and last in 2007. It was refined through public processes by incorporating outreach strategies that proved effective in involving the public during specific studies, as well as new federal and state guidance.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

Servicios de Traducción Disponible 206-971-3052, Diana Martinez. Có dịch vụ thông dịch sang tiếng Việt. Xin liên lạc Thu Lê số 206-464-6175.

###

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on New Transportation Improvement Program Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2012
Contact: Kelly McGourty, 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on New Transportation Improvement Program Projects

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council is encouraging public comment on projects slated to receive a $2.3 million redistribution of PSRC’s Federal Transit Administration funds. The funding would go to the following projects:

Community Transit ADA Paratransit Operating, provides 15,783 hours of service, $1,000,000
Community Transit Preventive Maintenance Capital Operating, provides 39,171 hours of preventive maintenance, $1,210,000
Kitsap Transit SR 3/SR 303 Park and Ride in Silverdale, preliminary engineering and design of a 250 stall park and ride, $50,000
Kitsap Transit East Bremerton Transfer Center, prepare environmental documents toward expected purchase of 3 to 5 acre parcel for East Bremerton Transfer Center facility, $50,000

The public review and comment period will run from May 8 to 31, 2012.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: tipcomment@psrc.org
In Person: May 10 at 9:30 a.m. or May 31 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

Written comments received by May 24 will be included in the agenda packet for the Executive Board meeting on May 31, 2012. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy or Executive Board meetings.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

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.

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, call 206-587-4819.

Servicios de Traducción Disponible 206-971-3052, Diana Martinez. Có dịch vụ thông dịch sang tiếng Việt. Xin liên lạc Thu Lê số 206-464-6175.

###

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on a New Transportation Improvement Program Project Recommended for $1 Million in PSRC Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2012
Contact: Kelly McGourty, 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on a New Transportation Improvement Program Project Recommended for $1 Million in PSRC Funding

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council is encouraging people to comment on a recommendation to provide $1 million in PSRC’s Federal Transit Administration funds to install new ORCA card vending machines with the capability to reload magnetic ORCA cards. The machines will be located in existing public places, such as King Street Station, community colleges, shopping centers, libraries, municipal buildings and park and rides throughout King County. The public review and comment period for this transportation project will run from April 3 to 26, 2012.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: tipcomment@psrc.org

In Person: April 12 at 9:30 a.m. or April 26 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

The public comment period runs from April 3 to 26, 2012. Written comments received by April 19 will be included in the agenda packet for the Executive Board meeting on April 26, 2012. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy or Executive Board meetings.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

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.

Kitsap County and YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties Win VISION 2040 Award for Community Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2011
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter 206-587-4819, mlesliepotter@psrc.org

Kitsap County and YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties Win VISION 2040 Award for Community Campus

SEATTLE – Kitsap County and YMCA of Pierce-Kitsap Counties have won a 2011 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for the Central Kitsap Community Campus. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“The Central Kitsap Community Campus has jump started town center development in Silverdale’s Regional Growth Center,” said Mukilteo Councilmember Jennifer Gregerson, Chair of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “People are very enthusiastic about the new Haselwood YMCA on the campus. This redevelopment has created jobs and provided the critical urban infrastructure needed for mobility improvements.”

“We are very excited about the new Central Kitsap Community Campus,” said Josh Brown, Kitsap County Commissioner and PSRC President. “This type of transformative urban investment is a model for how we can make great neighborhoods even better to support jobs and a high quality of life well into the future.”

The VISION 2040 Award for will be presented at a community event on the Central Kitsap Community Campus on October 18 at 1pm. The public is invited to attend. Find out more by calling Greg Case at (360) 337-4428.

The Central Kitsap Community Campus is one of six 2011 VISION 2040 Award winners. The other awards went to Bothell’s Downtown Revitalization, the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma’s Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy, Snohomish’s Pilchuck District, Tacoma’s Mobility Master Plan, and the University of Washington’s OneBusAway project.

VISION 2040 is the region’s growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040 (compared to the 3.7 million people living here today). It is an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region — promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality, and a healthy environment.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

###

University of Washington Wins VISION 2040 Award for OneBusAway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2011
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter 206-587-4819, mlesliepotter@psrc.org

University of Washington Wins VISION 2040 Award for OneBusAway

SEATTLE – The University of Washington has won a 2011 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for the OneBusAway project. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“The OneBusAway project has been incredibly helpful to bus commuters in the region,” said Mukilteo Councilmember Jennifer Gregerson, Chair of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “Access to real time information in a variety of mobile formats has taken some of the uncertainty out of using transit, making it an even more convenient way to get around.”

