The Transportation Policy Board recommended distribution of the remaining Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) FFY 2006 funding.

PSRC distributes federal funding from the JARC program to support special needs transportation in the region. A total of $28,360 remains to be programmed from PSRC's 2007 competition for FFY 2006 JARC funds. The policy board recommended distributing the funds to five previously approved special needs projects, and to PSRC and the Washington State Department of Transportation for program administration.

For more information, contact Mary Pat Lawlor at 206-971-3272, mlawlor@psrc.org.

The Transportation Policy Board discussed the 2009 nominations for highways of statewide significance.

Every five years the Washington State Department of Transportation reviews the list of highways of statewide significance and makes changes as needed. WSDOT is coordinating with PSRC in preparing the list of nominations for the central Puget Sound region.

Nominations are being solicited now and will be accepted through July 31, 2008. Nominations are to be based on the state's criteria for highways of statewide significance and should include information to support the nomination.

For more information, contact Stephanie Rossi at 206-971-3054, srossi@psrc.org.

The Transportation Policy Board heard a presentation on freight planning in the region.

The presentation is one in a series of background briefings that help establish the foundation for the update of Destination 2030. Freight in the central Puget Sound region serves international trade gateways, domestic manufacturers, and the local distribution system. In the future, all types of freight movement -- by water, air, train and truck - are forecast to grow significantly in the region. Further analysis of freight data will inform the development of strategies to improve freight mobility.

The presentation is available online at psrc.org/projects/mtp/2010/presentations/freight_tpb_041008.pdf. For more information, contact Maren Outwater at 206-971-3274, moutwater@psrc.org, or Sean Ardussi at 206-464-7080, sardussi@psrc.org.

In other business, the Transportation Policy Board:

• Received information from the Washington State Association of Counties about Transportation Benefit District legislation.
• Authorized the public release of the draft program management plans for Job Access Reverse Commute and New Freedom, two federal funding programs. Information is available online at psrc.org/about/news/news041008.htm.
• Heard updates on the activities of the Destination 2030 Working Group and the Pricing Task Force.
• Received information on the work of the 520 Tolling Implementation Committee
• Received a summary of administrative corrections to the regional Transportation Improvement Program.

The Growth Management Policy Board discussed preparations for celebrating VISION 2040 at the General Assembly.

General Assembly action on VISION 2040 is expected to conclude a multiyear effort to update the regional vision. Celebratory plans include a slideshow of inspiring regional images, recognition of past and present board members, Regional Staff Committee members, PSRC staff and other major contributors, a visual "fireworks" display following the vote, and distribution of a commemorative poster.

For more information, contact Norman Abbott at 206-464-7134, nabbott@psrc.org.

The Growth Management Policy Board began to prioritize its work and activities through FY 2008-2009.

The board reviewed three categories of upcoming work:

• Committed work - tasks such as review and certification of transportation provisions in local comprehensive plans, outreach to jurisdictions and other groups, and production of the final VISION 2040 document.
• Prioritization of VISION 2040 implementation actions.
• Upcoming briefings on the Destination 2030 plan update and other PSRC initiatives, as well as a series of briefings related to VISION 2040 implementation.

Don't Miss the General Assembly

Thursday, April 24, 2008, Seattle Westin Hotel

3:00 - Registration
3:30-5:30 - Business meeting
5:30-6:30 - No-host reception
6:30-8:30 - VISION 2020 Awards dinner - Special guest speaker William D. Ruckelshaus, Leadership Council Chair of the Puget Sound Partnership.