Transportation Commission Office – PO Box 47308 – Olympia, WA 98504-7308
Contact: Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director, 360-705-7070 (Olympia)
Virtual meeting takes place on June 17-18
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Transportation Commission will take action on toll rates and polices as well as ferry fare and policy changes at its virtual meeting on June 17-18. Commissioners also will finalize the draft long-range statewide transportation policy plan, which is expected to be released for public review.
The meeting will feature a public hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, where commissioners are expected to adopt the final toll rates and policies for the new Puget Sound Gateway expressways in King and Pierce counties. The expressways will begin opening in phases later this year. This final action follows the commission releasing its toll proposal in April for public comment. Those who wish to testify must attend the meeting via Zoom.
Commissioners also will be releasing the proposal on ferry fare and policy changes that will take effect this fall. Washington State Ferries and the Ferry Advisory Committees will provide recommendations for the commission to consider. Ferry fares and policies must be set in a manner that supports meeting fare revenue requirements set by the Legislature this session. The public can comment on the proposal through July, with a final hearing planned for early August.
The commission is expected to release its draft 20-year statewide transportation policy plan and begin its 30-day public comment period. The “Washington Transportation Plan Vision 2050” lays out a long-term vision for the state’s transportation system through 2050, along with goals and strategies to achieve it.
The public is invited to attend the meeting, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, on Zoom. Those who would like to attend can register for the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions on the commission’s website. The meeting will also be streamed live on TVW. Virtual public comment is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Written comments can be submitted via email to transc@wstc.wa.gov.
Other topics of note:
- Mapping safe routes for bicyclists: A team from the University of Washington that used sensor technology to detect cars passing too close to cyclists will share the tool it developed to help bicyclists find safer routes.
- Autonomous vehicles in Seattle: A presentation will highlight work by the city of Seattle and the University of Oregon to help ensure that the introduction of autonomous vehicles in the city benefits all.
- Tribe, ports partnership: Commissioners will hear about an agreement between the Northwest Seaport Alliance and the Puyallup Tribe to build and operate a new pier on tribal land next to one operated by the alliance on the East Blair Waterway at the Port of Tacoma.
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot, visit https://www.commerce.wa.gov/wsbo/drive-in-wifi-hotspots/.
For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit the commission’s website: wstc.wa.gov.
Americans with Disabilities Act Information: Individuals requesting 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 by emailing transc@wstc.wa.gov. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.
Title VI Notice to Public
It is the Washington State Transportation Commission’s policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, 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 or her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights (OECR). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OECR’s Title VI Coordinator at (360) 705-7090.