OneBusAway is a set of computer tools bus riders can access via the web, mobile apps, texting, or phone that provide real time information on where the bus they want to catch is, thus minimizing the amount of time spent waiting for the bus. OneBusAway helps improve efficiency of the transportation and can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making transit a more viable option for people who might have driven alone instead. OneBusAway was developed by students in the Computer Science Department at the University of Washington in partnership with the Civil Engineering Department. Find out more at onebusaway.org.

“OneBusAway gives transit riders a time advantage never offered before,” said Josh Brown, Kitsap County Commissioner and PSRC President. “Now people know if they do have time to grab that cup of coffee before going to the stop and no more wondering if they missed the bus. This technology is transforming the ways people use public transit.”

The VISION 2040 Award for OneBusAway was presented today at Kane Hall during the kick-off event for PSRC’s new Growing Transit Communities program. Growing Transit Communities is a regional effort to capitalize on rapid-transit investments by helping the surrounding communities to achieve inclusive and sustainable transit-supportive development as they grow.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

Bothell Wins VISION 2040 Award for its Downtown Revitalization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2011
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter 206-587-4819, mlesliepotter@psrc.org

Bothell Wins VISION 2040 Award for its Downtown Revitalization

SEATTLE – The City of Bothell has won a 2011 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for its Downtown Revitalization. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“Bothell has accomplished so much with this project,” said Mukilteo Councilmember Jennifer Gregerson, Chair of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “The realignment of two segments of SR 522 will streamline traffic through downtown and establish three new gateway parcels for redevelopment. Bothell has been working steadily to assemble land for projects in these gateways and, as a result, established a public private partnership with McMenamins to redevelop the Anderson School into a 70 room destination hotel.”

“Bothell is using infrastructure improvements to leverage private sector investments,” said Josh Brown, Kitsap County Commissioner and PSRC President. “Bothell’s Downtown Revitalization is a model for how we can improve our cities while creating jobs.”

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

###

Tacoma Wins VISION 2040 Award for Mobility Master Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2011
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter 206-587-4819, mlesliepotter@psrc.org

Tacoma Wins VISION 2040 Award for Mobility Master Plan

SEATTLE – The City of Tacoma has won a 2011 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for its Mobility Master Plan. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“We were impressed with how Tacoma is using the Mobility Master Plan to achieve three citywide goals: transportation improvements, increased sustainability, and encouragement of active living,” said Mukilteo Councilmember Jennifer Gregerson, Chair of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “More importantly, Tacoma is making sure the plan becomes a reality by investing $1 million in the top four bikeways from the plan. This means that 10% of the bicycle facilities in the plan will be finished by 2012.”

Tacoma adopted its Mobility Master Plan in 2010 with the goal of developing a comprehensive network of bikeways and pedestrian walkways citywide to enhance the comfort and safety for all. The plan includes a comprehensive set of bicycle and pedestrian guidelines, including an emphasis on complete streets, specific strategies for high traffic areas like the Tacoma Dome, and accessibility transition guidelines. In addition, the plan focuses on a bicycle network of “boulevards”, which are generally slower-paced, tree-lined residential streets that connect to trails, an emphasis that has moderated safety concerns and increased interest in bicycle commuting.

“Tacoma’s plan is a model for how we can make great urban places even better to support jobs and a high quality of life well into the future,” said Josh Brown, Kitsap County Commissioner and PSRC President.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

Snohomish Wins VISION 2040 Award for Pilchuck District Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2011
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter 206-587-4819, mlesliepotter@psrc.org

Snohomish Wins VISION 2040 Award for Pilchuck District Plan

SEATTLE – The City of Snohomish has won a 2011 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for its Pilchuck District Plan and Development Standards. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“The Pilchuck District Plan uses all the available planning tools to help achieve the city’s goal of creating a unique, marketable identity for the neighborhood,” said Mukilteo Councilmember Jennifer Gregerson, Chair of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “We were impressed with the combination of planning innovations, historic preservation, and economic development in this plan.”

Snohomish’s Pilchuck District is located in between the Pilchuck River and the historic downtown. Despite the desirable location, the neighborhood has been dominated by its aging commercial and industrial spaces. Snohomish’s plan to revitalize the neighborhood into a vibrant community adjacent to its town center involves a several innovative programs, including transfer of development rights (TDR), complete streets, design standards that make use of the river front, and market-based land use planning.

