Transportation Commission Office – PO Box 47308 – Olympia, WA 98504-7308 – 360-705-7070
Contact: Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director, 360-705-7070 (Olympia)
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Transportation Commission will kick off 2022 at its meeting next week with briefings on the state’s Climate Commitment Act and current preparations underway to replace the Columbia River Interstate 5 bridge that connects Washington and Oregon. The Commission will also be briefed on the how tolled facilities are performing and will consider approving a planned toll rate adjustment for the State Route 99 Tunnel this year.
The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, and 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 20. Due to limitations related to COVID-19, this meeting will be virtual using Zoom. People interested in attending can register on the Commission’s website. The meeting will be broadcast live on TVW.
Highlights of Wednesday’s presentations include:
- Climate Change Blueprint: The 2021 Legislature passed the Climate Commitment Act that establishes a comprehensive program to reduce carbon pollution. The act takes effect on Jan. 1, 2023, and a panel of state leaders will provide a briefing on implementation plans.
- Approval request for planned SR 99 Tunnel toll rate adjustment: The Commission’s current toll regulation for the SR 99 tunnel includes planned toll rate increases of 3% every three years, starting in 2022. The planned rate increase for this year will take effect on July 1, 2022, pending Commission approval.
- Columbia River Bridge replacement project: The Commission will receive an update on the project’s progress including outreach efforts and next steps in the schedule.
- I-405 / SR 167 Express Toll Lane Corridor Plans: Members will get an overview on the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) efforts to develop operational plans for the expanded express toll lane corridor between Bellevue and Renton.
Highlights of Thursday’s presentations include:
- Governor’s Supplemental Transportation Budget: An overview will be provided of the Governor’s budget submitted to the Legislature in December.
- 2022 Legislative Priorities: The Commission will hear from partner agencies from cities, counties, transit, and ports, to WSDOT and Washington State Ferries on each of their legislative priorities and top issues for the 2022 legislative session, which commenced Jan. 10.
The public can comment at noon Thursday, Jan. 20. People wishing to speak can sign up during the meeting by posting their name in the Q&A box on-screen. Written comments can also be submitted via email at: transc@wstc.wa.gov.
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov.
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 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, 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 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 360-705-7082.