The Executive Board adopted a policy position on legislation implementing the Regional Transportation Commission's recommendations.

In essence, PSRC encourages the Legislature to continue to discuss governance issues, but to not to go into this discussion with the predisposition that a new agency is needed. Equally important is that local governments are given a place at the table for the discussion. PSRC has identified a number of other concerns that also should be addressed in the governance discussion, including: the need for increased funding, dealing with the inflexibility of funding silos, how regional impact fees would be implemented, inconsistent boundaries between regional agencies, the ferry system, and more. The most important transportation issue facing the region is passage of the roads and transit ballot this fall. The complete policy position is attached.

For more information, contact Rick Olson at 206-587-5060 or rolson@psrc.org.

The Executive Board approved the BNSF corridor study and its recommendations.

The overall recommendation is to preserve the 42-mile eastside rail corridor for public use. The recommendation for the Renton to Woodinville segment is a multi-purpose trail for the first ten years after which rail use for high capacity transit will be considered. The recommendation for the Woodinville to Snohomish River section is to continue existing freight use, offer use to the Spirit of Washington Dinner train, and explore the possibility of joint trail use next to rail operations. The spur segment from Redmond up to Woodinville is proposed for trail in the southern section for short-term and high capacity transit in the long- term. The dinner train would be able to move its operation to Woodinville and operate between the winery district and the City of Snohomish. A special provision in state law allows PSRC and Sound Transit to protect the King County corridor segments for high capacity transit.

For more information, contact King Cushman at 206-464-6174 or kcushman@psrc.org.

The Executive Board approved PSRC's program management plan for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Jobs Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) and New Freedom funds.

The program management plans outline PSRC and the state Department of Transportation policies and procedures for administering the JARC and New Freedom programs in the Seattle-Tacoma-Everett urbanized area. The Plans identify the process for selecting projects for JARC and New Freedom funding in PSRC's competitive selection process this spring. These plans are required to be on file with the regional FTA office as a basis for review.

For more information, contact Benjamin Brackett 206-389-2162 or bbrackett@psrc.org.

The Executive Board was briefed on PSRC's draft budget and work program for FY 2008-2009.

The agency's work will focus on meeting mandates, carrying out regional plans for transportation, economic development and growth management, and continuing to provide essential services to members. The Operations Committee will prepare a recommended budget and work program for final consideration by the Executive Board during the month of March and action by the General Assembly in April.

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

In other business, the Executive Board: