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Ferries, climate change and cable barriers on Transportation Commission’s November agenda
Posted
11.14.08
Transportation Commission
Office - PO Box 47308 -
Olympia, WA 98504-7308
(360) 705-7070
Date: November 14, 2008
| Contact: |
Reema
Griffith, Transportation
Commission Executive
Director, 360-705-7070 |
OLYMPIA – Reports on a ferry-user survey and long-term ferry funding, a briefing on the state’s Climate Action Team, and the 2008 report on cable barriers are among the topics of discussion during the Washington State Transportation Commission’s November meeting.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 18 and 19. Both day’s sessions will begin at 9 a.m. at the Transportation Building, Commission Boardroom, 310 Maple Park Avenue SE, in Olympia. Commission meetings are open to the public and persons wishing to address the Commission may do so during the public comment period scheduled on Wednesday at 3:20 p.m.
On Tuesday, the Commission will receive the final report and findings on its ferry-user survey that was conducted by Opinion Research Northwest. The research was directed by the legislature to gain customer input on a wide range of operational, fare, and possible funding strategies. The final report consolidates information from on-board, on-line, random telephone, and freight-carrier surveys. The report will provide data and analysis on who is using the ferries, what types of trips they are taking and why, and users tolerance for fare increases and different types of pricing, as well as operational strategies under consideration by Washington State Ferries.
In addition, the Commission will receive the preliminary report on their Long-Term Ferry Funding study. The purpose of the study is to identify and evaluate alternative, long-term funding options to support vessel and terminal investments and ferry operations. Those funding options include various state and local fees and taxes, as well as fare revenue. A final report will be submitted to the Governor and legislature early on during the 2009 Legislative Session.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the Commission will be briefed on the work of the Climate Action Team. In February 2007, Gov. Gregoire issued an executive order for the Washington Climate Change Challenge, declaring Washington’s commitment to address climate change. The goals are to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, increase clean-energy jobs, and reduce spending on imported fuels. The directors of the Departments of Ecology, and Community, Trade and Economic Development are leading the Climate Action Team in consultation with a broad range of stakeholders to develop recommendations for a full range of policies and strategies to help Washington meet its goals.
Washington State Department of Transportation staff will present to the Commission the 2008 Cable Median Barrier Reassessment and Recommendations Update report. The report confirms that cable median barriers reduce crossover collisions and save lives. It also provides an update of WSDOT’s actions and implementation of recommendations made in 2007 during an independent evaluation of the agency’s cable barrier program and policies.
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