Regional Coordination   at work
  Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board                 psrc.org
 
              February 23, 2006

The Executive Board adopted the 2006 policy framework for PSRC funding.

The policy framework provides the guidance for the selection of projects within Destination 2030 to receive the estimated $502.2 million in PSRC funds over the next three years. Under the framework, funding will be distributed to projects that support regional growth and manufacturing/industrial centers identified in Destination 2030 and VISION 2020, the transportation system that connects them, and, for the first time, the five industry clusters identified in the Regional Economic Strategy.

PSRC funds involve three sources, Federal Highway Administration Surface Transportation Program and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (STP/CMAQ) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds and are divided into two processes.

The STP/CMAQ funds, estimated at $128.7 million, will be distributed in three ways:

  • About half will be subject to a regional competition.
  • $2 million will continue funding the Rural Town Centers and Corridor program.
  • The remainder will be distributed to the four counties for a localized funding competition.

    The FTA funds, estimated at $373.5 million, will be distributed in two ways:

  • The majority of these funds will be distributed to eligible transit agencies based on the population and services they provide.
  • The remainder will be subject to regional competition.

    PSRC will be issuing a call for projects on March 1st and will be offering workshops in each of the four counties on how to apply for funding.

    For more information, contact Karen Richter at 206-464-6343 or krichter@psrc.org.

    The Executive Board recommended adoption of a major amendment to Destination 2030, admitting 12 new candidate projects.

    The proposed new projects include Bus Rapid Transit on SR 99, two park and rides in north Snohomish County, several phases of Federal Way's city center access plan (these projects replace one project currently in Destination 2030), and four improvements in the City of Redmond. The General Assembly will take final action at its March 30 meeting.

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

    The Executive Board certified comprehensive plan amendments for the cities of Burien, Maple Valley and Marysville.

    All three plans were found to be consistent with Destination 2030 and the Growth Management Act. Changes to the City of Burien's plan specifically addressed issues with residential densities. Changes to the City of Maple Valley's plan revised growth forecasts in the land use and transportation elements. Changes to the City of Marysville's plan addressed updated population, employment and traffic growth assumptions, including adjustments to adopted neighborhood plans, development policies, and a revised vision for the downtown.

    For more information, contact Yorik Stevens-Wajda at 206-389-2158 or ystevens@psrc.org.

    The Executive Board recommended adoption of the draft PSRC Supplemental Biennial Budget and Work Program.

    PSRC's major activities during fiscal years 2006-2007 will focus on meeting mandates and continuing to provide essential services to members. The General Assembly will take final action on March 30.

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

    In other business, the Executive Board:

  • Adopted a routine amendment to the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) updating information for projects in King County, Kitsap County, Monroe, University Place, and Woodinville, as well as for Kitsap Transit, Sound Transit, and the Washington State Department of Transportation.
  • Authorized the change in project status from candidate to approved for the S. 228th St Grade Separation in Kent.
  • Authorized the change in project status from candidate to conditionally approved for Intersection Improvements at SR 169 and SR 516 in Maple Valley.
  • Authorized consultant services for the Destination 2030 update.
  • Provided contract authorization for a new accounting system.