The Bellingham DC fast charging station is the first sign of a border-to-border network of public electric-vehicle charging stations and the first stop on Washington’s segment of the West Coast Electric Highway along 276 miles of Interstate 5 between the state’s borders with Oregon and Canada.

The Washington State Department of Transportation selected Bellingham to break ground on the state’s segment of the Electric Highway because the city’s commitment to a sustainable future goes hand-in-hand with the WSDOT’s leading role in developing new transportation infrastructure necessary for drivers to make the switch to electricity.

“The transition from gasoline and foreign oil to alternative fuels, such as electricity, for transportation requires a huge first step – infrastructure,” said state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond in recognition of Wednesday’s groundbreaking of the West Coast Electric Highway’s first DC fast charge station at Sehome Village Shopping Center in Bellingham.

The Electric Highway is part of the West Coast Green Highway, a three-state initiative to promote the use of cleaner fuels along the 1,350 miles of I-5 from British Columbia to Baja, Californian in Mexico.

The charging station provides a 30-minute recharge for all-electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi iMiev. It  will also include a Level 2 “medium-speed” charging pedestal for other plug-in vehicles, such as the Ford Focus and Chevy Volt.

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.

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.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have recognized four transportation projects by county, city and tribal governments in Washington with 2011 Awards of Excellence. The projects are recognized for excellence in safety enhancements, construction, innovative design, environmental sustainability and community involvement.

The photos in this post show the Mason County project, before and after.

Best County Award: Mason County – Tahuya River Bridge #2 on Belfair Road
The Tahuya River replacement bridge, 40 feet wide and 110 feet long, is the primary access to northwest Mason County. It replaced a structure destroyed during 2007 flooding. As primary access to NW Mason County, the loss left a 22-mile detour. Partnerships inlcuded Mason County, FHWA, WSDOT, and private contractors. Total project cost $1.9 million, with more than $1.7 million in federal highway funds.

Best City Award: City of Redmond – NE 36th Street Bridge Project 
The NE 36th Street Bridge connects Redmond’s Overlake neighborhood, spanning SR 520 with two adjoining, landscaped lids designed for use by bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Since its opening, the bridge has allowed a great many citizens the opportunity to walk, bike, or drive to work and shopping. The new bridge provides much-needed relief to the adjacent SR 520 interchanges, and creates a safer connection. Total project cost: $26 million, with more than $7.1 million of federal highway funds.

Director’s Award: City of Grandview – “Alive Downtown” Revitalization Project
Grandview’s “Alive Downtown” Revitalization updated and added new pedestrian amenities including wider sidewalks, street and pedestrian lighting, and landscaping. The area was improved for motorists by repaving and updating the roadway drainage. Total project cost, $2.4 million, with $2.03 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), as well as other state and local funding.

Best Special Award: Lummi Nation – Haxton Way Pedestrian Pathway Project
The Haxton Way Pedestrian Pathway project is a two-mile, multi-purpose trail system, consisting of a paved pathway, elevated boardwalk, new pedestrian bridges, intersection improvements, and solar lighting for bicyclists and pedestrians. The project included partnerships between the Lummi Tribe, Whatcom County, FHWA and WSDOT. Total project cost: $1.71 million, with funding from the State Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Located near Terminals 1 and 2 at the Port of Grays Harbor, Imperium Grays Harbor employs 37 local workers and 44 statewide.  The renewable fuels company specializes in producing pure, unblended B100 biodiesel refined from a variety of oils, primarily canola oil at this time. The Grays Harbor facility has the capacity to produce one hundred million gallons of fuel per year.   The facility is also the nation’s largest DQ9000 certified product producer, a designation of significance in the renewable fuels industry.

The Commission’s proposal has five key elements:

1. General Fare Increase: A 2.5 percent general fare increase is proposed to take effect Oct. 1, 2011 and an additional 3 percent general fare increase is proposed to take effect May 1, 2012. The May 2012 increase is intended to replace the need for an increase in October 2012.
2. Vehicle size category changes: The proposal creates a new size category for cars less than 14 feet, with the fare to eventually be 70 percent of the standard vehicle fare. This new fare category intends to encourage small car use to maximize ferry deck space. This change will be phased in over three years, starting with the fare set at 90 percent of the standard vehicle fare on October 1, 2011, and then set at 80 percent of the standard vehicle fare on May 1, 2012, and finally set at 70 percent of the standard vehicle fare in 2013.  Also under the proposal, the standard vehicle size is redefined as 14-22 feet – currently, the maximum length for a standard vehicle is 20 feet.
3. The annual bicycle permit is eliminated and passengers paying with monthly passes, multi-ride cards, or, an ORCA ePurse will be allowed to bring bicycles on board without additional charge. In the San Juan Islands, only passengers using multi-ride cards would be exempt from the bicycle surcharge.
4. A fuel surcharge mechanism is put in place as a way to pay for unexpected spikes in fuel prices not funded under the current budget.  Under the proposal, fuel costs must exceed the currently-funded average fuel price of $3.86 per gallon by 2.5 percent to activate the surcharge. This means Washington State Ferry’s (WSF) fuel prices would have to increase to at least $4.08 per gallon to activate the surcharge.  WSF will review fuel costs on a quarterly basis and, depending on fuel prices at the time of the review, the surcharge may be applied, removed or adjusted higher or lower.  The proposal caps the maximum surcharge amount at 10 percent.  Any changes to the surcharge will require a 30 day advanced notice to customers.
5. A system-wide capital surcharge of 25 cents per fare is added.  The surcharge is required by law and is dedicated to funding WSF vessel replacement.  The 25 cent surcharge will be assessed on every ticket issued, whether a one-way or roundtrip fare.  Multi-ride and monthly passes will reflect the total per-ticket price.

