Ports Strategize for the Future

The two largest ports on Puget Sound have recently completed long-term strategic plans. With increasing industrial capacity in Asian factories, West Coast ports have the opportunity for major growth.

The Port of Seattle’s Century Agenda sets out strategic goals for the next 25 years, aiming to grow seaport container volume, triple air cargo volume and add 100,000 port-related jobs.

 
http://www.portseattle.org/About/Commission/Pages/Century-Agenda.aspx

 

 

 

 

 

The Port of Tacoma has adopted a ten year strategic plan to revitalize the port’s purpose and strategy for the next 10 years (2012 – 2022). Their strategic plan responds to economic recession, shifting markets, structural changes in the industry, and competition. It sets 10 targets for the coming 10 years, including doubling container volumes and dry bulk volumes and increasing net income by 50%.

http://www.portoftacoma.com/strategic-plan

Lend Your Voice

The Washington State Transportation Commission is conducting a major statewide transportation survey to find out what citizens think about our state’s transportation system and how future needs should be paid for.  The findings of the survey will be delivered to the Governor and Legislature in the coming weeks, as officials work to identify ways to fund growing transportation needs across the state.  This statewide transportation survey is the first of its kind for Washington State Government. 

The survey results will be scientifically valid at both the statewide level and the regional level, as defined by the boundaries of the fourteen Regional and Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organizations across the state. This will give the state data about the unique opinions and preferences in each region thus allowing for targeted transportation investments that best meet the varying needs statewide. 

In the first phase of this effort, 100,000 postcards were mailed out to randomly selected residences across the state inviting them to take the survey.  Any readers who received a postcard should take the survey as soon as possible. 

The second phase of the study is now underway and will ensure that all Washington residents have an opportunity to participate and have their voice heard.  To take the survey go to:  www.voiceofwashingtonsurvey.org

EMC Research of Seattle is conducting the survey for the Commission.  The purpose of the survey is to gather Washington State citizen’s preferences and opinions about the transportation system, their priorities for today and the future, and their thoughts about transportation funding. When referring to the “transportation system” all forms of transportation are included at all levels of government. Respondents to the survey are asked to think about city, county and state roads and bridges, along with sidewalks, bike paths, transit and aviation.

Bicycle Commuting

From dormant to active — this Blog has been dormant since shortly after the Transportation Commission adopted WTP 2030 and now resumes activity. In like fashion, yesterday I signed up to participate in the Thurston County Bicycle Commuter Contest 2011 and today biked to work for the first time this year.

I am not well-prepared to bicycle commute. More of a recreational biker, once I pulled out of my driveway and into the street, I noticed low air in the rear tire; I realized (again) that I should have bicycle pants clips to avoid getting grease on my slacks; and I noticed (again) that my briefcase does not travel well by bike. And most significant, although it is only a three mile trip, there is a big, big hill at about the 2.5 mile mark. I did not make it very far up the hill before I had to get off the bike and walk the remainder of the hill.  

Resuming this Blog also will have its share of hills, technical glitches, and “wish I would have” moments. A lot is happening in transportation, from fuel price escalation affecting the cost of driving and flying to “robot cars” that may enable safer and faster mobility. The Transportation Commission will use this Blog to share news, ideas and viewpoints. As the Legislature wraps up its work, we will report on new developments in transportation, including some that may be traced to WTP 2030.

And for anyone who is bicycle commuting during this month of May, I hope that your ride home is all downhill.

–Paul Parker, Senior Policy Analyst

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)

What is Your Vision for Transportation in Washington State in 2030?

As noted in our first post, the initial step in developing a statewide transportation plan is establishing a vision.

A vision statement answers the question, “Where do we want to be in 20 years?”

The current DRAFT WTP 2030 vision statement is:

“By 2030, Washington’s transportation network will connect people and communities, fostering commerce and operating seamlessly across boundaries and modes as an environmentally and financially sustainable system.”

Does WTP 2030 draft vision statement articulate your dreams and hopes for Washington’s transportation system?

WTP Vision

Welcome to the WTP 2030 blog! The purpose of this blog is to solicit feedback and input on the Washington Transportation Plan. We will post WTP 2030 elements, such as the Vision and Goals along with specific questions for your consideration and response. We want to hear from you about your priorities and hopes for the state’s transportation system.

As part of the WTP 2030 process, a Vision for 2030 will be established. In the fall of 2009, the Washington State Transportation Commission developed the Vision below. Now, we want to hear your from you. What are your thoughts on what the Vision should be for the state’s transportation system in 2030?

By 2030, Washington’s transportation network will connect people and communities, fostering commerce and operating seamlessly across boundaries and modes as an environmentally and financially sustainable system.