“The Pilchuck District Plan has helped Snohomish to secure three important grants to realize the neighborhood vision,” said Snohomish County Councilmember Stephanie Wright, member of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “These include water system upgrades, a transfer of development rights program, and improvements to the Centennial Trail.”

VISION 2040 is the region’s growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040 (compared to the 3.7 million people living here today). It is an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region – promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality, and a healthy environment.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

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, call 206-587-4819.

###

Seattle and Tacoma Ports win VISION 2040 Award for Clean Air Strategy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 7, 2011
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter, 206-587-4819, mleslie@psrc.org

Seattle and Tacoma Ports win VISION 2040 Award for Clean Air Strategy

SEATTLE — The Port of Tacoma and the Port of Seattle have won a 2011 VISION 2040 award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for their Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy is the first and only tri-port and international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas and diesel particulate emissions from maritime operations. It’s a joint effort of the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Port Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. The strategy has allowed the three ports to remain globally competitive during the recession while still changing operations to be more environmentally friendly and improve air quality.

“We were impressed with the collaborative approach of the ports’ strategy,” said Mukilteo Councilmember Jennifer Gregerson, chair of the VISION 2040 awards committee. “It shows that working together can help regional interests to stay competitive while meeting their environmental goals.”

“The ports are demonstrating that we can work together to reduce emissions in ways that are good for the environment and our overall economy,” said Josh Brown, Kitsap County Commissioner and President of the PSRC. “It’s exciting to see such an innovative and effective partnership happening in our region.”

The Seattle port estimates that nearly 500 tons of sulfur emissions have been eliminated through the use of cleaner fuels. More than 116 vessels from eight container carriers and four cruise lines have participated in the program. To reduce emissions from cargo-hauling trucks, the port also bought and scrapped 280 older diesel trucks and has barred pre-1994 trucks from its container terminals.

“Through the strategy, Port of Tacoma is retrofitting its cargo handling equipment with level 3 diesel exhaust emission reduction technology,” said Pierce County Councilmember Joyce McDonald, member of the VISION 2040 Awards Selection Committee. “Port of Tacoma also launched an effective market-based program to reduce the emissions of the short haul trucks.”

All three ports have used the strategy to inventory emissions, employ green procurement policies, and implement equipment and energy efficiency programs.

Port of Tacoma Contact Information:
Tara Mattina, 253-428-8674, tmattina@portoftacoma.com. Commission Meetings are streamed live over the Internet. More information is available on Port of Tacoma’s Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy Website.

Port of Seattle Contact Information:
Charla Skaggs, 206-787-3235, skaggs.c@portseattle.org. Commission Meetings are streamed live over the Internet. More information is available on Port of Seattle’s Seaport Air Quality Website.

VISION 2040 is the region’s growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040 (compared to the 3.7 million people living here today). It is an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region — promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality, and a healthy environment.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

###

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Transportation Projects Recommended for $9.7 Million in Federal Transit Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2011
Contact: Kelly McGourty, 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Transportation Projects Recommended for $9.7 Million in Federal Transit Funding

SEATTLE — The Puget Sound Regional Council is encouraging people to comment on the transportation projects recommended to receive Federal Transit Administration funds. FTA’s final allocation to the region was $9.7 million higher than anticipated, although a portion of these funds are recommended based on the service characteristics of each transit agency in the region, which meant that some agencies’ final funding allocations were smaller than predicted. The public review and comment period for the FTA funding list will run from June 2 to June 23, 2011.

Examples of projects up for public comment:
Community Transit, Bus Replacements, $404,000
Everett Transit, Preventive Maintenance, $278,059
King County Metro, Preventive Maintenance, $2,830,886
Seattle, South Lake Union Streetcar, $139,029
Sound Transit, I-90 Two-Way Transit, $4,706,794
The full list is available online here.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: tipcomment@psrc.org
In Person: June 9 at 9:30 a.m. or June 23 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

The public comment period runs from June 2 – June 23, 2011. Written comments received by June 16 will be included in the agenda packet for the Executive Board meeting on June 23, 2011. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy or Executive Board meetings.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

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.

Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown Elected PSRC President; Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy Elected Vice-President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2011
Contact: Rick Olson at 206-971-3050 or rolson@psrc.org

Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown Elected PSRC President;
Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy Elected Vice-President

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council has elected Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown as its President and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy as Vice-President. The vote took place today at the agency’s annual meeting of its General Assembly.

