Virtual Meeting Agenda – Olympia, Washington
This meeting will be conducted using Zoom Webinar. Registration is required to participate. For those unable to attend the meeting virtually, please contact the commission office for assistance at 360-705-7070 or email transc@wstc.wa.gov
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state by finding the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/wsbo/drive-in-wifi-hotspots/
Meetings are webcast live on TVW
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Commission reserves the right to take action on any item on the agenda, make adjustments to the order of agenda items, and adjust the time of adjournment as needed.
Public Testimony
Those wishing to offer comments can do so during the public comment period either in person or virtually, after registering online. To sign up for virtual comment, using the Q&A box found on-screen during the meeting, indicate your name and that you would like to provide comments. Written comments can also be submitted via email at: transc@wstc.wa.gov.
The Commission welcomes all viewpoints and requests speakers be courteous, respectful, and comply with time limitations as specified by the Commission Chair. Unacceptable behavior, including vulgar and obscene language, threats, and personal attacks, will result in removal from the meeting.
Safety First
If you plan to engage in this meeting from your car, we encourage you to do so while parked.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Item 1: 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Presenter: Debbie Young, Chair, Washington State Transportation Commission
Item 2: 9:05
Tolling Considerations During the 2026 World Cup
Presenter: Carl See, Deputy Director, Washington State Transportation Commission
The Legislature directed consideration and evaluation of a temporary toll rate increase on the SR 99 Tunnel during the World Cup event in 2026 to support managing traffic in the corridor and mitigating impacts of increased congestion in the area. The Commission will review possible approaches and discuss considerations.
SR 99 Tunnel Tolling Considerations (pdf 376kb)
Item 3: 9:35
Developing a Low-Income Toll Program
Presenters: Carl See, Deputy Director, Washington State Transportation Commission
Emily Pace, Customer Service Operations Manager, Toll Division, Washington State Department of Transportation
The Legislature authorized the implementation of a low-income toll discount program to provide relief to qualifying drivers. WSDOT will provide an update on its operational preparations, and the Commission will discuss considerations for a discounted toll rate and regulatory requirements. The low-income toll program will be available in late 2026, starting with the SR 509 and SR 167 Expressways.
Low-Income Toll Program Preparations (pdf 280kb)
Break: 10:15
Item 4: 10:30
The Ray: Developing Net-Zero Highways
Presenters: Allie Kelly, Executive Director, The Ray
Josh Weaver, Natural Capital Manager, The Ray
The Ray is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reimagining and advancing the nation’s first net-zero highway corridor. An update on its innovative projects underway across the U.S., including in Washington state, will be provided.
Developing Net-Zero Highways (pdf 4.6mb)
Item 5: 11:30
Update on State Safety Summit and on Target Zero
Presenters: Mark McKechnie, External Relations Director, Washington Traffic Safety Commission
Wade Alonzo, Program Director, Washington Traffic Safety Commission
An overview of the Washington State Traffic Safety Summit will be provided, along with an update on the state’s Target Zero Plan, which aims to improve safety for all road users and reach the goal of zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
Target Zero Update (pdf 863kb)
2025 Traffic Safety Summit Debrief (pdf 688kb)
Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
Item 6: 1:00
Vehicle Miles Traveled Target Setting
Presenter: Jacob Gonzalez, Senior Transportation and Land Use Planner, Washington State Department of Transportation
WSDOT will provide background, context and findings of its legislatively directed study to establish vehicle miles traveled reduction targets for local jurisdictions, along with identifying ways to achieve the targets.
