Below are the minutes for the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee meeting, held on Friday, June 16, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Training Room 679 (6th Floor), at the Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, Washington. The agenda for this meeting is also available.
I. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
The meeting of the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee was called to order on Friday, June 16, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. in the Training Room (6th Floor) at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, Washington. Dean Lookingbill, Transportation Director, served as Chair for the meeting. Those in attendance follow:
Lynda David RTC Evan Dust HDR Rebecca Eisiminger Port of Vancouver Bob Hart RTC Mark Herceg City of Battle Ground Dean Lookingbill RTC Judy Lorenzo WSDOT Steven Matthews WSDOT Laurie Nicholson Clark County Thomas Picco ODOT Ed Pickering C-TRAN Matt Ransom City of Vancouver Sandi Roberts RTC Dale Robins RTC Scott Sawyer City of Washougal Robin Washington Clark County Phil Wuest City of Vancouver Dean Lookingbill, RTC, asked for any changes or corrections to the, May 19, 2006, meeting minutes.
STEVEN MATTHEWS, WSDOT, MOVED FOR APPROVAL OF THE MAY 19, 2006, MINUTES AND BECKY EISIMINGER, PORT OF VANCOUVER, SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
II. 2006-2008 MTIP Amendment #7: SR-500/162nd Avenue Noise Wall, Action
Dale Robins, RTC, presented the 2006-2008 MTIP Amendment #7: SR-500/NE 162nd Avenue Noise Wall. He said all regionally significant projects must be listed in the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP), which in turn becomes a part of the statewide State Transportation Improvement Program. Dale said WSDOT is requesting an MTIP amendment to add the SR-500/NE 162nd Avenue Noise Wall project. The noise wall was funded as part of the Washington State 2006 Supplemental Transportation Budget, which the Washington State legislature passed in January of 2006. The WSDOT letter requesting this MTIP amendment and the amended STIP project report were attached to the memo included in the meeting packet. Dale pointed out that the proposed amendment does not add a capacity project to the MTIP, but adds funding for the construction of a noise wall. The amendment is consistent with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Congestion Management System, air quality conformity analysis, and is financially constrained. Dale commented that regionally significant funded projects must be programmed in the MTIP and STIP. Action on this amendment will provide $1 million in state funding for the design and construction of a noise wall near the intersection of SR-500 and 162nd Avenue. Of the project total, $100,000 will be used in 2006 for design and $900,000 for construction in 2008.
MATT RANSOM, CITY OF VANCOUVER, RECOMMENED THE RTC BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADOPTION OF THIS MTIP AMENDMENT AND FOR INCLUSION IN THE STATE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. ROBIN WASHINGTON, CLARK COUNTY, SECONDED THE MOTION AND THE MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
III. 2007-2010 MTIP Call for Projects, Discussion
Dale Robins, RTC, presented 2007-2010 MTIP call for projects. He said the process for the development of the 2007-2010 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) has begun. Dale said the goal is to build upon the MTIP process utilized in previous years and adopt a program that helps the region implement needed transportation improvements while leveraging competitive dollars. The MTIP is a list of all regionally significant transportation projects, including all federally funded transportation improvement projects. Dale said that the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) invites public agencies in the Clark County region to submit applications for available federal Surface Transportation-Transportation Management Area (STP-TMA) funds and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds. Dale said the STP-TMA and CMAQ funds are allocated to the Clark County MPO area, through RTC. The STP funds can be used for a wide range of transportation purposes. The CMAQ funds can be used for projects that will contribute to meeting the attainment of national air quality standards. These funds require a minimum 13.5% local match. Dale said in order to receive federal funds, the applicant must have either a “Certification Acceptance” (CA) status or have a CA agency agree to manage the project.
Dale noted the applications would be due at RTC no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 21, 2006. Applicants must submit projects on the RTC Federal Project Application form. Projects must meet the minimum screening criteria to apply. The application form is available online or by contacting Dale.
Dale reported that an RTAC subcommittee met June 5, 2006 and discussed the MTIP process and SAFETEA-LU changes. The SAFETEA-LU requirements for the MTIP are to: 1) move from a three-year to a four-year program, 2) the need to employ visualization techniques, and 3) develop an annual list of obligated bicycle and pedestrian projects.
Dale reviewed the RTAC subcommittee’s recommendations and said they want RTC to continue to select only three years for funding and that the fourth year be used for planning purposes. This means that projects programmed in the fourth year would not be eligible for funding unless a project is withdrawn, additional funding becomes available, or some other change that would allow a project to move forward into the first three-years of the program. Projects programmed in the fourth year would need to reapply for funding as part of the next MTIP cycle. Dale said the subcommittee felt that selecting all four years for funding would reduce the ability of emerging projects to receive funding and proceed towards implementation. Dale pointed out that RTC would enhance visualization techniques by using graphics, maps, and displays as part of the MTIP development and outreach process. Local jurisdictions will provide RTC with the cost of bicycle and pedestrian projects that utilized federal funding in the previous MTIP period. Matt Ransom, City of Vancouver, said he would like to see standardized methodology applied to determine right-of-way costs of bicycle and pedestrian components of projects. RTAC members were in favor of the suggestions.
