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West Coast transportation commissions to discuss tri-state transportation issues
Posted
7.17.09
Transportation Commission
Office - PO Box 47308 -
Olympia, WA 98504-7308
(360) 705-7070
Date: July 17, 2009
| Contact: |
Reema
Griffith, Transportation
Commission Executive
Director, 360-705-7070 |
OLYMPIA – Transportation Commission members of California, Oregon and Washington will meet next week to discuss transportation issues that affect each of the states. On Wednesday, July 22, the Oregon Transportation Commission will host a meeting in Portland, Oregon, with members of the California and Washington transportation commissions. On Thursday, July 23, the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) will host a meeting with members of the California Transportation Commission in Seattle.
“These joint meetings are the first ever to occur between the West Coast commissions. These types of engagements are important for building relationships and alliances between the West Coast states.” explained WSTC Chairman Carol Moser. “They provide the opportunity for us to partner and identify our shared transportation priorities, which we have and intend to continue using as leverage in influencing our collective Congressional delegations in securing federal transportation funding for the tri-state area.”
Wednesday’s meeting in Portland includes discussion of Oregon and Washington transportation connections, a briefing on the Columbia River Crossing project, an update on the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill, an outline of federal funding for high-speed rail, and an overview of tolling in Washington. An informal discussion session begins at 11:30 a.m. The formal joint meeting will start with a public comment period at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at ODOT Region 1 Headquarters Building, 123 NW Flanders NW, in Portland.
On Thursday, Washington and California Commission members will share information related to tolling, public-private partnerships and freight mobility. Presentations regarding tolling in Washington and California begin at 9 a.m., followed at 9:40 with an overview of public-private partnership programs in each state. Panel discussions will begin at 10:50 to focus on freight challenges and opportunities, which includes presentations by representatives of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, and representatives of Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. Chief Deputy Director Andre Boutros of the California Transportation Commission will talk about California’s funding of freight improvements.
Thursday’s meeting is being held at the Port of Seattle, Pier 69, Port Commission Chamber, 2711 Alaskan Way, Seattle. The meeting is open to the public. TVW is recording the meetings in Portland and Seattle for later broadcast.
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