Vehicle Miles Traveled Target Setting (pdf 563kb)
Item 7: 1:30
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Tolling Equipment Upgrades
Presenter: Melissa Garr, Toll Development Manager, Toll Division, Washington State Department of Transportation
An overview of WSDOT’s recently completed project to replace toll equipment on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge will be provided, along with the results of summer testing of the new system.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Tolling Equipment Upgrades (pdf 1.4mb)
Break: 1:50
Item 8: 2:00
September State Transportation Revenue Forecast
Presenters: Aaron Halbert, Financial Analyst, Washington State Transportation Commission
Jen Khozikov, Policy, Finance and Forecast Manager, Toll Division, Washington State Department of Transportation
The latest quarterly transportation revenue forecast results were released in September 2025. An overview of the forecast will be provided with a focus on toll and ferry fare revenues.
September State Transportation Revenue Forecast (pdf 462kb)
Tolling Revenue Forecast (pdf 172kb)
Item 9: 2:30
WSDOT Secretary’s Report
Presenter: Mike Gribner, Deputy Secretary, Washington State Department of Transportation
An update on key activities and efforts will be provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Item 10: 2:45
Updates: Future Toll Facility Projects
Presenters: Carl See, Deputy Secretary, Washington State Transportation Commission
Ed Barry, Director, Toll Division, Washington State Department of Transportation
Lisa Hodgson, I-405/SR 167 Program Administrator, Washington State Department of Transportation
A status update will be provided on the Interstate 5 Bridge over the Columbia River bi-state tolling efforts and on progress of the I-405/SR 167 express toll lane corridor improvement projects.
I-5 Bridge Tolling Update (pdf 267kb)
Item 11: 3:15
The State of the ALICE Population in Washington
Presenter: Jim Cooper, President and CEO, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest
United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is a data-driven initiative that quantifies and raises awareness about the significant portion of the population that earns above the Federal Poverty Level but still cannot afford necessities. This presentation will discuss current data for use in planning for energy efficiency, transit, housing, and transportation.
Recess: 4:00
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – Reconvene Day 2
Item 12: 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Presenter: Debbie Young, Chair, Washington State Transportation Commission
Item 13: 9:05
Public Comment
Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.
- To sign up for virtual public comment, please put your name and interest in the Q&A box found on screen during the meeting.
- The Commission welcomes all viewpoints and requests speakers be courteous, respectful, and comply with time limitations as specified by the Commission Chair.
Item 14: 9:15
Addressing Growing Preservation and Maintenance Needs Statewide
Presenters: Steve Roark, Olympic Region Administrator, Washington State Department of Transportation
Troy Suing, Director, Capital Program Development and Management, Washington State Department of Transportation
WSDOT will provide an overview of the maintenance and preservation needs of state highways and bridges, many of which serve as the only reasonable access point to many communities across the state. The ability to fund critical preservation projects becomes more challenging as the project backlog grows.
Preservation and Maintenance Needs (pdf 2mb)
Break: 10:15
Item 15: 10:30
Washington Habitat Connectivity Action Plan
Presenters: Julia Michalak, Priority Habitats and Species Section Manager, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Glen Kalisz, Habitat Connectivity Biologist, Washington State Department of Transportation
Developed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Washington Habitat Connectivity Action Plan aims to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve habitat connectivity across the state. An overview of recommendations and ongoing work to implement the plan will be provided.
Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Action Plan (pdf 33mb)
Item 16: 11:15
Commission Business
Presenters: Reema Griffith, Executive Director, Washington State Transportation Commission
Paula Reeves, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington State Transportation Commission
Aaron Halbert, Financial Analyst, Washington State Transportation Commission
- September Meeting Summary
- 2026 Meeting Schedule
- Annual Report Work Session
- Tolling Report Work Session
- Commission Reflections and Reports
Adjourn: 12:30
Next Meeting:
November 18-19, 2025
Bainbridge Island, WA
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations may request written materials in alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility accommodations, or other reasonable accommodations by contacting the Commission Office at (360) 705-7070 or TransC@wstc.wa.gov. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the event sponsor through the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1.
Title VI Notice to Public: It is the Washington State Transportation Commission’s (WSTC) policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OEO’s Title VI Coordinator 360-705-7090.