“These are challenging times, which is all the more reason to pull together as one region to enhance our competitiveness, grow jobs and get ready for a more sustainable future,” said Commissioner Brown. “We’ll be focusing on the fundamentals in regional transportation, economic development, our environment and people.”

Commissioner Brown chaired the PSRC Operations Committee for the past two years.

“At PSRC, elected leadership works together to identify key regional priorities,” said Executive McCarthy. “I’m delighted that Pierce County has a place at the table, because what matters within Pierce County will have a lot to do with the success of the entire region.”

Executive McCarthy has served on PSRC’s Executive Board since her election in 2008. In February, she became the Vice-Chair of the Transportation Policy Board.

The General Assembly of the Puget Sound Regional Council includes elected representation from all the members of the PSRC, including counties, cities, towns, state agencies, transit agencies, ports, and Tribal Governments. The Assembly meets at least annually to vote on key issues regarding the PSRC work program and its leadership.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies serving the region. In 2012, PSRC will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. PSRC is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.

###

PSRC Seeking Comment on Transportation Projects for Potential Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2011
Contact: Kelly McGourty, 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Comment on Transportation Projects for Potential Funding

SEATTLE — The Puget Sound Regional Council is encouraging people to comment on the 2011 Contingency Lists for PSRC’s federal funds should any additional transportation funding become available for the region. There are two lists available for comment, one with projects eligible for Federal Highway Administration funds and the other for Federal Transit Administration funds. In 2010, PSRC was able to fund additional projects from the contingency lists. The public review and comment period for the 2011 Contingency List will run from April 14 to May 12, 2011.

Examples of projects up for public comment:
• Sound Transit, North Link: $4.87 million
• Bellevue, NE 4th St Extension: $3.3 million
• Bainbridge Island, Rockaway Beach Road Stabilization: $900,000
• Tacoma, Tacoma Way Corridor Multimodal Improvement: $4.6 million
• Monroe, E Main Street/Old Owen/US 2 Intersection Improvements: $510,640
• Pierce Transit, Clean Fuel Technology Bus Replacements: $1.98 million
The full lists are available online at psrc.org.

The public comment period runs from April 14 to May 12, 2011. Written comments received by May 5 will be included in the agenda packet for the Transportation Policy Board meeting on May 12, when it finalizes its recommendation. Comments can be made in person at the Transportation Policy Board meeting.

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.

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.

###

Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy Tapped to Help Lead Regional Transportation Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 10, 2011
Contact: Rick Olson, 206.971.3050

Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy Tapped to Help Lead Regional
Transportation Board

SEATTLE – Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy has been appointed Vice Chair of the Transportation Policy Board of the Puget Sound Regional Council. The board guides regional transportation planning within King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties and recommends projects to receive about $160 million in federal funds each year.

“We’re delighted that Executive McCarthy has stepped up to this leadership post within the region,” said PSRC Executive Director Bob Drewel. “Her leadership will better ensure that the priorities of people throughout Pierce County are embraced in regional plans and funding.”

McCarthy was just appointed to the board by the Pierce County Council.

“Pierce County needs a strong voice at the regional transportation table,” said McCarthy. “I’m looking forward to putting our priorities in the best position to compete for funding and working within the region to make sure our overall transportation system supports jobs now and the economy of the future.”

Over the next several months the transportation board expects to develop priority projects for the next steps in improving the regional transportation system and lay the groundwork for the selection of projects for an estimated $400 million in federal transportation funds in 2012.

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 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.

###

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Projects Recommended for Special Needs Transportation Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2010
Contact: Mary Pat Lawlor, 206-971-3272 or mlawlor@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Public Comment on Projects Recommended for Special Needs Transportation Funding

SEATTLE – The Puget Sound Regional Council is seeking public comment on special needs transportation projects recommended to receive funding from PSRC’s Coordinated Grant Program. The Coordinated Grant Program funds eligible projects from Federal Transit Administration Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom funds and ranks projects applying to WSDOT’s Consolidated Grant Program.

