The Executive Board recommended approval of a major amendment to the region's long range transportation plan, Destination 2030.

The amendment would add three new candidate projects from the Washington State Department of Transportation: a ramp connecting SR 525 to I-5, capacity improvements to SR 167 at SR 410 in Sumner to S. 180th in Renton, and capacity improvements to SR 302 at SR 16 to Elgin-Clifton Road. These projects meet identified needs and may be funded through the Regional Transportation Investment District. The amendment requires an addendum to the Environmental Impact Statement and a new Air Quality Conformity finding. The General Assembly will take action on the amendment at their March 24 meeting.

For more information, contact Jeff Frkonja at (206) 464-6180 or jfrkonja@psrc.org.

The Executive Board recommended adoption of the Fiscal Years 2006-2007 Budget and Work Program.

The Budget and Work Program is designed to enhance PSRC current activities, including continued and further implementation of the region's growth, economic and transportation strategy as well as service to PSRC members. The draft budget is $20.17 million, which is $550,000 more than the current adopted budget.

For more information, contact Mark Gulbranson at (206) 464-7524 or mgulbranson@psrc.org.

PSRC and the EDD are pleased to announce that the agencies received a clean audit from the state.

In their first integrated audit since joining forces in 2003, the Puget Sound Regional Council and the region's Economic Development District passed their annual visit from the state auditors with flying colors. This was the first time that the region's Economic Development District has been audited by the State. The state had no findings or management letters for this year's audit.

For more information, contact Diana Lauderbach at (206) 464-5416 or dlauderbach@psrc.org.

Please plan to attend the 2005 General Assembly on March 24 at the Westin Hotel in Seattle.

This year's event will include the election of officers, adoption of the budget and work program, an amendment to Destination 2030, and the VISION 2020 Awards dinner. Washington Congressman Norm Dicks will be honored for his work towards implementing VISION 2020 at this year's Awards dinner. Registration forms are available online at psrc.org.

For more information, contact Sylvia Nelson at (206) 464-7518 or snelson@psrc.org.

In other business, the Executive Board: