The Transportation Policy Board reviewed recommendations for the 2004 Policy Framework for the PSRC's Project Selection Process.

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.

The Transportation Policy Board discussed a new Puget Sound Milestones report on data collected by the PSRC's project tracking system.

The report will provide data on the STP and CMAQ funds distributed in the region since ISTEA was passed in 1992, including details on the obligation and expenditure of these funds, project completions, and a discussion of the implementation of the policies and investments strategies outlined in VISION 2020 and Destination 2030.

For more information, contact Kelly McGourty at (206) 464-7892 or kmcgourty@psrc.org.

The Transportation Policy Board received a status report on the Regional Airport Ground Access Plan.

The report is the region's initial effort to bring a comprehensive regional perspective to planning for the region's airport ground transportation needs. It includes four tasks: review the status of facilities and their activity levels, provide demand forecasts, identify regional needs and projects, and prepare a final plan with recommendations to airports and elected officials for use in integrating regional airport access projects into relevant plans and programs. More information is available on the Web at www.psrc.org/datapubs/pubs/projects/air/groundscope.pdf.

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

In other business, the Transportation Policy Board:

• Recommended approval of a routine amendment to the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), updating information for one City of Bellevue project, one Community Transit project, and two Washington State Department of Transportation projects.
• Recommended authorization of the change in project status from candidate to approved for six Destination 2030 projects: SR-509/Freight Mobility and Congestion Relief, Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall (only enables right of way acquisition for all alternatives being considered), Lake Stevens Transit Center and Park and Ride, International Boulevard Phase IV, I-5: From 164th St. SW to Broadway I/C, and Federal Way Transit Center - HOV Direct Access Ramp.
• Received a quarterly update on administrative amendments and corrections to the regional TIP.
• Received a letter from the Tahoma Audubon Society regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Cross-Base Highway in Pierce County.

The Growth Management Policy Board enjoyed a presentation from the City of Puyallup on its two Regional Growth Centers.

Tom Utterback, the City of Puyallup's Community Development Director, discussed the city's planning efforts to support its downtown Puyallup and South Hill regional growth centers. After viewing highlights of the city's successes in implementing projects to support center development, the Board was briefed on Puyallup's upcoming work to create land use and development plans to continue the transformation of the centers into vibrant civic, residential, and commercial hubs in east Pierce County.

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

Comments to date express strong support for the region's current VISION, as well as calls to do more through bold regional leadership on important issues, and by getting more specific with plan targets and measurable objectives. Completed outreach projects include the distribution of a special edition of Regional VIEW focused on the update, the publication of display advertisements in 16 newspapers throughout the region, a public opinion survey focusing on quality of life, transportation and economic development issues, and a successful public workshop on December 12, 2003. Upcoming work will include an update video, four public open houses, and continued outreach to the Regional Council's membership, public agency staff, chambers of commerce, and economic development stakeholders.

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

The board completed its discussion of the urban growth areas and economic sections of VISION 2020. Staff provided background and contextual information to help initiate discussion. The board's recommendations and guidance will be presented at the February 12 Joint Policy Board meeting.