Examples from the 30 recommended projects are:
Beyond the Borders, Pierce County Community Services, $566,860
Preserve the Hyde Shuttle, Senior Services of King County, $583,298
Snoqualmie Valley Transportation – Sustain Funding, Mount Si Senior Center, $574,822
Transportation Assistance Program, Senior Services of Snohomish County, $730,000
Transit Services Continuing Demand-Response Project, Stillaguamish Tribe, $178,997
Move People Efficiently, Kitsap Transit, $276,000

A total of $5.8 million was requested for special needs projects, including $2.3 million asked of PSRC and $3.5 million asked of PSRC and WSDOT. State funds awarded through the WSDOT ranking process will be determined after the state budget is approved in 2011. When this determination is made, PSRC and WSDOT will work cooperatively to award the program of projects, in priority order. Projects not receiving funding from the initial round will be put on the contingency list. Projects will stay on the contingency list, in order, throughout the two-year competitive cycle. The funding amounts are subject to change based on final funding availability. More information is available here.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Mary Pat Lawlor
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: mlawlor@psrc.org
In Person: January 13 at 9:30 a.m. at Transportation Policy Board or January 27 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

The public comment period runs from December 9 – January 27, 2011. Written comments received by January 6 will be included in the agenda packet for the Transportation Policy Board meeting on January 13, 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 January 27, when the funding is scheduled for final approval.

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.

###

Nominate Projects for the VISION 2040 Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2010
Contact: Michele Leslie Potter, 206-587-4819, mleslie@psrc.org

Nominate Projects for the VISION 2040 Awards

SEATTLE — The Puget Sound Regional Council is now accepting nominations for its annual VISION 2040 Awards program. The awards recognize the superb work being done to achieve the region’s growth, economic, and transportation strategy, VISION 2040.

PSRC honors businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations who do creative work to provide transportation access and mobility, enhance our natural environment, bring jobs closer to where people live, focus high quality housing where the infrastructure needed to support it already exists, and improve the quality of life in the central Puget Sound region.

Previous award winners include the Bel-Red Corridor Plan, Orting Valley Farms and Swift Bus Rapid Transit.

Nominations will be accepted until January 31, 2011. The awards will be presented at PSRC’s General Assembly in spring 2011. The selection committee will be composed of up to nine elected leaders who serve on PSRC’s Executive and Policy Boards, and two regional experts.

Award nomination materials are available online at http://www.psrc.org/ or by contacting Michele Leslie Potter at 206-587-4819, mleslie@psrc.org.

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/public/titlevi.

###

Regional Food Policy Council Set to Meet

MEDIA ADVISORY: September 16, 2010
Contact: Rick Olson, 206-971-3050 or rolson@psrc.org

Regional Food Policy Council Set to Meet

SEATTLE – The first meeting of the Regional Food Policy Council will take place on Tuesday, September 21 at the Puget Sound Regional Council. The Regional Food Policy Council will partner with community, business, agriculture, and government in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties to serve as a working group focused on developing integrated and sustainable policy and action recommendations that strengthen the local and regional food system.

“Food is a basic need for every person and our communities depend on a food system that is stable and healthy,” said Seattle Councilmember Richard Conlin, leader of the new Regional Food Policy Council. “Through this committee, we hope to make a positive impact on the economic stability of our farms, and work toward a vibrant local and regional food system that supports healthy people, communities, economies and environment. I am delighted that this Council has found a home at PSRC.”

Regional Food Policy Council representatives include Food Lifeline, University of Washington, WSU Extension, Tahoma Farms, Charlie’s Produce, the Seattle School District, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, Town and Country Markets, Cedar Grove, Chef’s Collaborative, and several others.

Regional Food Policy Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
PSRC Conference Room
1011 Western Ave Ste 500
Seattle, WA 98104
Meetings are open to the public

Find out more at http://psrc.org/growth/foodpolicy or contact Olivia Robinson, 206-464-7890, orobinson@psrc.org.

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, call 206-587-4819.

###

Commerce, PSRC Award $1 million in Transfer of Development Rights Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2010
Contacts: Heather Ballash, Commerce TDR Program Manager, 360.725.3044
Ivan Miller, Puget Sound Regional Council Principal Planner, 206.464.7549

Commerce, PSRC Award $1 million in Transfer of Development Rights Grants
Funds will help cities plan for and encourages private investment in growing communities while protecting county forest, farm and watershed lands

OLYMPIA, WA - The Washington State Department of Commerce and the Puget Sound Regional Council announced over $1 million in grant awards to 10 cities for transfer of development right (TDR) planning and program development. TDR is a voluntary, incentive-based, and market-driven approach to preserve land and relocate development away from rural areas and into urban areas.

The TDR grants are awarded to cities in the central Puget Sound (King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties) to plan for accepting development rights from lands the counties have designated as important for conservation. The funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Puget Sound Watershed Management Assistance Program to support planning at a regional level.

“With these funds, cities will be creating a market for developers to increase the value of their projects while protecting land that is important for farming, forestry and watershed protection,” said Rogers Weed, director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. “Tools like TDR are market-driven and encourage private investment in growing communities and land conservation.”