Dean Lookingbill reviewed the comments clarifying that we are talking about moving to a 4-year window showing projected revenues for the 4-years, would go through the same project application ranking, and evaluation. Dean said what is different is the program would have 3 years of projects with money spread over 4 years to enable flexibility. Dale said we should have about $6.5 million in STP funds to program and $2 million in CMAQ funds. Matt Ransom, City of Vancouver, asked whether Dale could create a chart showing projections looking ahead 7 to 8 years.
Dale reviewed the “Screening Criteria” for applicant projects and said RTC staff will screen all projects to help ensure that minimum requirements have been met. If potential problems are identified, RTC staff will follow up with applicant sponsors prior to evaluating a project. 1) All projects must be consistent with the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Local Comprehensive Plans. Road and transit projects that add additional capacity must be listed in the MTP. 2) All projects must support the regional transportation system. Road projects must be federally classified as an urban collector/rural minor arterial or above to use STP-TMA funding. 3) Projects competing for STP-Regional and/or CMAQ funds must be an improvement project. STP-Regional/CMAQ funds will not be used for maintenance. 4) A maximum of $2 million of regional federal funds (STP-Regional/CMAQ) per project. To exceed the $2 million maximum, a project would need approval by RTAC and the RTC Board of Directors. 5) Submitted projects should be ready to proceed and have a reasonable timeline for implementation.
City of Vancouver requested the maximum funding per project be raised from $2 million to $3 million of regional federal funds (STP-Regional/CMAQ) per project. However, after RTAC discussion it was decided to keep the funding limit at $2 million per project.
Lynda David, RTC, said RTAC members should be aware of statewide funding available for Safe Routes to Schools and Bicycle/Pedestrian projects. There is currently a call for project applications with $14 million in funding available. Lynda said she had attended the June 12th workshop on Safe Routes to School held at WSDOT SW Region in Vancouver. Notice of the workshop had been e-mailed to RTAC members. Statewide, $7 million in state funds is available for the Pedestrian and Safety program with project applications due by September 20. Project selection criteria focuses on locations with a history of crashes. Statewide, $7 million in federal funds is available for Safe Routes to School projects with applications due by October 2. Funding will likely be available for successful projects from July 1, 2007.
Lynda said for both of these programs, each project proposal has to have three specific areas that it addresses: engineering, education, and enforcement. Phil Wuest, City of Vancouver, asked whether RTC could work with school districts to provide a region-wide approach for this competitive funding. Lynda said that the June 12 workshop had been attended by schools districts participants, active community environments advocates who want to partner with local agencies to make stronger project applications.
IV. High Capacity Transit Corridors Study Update, Discussion
Dale Robins, RTC, presented the High Capacity Transit Corridor Study Update. In April, the RTC Board approved the release of a Request for Qualification to obtain private consulting services and approved selection criteria. At the June meeting, the RTC Board authorized RTC to enter into agreements with URS for consultant services and local agencies for the required local match. The RTC Board has authorized the RTC Transportation Director to enter into an agreement with URS to provide consultant services for the HCT Corridors Study in an amount not to exceed $1.3 million.
The overall purpose of the HCT Corridors Study is to identify a set of high capacity transit policies that would balance land use goals, transit priorities, and regional transportation system needs to guide the development of the region’s high capacity transit elements. The study is expected to result in the identification of the most promising high capacity transit corridors and modes in order to increase the level of transit service in Clark County.
Dale said the Federal Transit Administration under Section 5309 New Start program has appropriated $1.488 million for this study, which requires a 20% local match. The study is scheduled to begin in June of 2006 and is anticipated to take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete. Dale reviewed the framework of the study and said it will include the following tasks: 1) Project Start Up, 2) Decision-Making and Public Involvement Process, 3) Evaluation Criteria, Methods and Assumptions, 4) Travel Market Analysis, 5) Mode Analysis, 6) Corridor Analysis, 7) Travel Demand Model Assistance, 8) High Capacity Transit System Plan and Policies, and 9) Preliminary Alternative Analysis on Priority Corridor(s).
Dale said the consultant selection team with representatives from WSDOT, C-TRAN, Clark County, City of Vancouver, RTC, and URS Consultant team would meet Wednesday, June 21. Dale said Dean has invited a representative from East County and the North County to participate in the development of a scope of work. Dale pointed out, in addition to the transportation analysis, the study will include a public agency decision-making process and a significant public involvement process. Dale said at this time they are thinking of a steering committee, which would include elected officials and also a technical committee. They are also planning on having Open Houses for the public to attend. Dean said one of the major components is land use when we are selecting corridors.
V. Washington Transportation Plan (WTP), 2007-2026: Update Discussion
Judy Lorenzo, WSDOT’s Statewide Policy Planning Branch Manager, presented the Washington Transportation Plan (WTP), 2007-2026 Update. Judy distributed what she termed a snapshot of “The Washington Transportation Plan 2007-2026”, June 2006. Judy said the WTP is a 20-year plan, which sets the policy guidance for the statewide transportation system, and is a data driven guide to transportation investment decisions reflecting statewide input.
