SPOKANE, Wash. – Over the past two days, Spokane has hosted the Washington Transportation Commission. The event provided an opportunity for the region to highlight its transportation successes and challenges as the state sets priorities for the future.
Charlene Kay, WSDOT Regional Administrator, emphasized the importance of transportation. “I think everyone has acknowledged that transportation is foundational to economic vitality – quality of life in communities,” she said.
While the North South Highway remains a key priority for the region, the session aimed to set goals extending well beyond its completion. The state transportation commission is focusing on trends such as community growth and proactively identifying projects that will serve residents in the coming decades.
A significant challenge is securing the necessary funds for improvements and expansions. Debbie Young, Washington Transportation Committee Chair, discussed the need for new funding methods. “Because we’re all driving more fuel efficient vehicles and our system is funded by gas tax, we’re going to need to find a replacement for gas tax as a way to fund our transportation system,” she said. She added they are considering a possible road usage charge.
The Washington Transportation Plan Vision 2050 is a comprehensive policy framework for the entire state. It provides strategies for all jurisdictions that issue transportation plans or operate transportation modes. The plan also helps demonstrate compliance with federal planning requirements.
A draft of the Washington Transportation Plan Vision 2050 is now open for public comment. Feedback is due by July 18.
Feedback can be submitted through an online form, email, phone, or mail. You can access that information here.
The commission stated it conducted extensive partner and public engagement to update the state’s long-range transportation policy plan. Feedback was gathered from statewide partners and experts at meetings held both in-person and virtually.
You can find a copy of the proposed plan here or look the document over below.