David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership agreed, adding “This is a key element from the Action Agenda which helps protect Puget Sound while supporting regional economic development. We commend the Department of Commerce and Puget Sound Regional Council for leading the way.”

“We’re excited to see these cities conserve important land as they focus growth in urban places,” said Bob Drewel, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council. “The tool helps us achieve the region’s VISION 2040 goals for a growing region that protects land vital to our economic health and quality of life.”

The following cities have been awarded grant funds for TDR planning contingent on contract execution:

Arlington – ($130,000) funding for up front environmental analysis, capital facilities planning, market analysis, policy development, and working towards an updated inter-local agreement with Snohomish County for the West Arlington subarea for TDR.
Everett – ($30,000) a feasibility study of what will make TDR receiving areas viable.
Issaquah – ($100,000) up front environmental analysis, market analysis, and working towards an updated inter-local agreement with King County for a TDR receiving area in the Central Issaquah Subarea plan.
Mountlake Terrace – ($100,000) up front environmental analysis, sending and receiving area identification, subarea planning, market analysis, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Snohomish County for a TDR receiving area around the new transit center and in the Town Center.
Normandy Park – ($100,000) up front environmental analysis, subarea planning, and working towards an inter-local agreement with King County for TDR in Manhattan Village, the future downtown.
Port Orchard – ($97,000) TDR policies and regulations for a receiving area in the downtown, sending and receiving area identification, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Kitsap County.
Puyallup – ($100,000) upfront environmental analysis, TDR policies and regulations, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Pierce County for receiving areas in downtown and South Hill.
Seattle – ($153,100) market analysis, subarea planning and TDR policies and regulations, and working towards an inter-local agreement with King County for South Lake Union and Northgate.
Snohomish – ($100,000) water utility planning for a TDR receiving area, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Snohomish County in the Pilchuck District.
Tacoma – ($100,000) subarea planning and upfront environmental review for a TDR receiving area, and working towards an inter-local agreement with Pierce County for the Hilltop/Martin Luther King Mixed-Use Center in downtown.

###

About Commerce
Commerce is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. For more information, visit www.commerce.wa.gov. To learn more about locating or expanding a business in Washington State, visit www.choosewashington.com.

About Puget Sound Regional Council
The mission of the Puget Sound Regional Council is to play a key regional role in keeping central Puget Sound thriving as we grow. PSRC is committed to creating a great future for the region through planning for regional transportation, land use and economic development, under authority embodied in state and federal laws. Find out more at www.psrc.org.

PSRC Seeking Comment on 25 Transportation Projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2010
Contact: Kelly McGourty, 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org

PSRC Seeking Comment on 25 Transportation Projects

SEATTLE — The Puget Sound Regional Council is encouraging people to comment on 25 transportation projects within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties slated to receive $19.9 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration. The projects would receive funding from a special program requiring that 10% of Surface Transportation Program funds be used to expand transportation choices and enhance the transportation experience, including pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and safety programs, scenic and historic highway programs, landscaping and scenic beautification, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation.

The 25 projects were selected from 88 competing proposals. Project scoring criteria included support for regional transportation objectives, community support, readiness and eligibility under the federal transportation enhancement program. They were reviewed by a staff committee representing cities and counties within the region and reviewed by the PSRC’s Transportation Policy Board, which released the list for public comment today. PSRC’s Executive Board will make the final call on October 28.

Examples from the 25 recommended projects:

Safer Wildlife and Community Mobility through the Novelty Hill Road Corridor, Right of Way and Construction, King County (East of Redmond), $5.3 million

Prairie Line Trail, Planning and Preliminary Engineering, Tacoma, $465,000

Liberty Bay Waterfront Trail, Preliminary Engineering and Permits, Poulsbo, $250,000

Light Rail Station Secure Bicycle Parking, Preliminary Engineering and Construction, Seattle, $300,000

Scenic Beautification along SR 532 Safety Improvements, Construction, Stanwood, $63,000

Detailed information on all 25 projects is available here. For more information, contact Kelly McGourty at 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org.

How to make a comment:
Mail: Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Kelly McGourty
1011 Western Avenue, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104-1035
E-mail: tipcomment@psrc.org
In Person: October 14 at 9:30 a.m. or October 28 at 10 a.m. at PSRC

The public comment period runs from September 9 – October 28, 2010. Written comments received by October 5 will be included in the agenda packet for the Transportation Policy Board meeting on October 14, 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 28, when the funding is scheduled for final approval.

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, call 206-587-4819.

###