PSRC is updating Transportation 2040 to reflect changes that have occurred in the region since 2010. The update will be done within the framework of the current plan and existing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Transportation 2040 will continue to support the adopted VISION 2040 regional growth strategy and economic objectives through an integrated mobility, environmental and financial strategy. Because of the minor nature of this update, the number of issues and the level of analysis will be limited to completing ongoing work items, meeting statutory obligations, and incorporating additional planning activities currently underway.

As part of this update, PSRC is providing a limited opportunity to submit updates to the Transportation 2040 project list, within certain parameters. For more information on this limited Call for Project Updates, including the threshold criteria, please follow this link.

Primary topics for the Transportation 2040 Update:

• Incorporating the project prioritization method currently in development
• Updating the financial plan
• Maintenance and preservation of the existing transportation system

Statutory requirements:

• Coordinated Transit and Human Services Plan Update
• Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Program Update

New planning efforts which may be included:

• Transit Oriented Development refinements (such as Growing Transit Communities and Transit Overlay Zones)
• Refined Active Transportation Plan
• New Rural Transportation Strategy
• Other issues identified by PSRC boards

Approach and Schedule

The general approach to this update will involve developing background data, identifying key issues to be addressed, and responding to these issues through modifications to the Transportation 2040 plan. The Regional Transportation Plan is developed by staff working with PSRC committees, the Transportation Policy Board, and the Executive Board. The update is scheduled for adoption by the General Assembly in 2014. To promote ongoing involvement in the update process, board action is proposed to occur at four key decision points that will include approval of the:

• Scope of Work: The scope of the plan update will define the focus and limit the range of the issues that will be analyzed.
• Strategy Development: The strategies to be considered in the update process.
• Draft Plan: The Draft Plan will be released for a 45-day public review and comment period.
• Recommendation: The recommendation will be forwarded to the General Assembly for adoption.

The conceptual schedule for the update includes eight major tasks plus the Prioritization work, and must be completed in the spring of 2014. It is assumed that General Assembly action will be required.