Washington State Transportation Commission – NEWS
Transportation Commission Office – PO Box 47308 – Olympia, WA 98504-7308
360-705-7070
June 13, 2018
Contact: Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director, 360-705-7070 (Olympia)
On the agenda: Highway naming to honor former Congressman Tom Foley
WALLA WALLA – Community leaders and local officials from the Walla Walla valley will meet with the Washington State Transportation Commission next week to share their perspectives on transportation issues, challenges, and successes.
On Tuesday afternoon, June 19, commissioners will tour transportation facilities and projects in the Walla Walla valley and surrounding areas, including US 12 between Walla Walla and Dayton, farm-to-market roads, and new multi-purpose trails.
The commission meeting takes place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, in the Council Chambers, Walla Walla City Hall, 15 N. Third Ave. This is a public meeting and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during the public comment period scheduled for 4:10 p.m.
The meeting features a series of short presentations on transportation topics in the region, including an overview from the Walla Walla Valley Metropolitan Transportation Organization. Briefings in the morning focus on the transportation challenges and successes of Walla Walla and College Place, Walla Walla County, and the public transportation providers serving the area.
At 11:15 a.m., in response to House Joint Memorial 4002 passed by the Legislature in the 2018 session, the commission will take action to name US 395 for Thomas S. “Tom” Foley, a native of Spokane, who represented Washington’s 5th Congressional District from 1965 to 1995. While in Congress, Rep. Foley secured over $289 million in federal funds to improve safety and freight movement on US 395, which spans the state from the Canadian border to Oregon, including stretches in Spokane and the Tri-Cities.
Wednesday afternoon, panel discussions will highlight the links between transportation and economic development: one panel will focus on business development, tourism, and rail and air transportation; and another features representatives from the wheat and wine industries. Commissioners also will learn how the Blue Mountain Region Trails Plan will improve bicycling, walking and outdoor recreational opportunities in the valley.
The Washington State Transportation Commission holds meetings throughout the state each year to gain insight from local government, industry and citizens about transportation issues that affect their communities and region. This information helps the commission to develop transportation policy recommendations to the State Legislature and Governor that reflect the priorities of the people and local governments throughout the state of Washington. The commission met in Seattle and Yakima earlier this year and will meet in Port Angeles and Oak Harbor later in 2018.
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: wstc.wa.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information
Accommodation requests for people with disabilities can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.
Title VI Statement to Public
It is WSDOT’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin or sex, 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 federally funded 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.