Promoting Economic Vitality – the next seven years

While 2030 might seem like a long way away, action is required as soon as next year in order to reach the goals set in WTP 2030. With an eye to that timeline, the Commission has developed Preliminary Action Plans for both the near-term and longer-term that identify the necessary steps and actions to initiate key strategies.

As readers will remember, Economic Vitality is one of the key components of the WTP 2030 plan. The Commission has drafted these near-term actions to initiate over the next seven years. Take a look and then consider the questions at the end, and feel free to share your comments on this post.

Near Term, Initiate Actions between 2011-2017

• Identify key freight corridors from city streets to county and state roads that link producers to distribution points
• Improve designated freight corridors making critical connections with ports (such as completing SR 509 and SR 167 to connect with I-5 and the Port of Tacoma) and assist development of freight modal centers (such as airports and intermodal facilities) to maintain Washington’s competitive advantage for trade
• Establish public-private partnerships that benefit the transportation system and the economy, such as:
• Ferry terminal improvements
• Shared infrastructure (e.g., Park and Ride lots) with private transit operators, such as Microsoft Connector
• Freight collection and distribution facilities for agriculture and other goods
• Housing and commercial development around high capacity transit stations
  • Establish an all weather transportation system, prioritizing investments that minimize closures affecting agriculture, freight dependent industries, and tourism
  • Work with the Legislature to identify new funding measures to support the preservation and infrastructure needs of the aviation system

  Is this the right list? Is anything missing? What are the top priorities with respect to actions to promote economic vitality from your point of view?

  In addition to leaving comments on this blog, we encourage you to use the online public input tool to tell us about the transportation issues and priorities that are important to you.

  You can also read the WTP plan and related documents online.