• Bainbridge Island: Tuesday, August 2, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Bainbridge Island Commons
• Bremerton: Wednesday, August 3, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Kitsap Conference Center
• Port Orchard: Thursday, August 4, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at John Sedgwick Middle School

The Commission will hold a final hearing in Seattle on Wednesday, August 24 at 1 p.m. at the Puget Sound Regional Council located at 1011 Western Ave., Suite 500 in Seattle.  The Commission will take public comment and expects to adopt its final fare schedule at this hearing.

To comment by email, write to: transc@wstc.wa.gov. Address postal mail to Tariff Proposal, WA State Transportation Commission, PO Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308.

The 2011-12 fare proposal contains a 2.5% general fare increase effective Oct. 1, 2011 and a 3% general fare increase effective May 1, 2012. The proposed May increase is intended to replace the need for an increase on Oct. 1, 2012 and will generate more funding.

The proposed vehicle size category changes creates a new size category for cars under 14 feet and gives them a discounted fare, which will be phased in over three years. The standard vehicle size is redefined as 14-22 feet (current max. length is 20 feet). Motorcycles will pay the “under 14 feet” fare (current motorcycle surcharge will be eliminated). The vehicle category and pricing changes ahould be revenue neutral when complete by October 2013. The proposal also would eliminate the bike annual permit and allow bikers with a multi-ride card or monthly pass (except in the San Juans) to bring bicycles without charge.

The proposal includes a formula-based fuel surcharge that is triggered by fuel costs exceeding by 2.5% what is funded in the WSF budget. It also includes a legislatively directed systemwide capital surcharge of 25 cents per fare.

The Commission will be holding public outreach meetings the last week of July and first week of August at the following locations:
• San Juan Islands – interisland boat and Friday Harbor
• Coupeville
• Vashon Island
• Bainbridge Island
• Bremerton
• Port Orchard

The final hearing will be in Seattle on August 23rd. Specific times and locations for the meetings are yet to be determined and will be posted when set.

WSDOT told an impressive story at this week’s meeting of the Transportation Commission about how our state has already invested over $500 million of federal assistance from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act  in transportation improvements. From repaving 820 lane miles of state highways, to new transit facilities and buses, to mobility improvements that include congestion relief on I-405 near Bothell and extending the I-5 high occupancy vehicle lanes into Pierce County, our state’s planning and readiness has paid huge dividends. And, an additional $751 million to improve freight and passenger rail is committed to projects that will be completed over the next six years.  

We recommend this excellent report on Washington’s progress in putting American Recovery and Reinvestment Act  dollars to work.

The following editorial from the May 5, 2011, Yakima Herald-Republic, not only mentions WTP 2030 but repeats two of the key themes the Transportation Commission has stressed in the last five years. Cooperation and partnership, along with innovation and technology, are necessary ingredients for solving many of the transportation challenges faced by communities, businesses, and governments today .

Cooperation can smooth ride for goods across state

Yakima Herald-Republic

The Cascade Curtain parted a bit in Yakima last week when officials from the Seattle area voiced what folks here have known all along: The Port of Seattle needs Yakima Valley products, and Yakima Valley producers need the port.

The officials, including port CEO Tay Yoshitani, spoke at a roundtable discussion that was part of a statewide tour as the port seeks to work with exporting businesses. The port manages cargo terminals, on Seattle’s waterfront, as well as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Top of mind was the coming cherry crop, a time-sensitive commodity whose exporting success, especially overseas, hinges on efficient air service. But overall freight mobility is also an issue, and that’s where the discussion expands outside the realm of port and producer.

The Seattle area’s familiar struggle with traffic issues is not just a local concern when transportation choke points, whether in highway, rail or air, compromise the ability to move goods from around the state. Also of concern is Snoqualmie Pass, where construction of phase one of the Interstate 90 project between Hyak and Keechelus Dam is under way. When complete, the expanded highway will help speed the way for timely delivery of products from east of the Cascades.

It’s a start, and a good one, but it can’t end there. Higher gas prices and increased auto fuel efficiency have combined to cut fuel consumption and reduce income from state and federal gas taxes. The Washington State Transportation Commission Plan 2030 warns, “By conservative estimates, at least $175 to $200 billion in funding is required to meet statewide needs over the next 20 years.”

State officials say the present gas tax can’t cover the state’s future needs, and that other revenue sources will need to be tapped. Thus we see the $100 annual electric-car fee that the state Senate recently approved, along with discussions of tolls for the second phase of the I-90 project from Keechelus Dam to Roslyn.

Port officials in Yakima last week noted Seattle is constantly competing with other West Coast ports, and a smooth transportation system is essential to keeping Seattle in the game.

As westside officials support and promote future projects — and the revenue sources needed to finance them — they should do so with an eye toward accountability and the most efficient return on our investment. East of the Cascades, naturally tax-skeptical agricultural interests should keep an open mind on investing in projects that could yield huge returns.

With such cooperation, perhaps someday we could drive a truck through the opening in the Cascade Curtain. A truck with Yakima Valley goods, of course.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Sharon J. Prill, Bob Crider, Frank Purdy and Karen Troianello.

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