Congratulations, Spokane!

Spokane International Airport has completed a major upgrade that lengthens the runway and improves sightlines for pilots. By extending the main runway to 11,000 feet, Spokane has the opportunity to attract additional air cargo operations. the longer runway also will allow airlines to schedule longer flights from Spokane.

Air travel is an important part of the state’s transportation system, helping to connect Washington with the rest of the nation and the world.

 

Transportation’s Role in Sustaining Economic Vitality

The transportation system plays an important role in fostering economic vitality and competitiveness in local and global markets. Washington’s key industries are a source of innovation, entrepreneurship and job growth. These industries have infrastructure and workforce needs that tie directly to an efficient and connected transportation system. For employers, access to labor and the ability to move goods are often important location decisions. Transit and access to airports may factor into this decision as well. For employees, commute times, costs and options are all factors in the decision-making process.

As a trade-dependent state, Washington relies heavily on an efficient freight transportation network to maintain its competitive position. As a global gateway, goods are shipped into, out of, and around the state by truck, rail, air, pipeline, and water. Manufacturers and agricultural producers require an effectively networked system to get their goods to market locally, across the country, and around the world. A well connected transportation system can also help the state’s economy prosper and grow, by providing access to new markets as they develop.

WTP 2030 includes economic vitality strategies organized in four broad categories:

• Enhance Washington’s Economic Competitiveness and Vitality
• Foster Improved Connectivity of People and Communities
• Support the Coordinated, Connected and Efficient Movement of Freight and Goods
• Invest in Aviation, a Critical Component of Washington’s Economy

Economic Vitality was added as the sixth transportation policy goal in 2010. What does economic vitality mean to you and your community? What would you like to see in this plan to reflect the importance of this goal?

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 read the plan and related documents at:

http://wstc.wa.gov/WTP/default.htm

Coming up in September: Regional Listening Sessions

The Transportation Commission wants to learn about your transportation priorities and ideas. As part of the WTP 2030 outreach process, the Commission will hold 5 Listening Sessions around the state in the month of September.

September 9, Vancouver

WSDOT Headquarters, 11018 NE 51^st Circle (9am – noon)

September 14, Yakima

Harman Center, 101 North 65^th Avenue (9am – noon)

September 23, Spokane

Downtown Spokane Library, 906 W Main Avenue (1pm-4pm)

September 29, Everett

Everett Transit Station, 3201 Smith Avenue, 4^th Floor (9am – noon)

September 30, Bremerton

Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6^th Street (9am – noon)

The objectives of the Listening Sessions are to:

• Actively engage the public and solicit input from across the state to help shape WTP 2030 – the state’s 20-year plan for transportation
• Learn about regional and local perspectives on transportation system needs, challenges and opportunities to further inform the plan

You can read the plan and related documents at: 

http://wstc.wa.gov/WTP/default.htm

If you cannot make it to a Listening Session, please use the online public input tool to tell us about the transportation issues and priorities that are important to you. Comments will be accepted through October 15, 2010. You can also provide comment by email (wtp2030@wstc.wa.gov) or by mail (P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308).

Comments on the plan are welcome and encouraged on this blog. Let us know what you think.

Washington’s Future Transportation System Is Taking Shape

The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) has released a draft of the Washington Transportation Plan (WTP 2030) for public review and comment. The Commission led the development of WTP 2030 with ongoing engagement and input from a diverse Advisory Group and other partners throughout the state. You can view the draft plan on the Commission’s website.

WTP 2030 sets a 20-year course for Washington State’s transportation system. It identifies long-term funding shortfalls, service needs, and system-wide challenges along with recommended solutions and approaches aimed at moving the state’s transportation network into the future. Once finalized, the plan will be submitted to the Governor and the 2011 Legislature.

The Commission’s website also features an online public input tool that gives you the opportunity to comment on transportation issues and priorities as well as comment on specific portions of the plan. Comments will be accepted through October 15, 2010. You can also provide comment by e-mail (wtp2030@wstc.wa.gov)

Meeting with the Association of Northeast Mayors

A Guest Blog Post by Commissioner Latisha Hill

On Friday, March 5, I had a great time chatting with the Association of Northeast Mayors at their quarterly meeting in the community of Millwood, Washington. We talked about the challenge of developing a 20-year transportation plan for the state that reflected different needs and priorities in very diverse communities and economies.  Not surprisingly, funding concerns and opportunities are at the forefront.

Funding

• Deferred maintenance has caused a backlog of projects. With limited funding and taxpayers already hard pressed, it’s difficult to find a yellow brick road solution. In today’s world one may question whether it’s a road, a sidewalk, or a bike path. Perhaps all three are needed. Mayors gave kudos to the Public Works Trust Fund and its low-interest loans that support local efforts, but it too is limited in reach.

Anyone have new ideas for getting more with less?