County Road Administration Board Room
2404 Chandler Ct SW, Suite 240
Olympia, WA 98502
This meeting will be conducted in person and will also be accessible via Zoom . Registration is required to attend virtually.
February 18 – Register
February 19 – Register
Check-In Instructions for Attending In-Person:
- Enter the building through the front door on the side of the building facing the cul-de-sac/ street.
- Pass through the security screening.
- Take the elevator to the second floor.
- The County Road Administration Board Room is just to the left as you exit the elevator.
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.comerce.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 virtually can do so during the public comment period 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Item 1: 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Presenter: Debbie Young, Chair, Washington State Transportation Commission
Item 2: 9:05
Update on County Transportation Priorities
Presenter: Jane Wall, Executive Director, County Road Administration Board
An update will be provided on county funding priorities, including priorities to expand the state-operated “federal fund exchange program” designed to assist counties in the delivery of projects where federal funding is involved.
County Road Administration Board (pdf 6mb)
Item 3: 9:30
Trade Trends and Tariff Impacts
Presenter: Eric Jessup, Director, Freight Policy, Transportation Institute, Washington State University
This presentation will explore current global trade dynamics and how recent tariff policies are reshaping patterns of imports, exports, and supply chains as well as the intended and unintended effects of tariffs on industries
and consumer prices.
Economic Outlook, Freight Transportation & Trade (pdf 7mb)
Item 4: 10:10
Advancing a Streamlined Toll Rate Setting Process – ACTION
Presenter: Aaron Halbert, Financial Analyst, Washington State Transportation
Commission
An update will be provided on the Commission’s efforts to implement legislation passed in the 2025 session directing the Commission to adopt a streamlined toll-setting process. Next steps and the schedule for implementing changes will be discussed.
Break: 10:40
Item 5: 10:50
Ferry Fare Credit/Debit Card Transaction Recovery Fee Implementation
Presenter: Hillary Badger, Director of Finance and Administration, Washington State Ferries
The 2025 Legislature directed Washington State Ferries to implement a fee to recoup credit card and other financial transaction costs no later than March 1, 2026. An update will be presented on preparations to implement this
directive.
WSF Ferry Fare Transaction Recovery Fee (pdf 68kb)
Item 6: 11:15
Pierce County Comprehensive Plan Development
Presenter: Alon Bassok, Long Range Planning Manager, Pierce County
This presentation will provide an overview of Pierce County’s recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, highlighting new policies that support coordination among jurisdictions, agencies, service providers, and other partners to better integrate housing and transportation.
Pierce County Comprehensive Plan (pdf 1.5mb)
Lunch: 12:00 p.m.
Item 7: 1:00
Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Program Update
Presenters: Carley Francis, Interim Program Administrator, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
Frank Green, Assistant Program Administrator, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program
This presentation will provide an update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program and preparations for replacement of the current I-5 bridges over the Columbia River.
Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Update (pdf 605kb)
Item 8: 1:30
Working to Create a 15-Minute City
Presenter: Rubén Casas, Assistant Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington
A “15-minute city” puts important amenities and services within a short walk or bike ride from home. A look at the movement toward integrating the concept into cities, using efforts underway in Tacoma as an example.
Break: 2:15
Item 9: 2:30
2026 Washington Freight System Plan
Presenters: Jason Biggs, Director, Rail, Freight and Ports Division, Washington State Department of Transportation
Jason Beloso, Strategic Planning Manager, Rail, Freight and Ports Division, Washington State Department of Transportation
WSDOT is currently developing the 2026 Freight System Plan, which examines all modes of freight movement including trucks, airplanes, rail, barges, and cargo ships. This presentation will provide an overview of the plan update process.
Washington State Freight System Plan (pdf 669kb)
Item 10: 3:15
Perspectives on Washington Transportation Policy
Presenters: Kirk Hovenkotter, Executive Director, Transportation Choices Coalition
Charles Prestrud, Director, Coles Transportation Center, Washington Policy Center
Transportation Choices Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy for transit and sustainable transportation choices. Washington Policy Center is a nonprofit conducting non-partisan policy research focused on free-market solutions and government accountability. Both organizations will share perspectives on transportation policy and priorities.
Transportation Planning Trends and Issues (pdf 472kb)
Recess: 4:00
Thursday, February 19, 2026 – Reconvene Day 2
Item 11: 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Presenter: Debbie Young, Chair, Washington State Transportation Commission
Item 12: 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 13: 9:15
Commission Business
Presenter: Paula Reeves, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington State Transportation Commission
- January Meeting Summary
- Legislative Update
- Finalize Subcommittee Assignments
Item 14: 9:30
Protecting & Preserving Washington’s Bridges
Presenters: Evan Grimm, Bridges & Structures Engineer, Washington State Department of Transportation
James Morin, Maintenance Operations Branch Manager, Washington State Department of Transportation
Darren Nebergall, Local Programs Bridge Engineer, Washington State Department of Transportation
Derek Pohle, Support, Training, and Compliance Manager, County Road Administration Board
Bridge maintenance and preservation have emerged as a priority for local, county, and state governments. Trends, successes, and challenges as well as current funding needs for preservation and maintenance will be discussed.
Washington State Bridges (pdf 7mb)
Break: 10:45
Item 15: 11:00
WSDOT Secretary’s Report
Presenter: Julie Meredith, Secretary, Washington State Department of Transportation
An update will be provided on Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) activities.
Item 16: 11:15
Commission Business
- Creating the Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee – ACTION
- Commission Reflections and Reports
Adjourn: 11:30
February 19 – TVW Gala – Doors Open at 5:30 p.m.
Next Meeting: Virtual
March 24-25, 2026
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.