Puget Sound Regional Council                                   psrc.org
  Regional Coordination     at work
  Transportation Policy Board and Growth Management Policy Board
 
              July 9, 2008

The Transportation Policy Board provided direction on climate change for the alternatives in the development of Transportation 2040.

As part of the update to the region's long-range transportation plan, research into how best to incorporate climate change implications, and their relationship to vehicle miles traveled, is being considered as the alternatives are being crafted. The board directed staff to look at both emissions reductions through technology and vehicle miles traveled reductions through strategies like increased transit, land use or behavioral changes.

For more information, contact Kelly McGourty at 206-971-3601 or kmcgourty@psrc.org.

The Transportation Policy Board was briefed on the status of federal surface transportation programs.

The current federal surface transportation act, SAFETEA-LU, is set to expire in October 2009. Discussions are underway nationally to determine what the next act will focus on. Recommendations from a National Commission on Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue were reviewed which include both reforms to the federal transportation program and increased federal revenue.

For more information, contact Charlie Howard at 206-464-7122 or choward@psrc.org.

In other business, the Transportation Policy Board:

  • Recommended adoption of a routine amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) including six projects from Everett, Issaquah, Lakewood, and Pierce County.
  • Recommended authorization of a minor amendment to Destination 2030, adding the Spokane Street Viaduct 4th Avenue off-ramp as a new project of the Washington State Department of Transportation's.
  • Recommended authorizing the change of project status for two Destination 2030 projects from candidate to approved.

    The Growth Management Policy Board heard a presentation on recently enacted climate change legislation and related work from Karen Larkin, Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.

    The Climate Framework Bill (ESSHB 2815) establishes guidance for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, further development of a green economy, and Washington state's participation in a regional cap and trade program. Recommendations from the Climate Action Team on these issues are due to the state Legislature by December 1, 2008.

    The Land Use and Climate Change Bill (ESSB 6580) requires CTED to prepare a report by December 1, 2008 relating to mitigation of the impacts of climate change through the Growth Management Act (GMA). Part of this work includes developing a common computer model for estimating greenhouse gas emissions related to land use decisions, which could be used by all local governments in the state.

    More information on state climate change efforts can be found at the Department of Ecology's website, http://www.ecy.wa.gov. For more information, contact Norman Abbott at 206-464-7134, nabbott@psrc.org.

    The Growth Management Policy Board heard an overview of PSRC work to address climate change.

    Building on VISION 2040 policies, planning for climate change is being incorporated into the update of the regional transportation plan, Transportation 2040. PSRC is using two technical tools that will better analyze greenhouse gas emissions:

  • A Federal Highway Administration grant is funding technical improvements to the PSRC's travel demand model so it can more accurately answer questions about the impacts of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions from various transportation and land use strategies (such as pricing, transportation demand management, and urban design).
  • Working with FHWA and the Environmental Protection Agency, PSRC is using an advance copy of the draft emissions software MOVES (Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator) to more accurately estimate greenhouse gas emissions, particularly at varying speeds.

    In addition, PSRC has formed a regional Climate Change Technical Working Group, and is working closely with state agencies as they move forward on the implementation of state legislation for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled.

    For more information, contact Kelly McGourty at 206-971-3601, kmcgourty@psrc.org.

    The Growth Management Policy Board finalized the questions that will be addressed in future presentations by Regional Growth Centers.

    The policy board is requesting that each of the 17 cities (plus Silverdale) containing a Regional Growth Center provide the board with a status report. These centers are a core component of VISION 2040, serving as the regional hubs for jobs, housing, services, cultural activities, and transportation.

    For more information, contact Norman Abbott at 206-464-7134, nabbott@psrc.org.

    In other business, the Growth Management Policy Board:

  • Heard an update from Councilmember Dale Rudolph on the Destination 2030 Working Group.
  • Received notice of the Pro Walk/Pro Bike 2008 Conference, which will be held September 2-5, 2008, at the Westin Hotel Seattle. See http://www.bikewalk.org/2008conference/index.html for more information.