Virtual meeting takes place March 14 and 15
OLYMPIA – The March 14 and 15 meeting of the Washington State Transportation Commission will include discussions on the Right of Way Safety Initiative for those living homeless on state highway right of ways, on-demand transit and the current health of Washington’s bridges.
The meeting starts at 9 a.m. both Tuesday, March 14, and Wednesday, March. 15. The meeting will be virtual using Zoom. Those interested in attending can register on the commission’s website. TVW will broadcast the meeting live.
Three state agencies – the Department of Commerce, the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington State Patrol – received funding from the Legislature in 2022 for an initiative to find solutions for people experiencing homelessness and living on state highway right of ways. The commission will hear an update on Tuesday about this work being done in partnership with local governments and nonprofits.
The commission will also receive an update Wednesday on the status of Washington’s bridge inventory. A panel will discuss whether funding for bridge maintenance is keeping up with the needs at both the state and the county level and the impact of preservation funding on bridge life cycle sustainability.
Other highlights of the topics to be covered at the commission’s two-day meeting include:
- A look at on-demand transit: The commission on Tuesday will hear about mobility-on-demand and how a concept called macro transit aims to make public transit more equitable and convenient in smaller communities.
- A briefing on Washington State Patrol’s impairment program: The commission will get an overview on Tuesday of the programs operated by the Washington State Patrol’s Impaired Driving Section.
- Colman Plaza naming: Washington State Ferries will present a proposal on Wednesday for naming two plaza areas at Colman Dock in Seattle.
- An examination of transportation trends: The commission on Tuesday will hear about how major federal investments are shaping the future of transportation.
The commission will take public comment at 1:45 p.m. on Wed., March 15. Those wishing to speak can sign up during the meeting by posting their name in the Q&A box on-screen. Written comments can also be submitted via email to transc@wstc.wa.gov.
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit the commission’s website: wstc.wa.gov/.
Also read:
- Letter: A call for competent Interstate Bridge project management
Rick Vermeers argues that unchecked scope, rising costs, and missed timelines threaten the survival of the Interstate Bridge Replacement project unless light rail is removed. - Rep. John Ley introduces bill to balance representation on Washington transportation boards
Legislation introduced by Rep. John Ley seeks to change how transportation board seats are allocated and prevent funding penalties tied to population-based representation rules. - Opinion: IBR administrator receives generous Christmas gift on his way out the door
Ken Vance argues that IBR leadership avoided accountability on rising project costs as Administrator Greg Johnson announced his departure without providing updated estimates. - Update: Belkot’s legal team submits sheriff’s report to its case against Clark County Council
Michelle Belkot’s legal challenge against the Clark County Council advanced after a sheriff’s report alleging rule violations was accepted into evidence. - Opinion: ‘If you tolerate lies and dishonesty from the government, you’re guaranteed more’
Lars Larson criticizes state officials for refusing to disclose updated cost estimates for the Interstate Bridge Replacement project, arguing that a lack of transparency guarantees further government dishonesty.
