The Executive Board authorized the formation of an ad hoc Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Corridor Policy and Technical Advisory Committee and directed staff to seek support from and work with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to obtain consulting services for technical support.

This work is the result of BNSF officials contacting the WSDOT to express interest in disposing of the 40 mile rail corridor connecting Renton and Woodinville, adjacent to I-405. This corridor has been a potential candidate for future High Capacity Transit options and the scope of work will determine if there is significant enough regional public interest in the corridor to merit acquisition of it. This study will not attempt to determine any specifics in regards to operations of or financing the acquisition.

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

The discussion addressed ideas on how to build on existing strengths, communicate more effectively, increase the agency's role as an economic development coordinator, implement transportation plans and represent the agency at the state level.

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

The October 22, 2003 workshop focused on progress reports from PSRC, the Port of Seattle, the Highline School District, and WSDOT. Of the 31 action items included in PSRC's resolution to add planning for a third runway at SeaTac airport to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, 19 have been completed, 11 are underway and one should be completed next year. The Executive Board also welcomed Phyllis Byers, Vice-President of the Highline School District who announced that the Port of Seattle is contributing an additional $15 million to the school district for capital construction.

For more information, contact Stephen Kiehl at (206) 464-6715 or skiehl@psrc.org.

The policy framework guides the selection of projects to receive regionally managed STP, CMAQ and FTA funds. The majority of the task force on PSRC funding priorities recommended to retain the focus of funding projects in centers and connecting corridors, direct 67% of available funding to the regional project competition and 33% to the countywide project competitions, continue financial support for the rural town centers and corridors program, and develop a second list of priority projects to be used as backup in case any additional funding becomes available. The Transit Operators Committee is recommending a new project selection process for PSRC's FTA funds. The Transportation Policy Board is scheduled to make its final recommendations to the Executive Board in February.

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