Judy pointed out Phase I of the WTP concluded with the Milestone Event in October 2004. Phase I data analysis resulted in the identification of more than 85 key program targets for future investment. Phase II began the task of further vetting the benefits, urgency, and outcomes of these proposed investments. The data coupled with the proposed targets sent a very clear message during the prioritization process; the needs are abundant, the funding is limited, and prioritization must be strategic.
Judy highlighted the Key Issues identified in Phase I: Preservation, Safety, Transportation Access, System Efficiencies, Bottlenecks and Chokepoints, Moving Freight, Strong Economy and Good Jobs, Health and the Environment, and Building Future Visions.
Judy reviewed the Statewide Strategic Transportation Targets and said in the past several years, the Governor and the Legislature have provided critical investments that will move us far down the path to achieving our vision. These actions were affirmed by the voter defeat of I-912, an initiative that would have repealed key investments of the 2005 Transportation Partnership Act.
Judy highlighted the funded amounts by investment guidelines. She said many investments have multiple benefits. For example ramp meters can smooth traffic flow, reduce congestion, increase throughput and improve safety all leading to improved economic productivity. She said it should be noted that nearly all projects improve environmental conditions. Environmental issues are considered as a core part of the planning and engineering processes even when the primary project scope is to improve safety or system efficiencies. Judy highlighted the Prioritized Investment Guidelines for: 1) Preservation, 2) Safety, 3) Economic Vitality, 4) Mobility, and 5) Environmental Quality. Judy talked about “Washington’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan” and said its purpose is to identify Washington state’s traffic safety needs and to guide investment decisions to achieve significant reductions in traffic fatalities and serious injuries. In developing the plan, Washington State seeks to build traffic safety partnerships throughout the state in order to align and leverage our resources to address Washington’s traffic safety challenges.
Judy spoke of priorities in the WTP. Given the fact that funding for projects will require increasingly creative financing solutions and will demand the most strategic approach to garnering legislative, gubernatorial, and citizen support, not all programs’ targets can be high priorities. Judy highlighted the charts showing the relationship between the funded and unfunded program targets over the next twenty years.
August 22, 2006, there will be an Open House for WTP Outreach to be held in Vancouver , and it will be at Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Vancouver office.
VI. Other Business
Justin Clary, City of Ridgefield, said there is a new traffic signal on Pioneer Street due to wet weather. WSDOT has it set up for one-lane with a signal until it is repaired, which will take approximately a month and half.
A. RTAC Members
State Highway System Plan Steve Matthews, WSDOT, distributed information and materials on the HSP. These included the 1) Highway System Planning & Programming Process, May 17, 2006, Draft, and 2) Highway System Planning and Programming Process, Working Draft, May 15, 2006, that provided a graphic showing the inter-relationships between the WTP, HSP and state, regional and local planning processes. In addition, materials were handed out on the most congested highway segments identified in the Clark County region: 1) SR-503, Fourth Plain to Gabriel Road, 2), SR-500, I-5 to Fourth Plain, and 3) SR-14, I-5 to Washougal East City Limits. Steven also explained that the entire lengths of I-5 and I-205 in Clark County had been identified as congested. Steven said that WSDOT had been working on the HSP database over the past few months and will work with stakeholders and partners to refine the information. Steve said he would be organizing a HSP workshop for RTAC members to be held in the next few weeks. He said that at the workshop, participants would be able to review and comments on low, medium and high cost solutions for the corridors. In answer to questions, Steven said that the HSP would be continually updated. He also said that WSDOT would continue to look at other corridors such as SR-501 and 502. Lynda David, RTC, suggested that information be provided in advance of the workshop.
Matt Ransom, City of Vancouver, said Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, would be speaking at the City Council meeting on Monday, June 19 to honor the City of Vancouver as a designated Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community. There are about fifty cities, nationwide, that have received designations. Vancouver joins cities such as Bend, Oregon, Denver, and Washington DC at the bronze level. The City of Portland has attained the gold level.
B. RTC Staff
Lynda David, RTC, asked that RTAC members review WSDOT Draft Strategic Highway Safety Plan: Target Zero that Judy Lorenzo had talked about as part of her WTP presentation earlier in the meeting. SAFETE LU requires states to develop a Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). The Plans must include policies, priorities, and strategies to improve the safety of the transportation system. Goals and objectives of approved SHSPs must be reflected in state and metropolitan transportation plans. Lynda said WSDOT is soliciting comments on the Plan until July 14, 2006. The document can be viewed at: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/planning/HighwaySafetyPlan.htm.
Dale Robins, RTC, reported the June RTAC meeting packets were made available on RTC’s Web site. Dale asked for feedback. RTAC members agreed they would like RTAC packets distributed as a PDF file and hard copies available at the meetings. Dale said he could also make handouts from the meeting available on the website.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m. The next meeting will be Friday July 21, 2006.
Regional Transportation Council
1300 Franklin Street, Floor 4
Vancouver, Washington 98660Tel: 360-397-6067
Fax: 360-397-6132
E-mail: info@rtc.wa.govServed by C-TRAN Route 3.
If you have special needs, please contact RTC.
       
|