Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Brown Bag Webinar Canx
The Brown Bag webinar has been cancelled for this Thursday given the lack of participants (there were only three registrants as of yesterday). The presentation will be available on the Port’s web site beginning on Thursday and will be available for viewing over the next few months. Viewers will be able to post questions/comments and receive feedback.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
President Obama announces transportation funding proposal
WSDOT’s Federal Transporation Issues blog reports that yesterday President Obama announced a proposal that includes a $50 billion "upfront investment" in roads, transit, rail and airport runways, and also provides clues about the administration's priorities for the next surface transportation program (such as moving away from earmarking to performance-based funding). It's part of a larger proposal to stimulate the economy and create jobs in the short term. Read more here
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Action Needed on Transportation Before Funding Out
The current extension of federal law reauthorizing the important federal funding for our transportation system expires on December 31, 2010.
We hear from Members of Congress and their staffs that the absence of vocal and widespread public engagement is a signal that doing a highway and transit reauthorization bill is not worth the effort.
Here is the U.S. Chamber’s interactive state map that will show you how much money and time our crumbling transportation system is costing consumers. Your cost: $266! That's time sitting in traffic thanks to inadequate capacity, the cost of fixing your car because of potholes, and the millions needed to bring our transit systems up to speed.
Take action by writing our elected officials and asking them to make transportation funding a priority before December.
We hear from Members of Congress and their staffs that the absence of vocal and widespread public engagement is a signal that doing a highway and transit reauthorization bill is not worth the effort.
Here is the U.S. Chamber’s interactive state map that will show you how much money and time our crumbling transportation system is costing consumers. Your cost: $266! That's time sitting in traffic thanks to inadequate capacity, the cost of fixing your car because of potholes, and the millions needed to bring our transit systems up to speed.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
SR-167 Extension Maintains Momentum
Contributed by Michael Transue, Government Affairs and Lobbying Services on behalf of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
The proposed extension of SR-167 from Puyallup to the Port of Tacoma is not a new idea – it has been envisioned in the highway’s design for approximately 30 years. On the one hand, the proposed SR-167 extension continues to lack full funding. On the other hand, the project’s economic rewards, including an estimated $10.1 billion in estimated new payroll, better freight mobility, and the creation of 79,000 jobs by 2025, remain true. Other important benefits include.
• Congestion relief on local roads and neighboring communities;
• Faster and safer local travel options for motorists and freight movement;
• Improved regional mobility by giving motorists and trucks much better access to I-5, the existing I-167 corridor, and the Port of Tacoma; and
• Enhanced surface water quality and improved stream habitat.
Planning for the future funding cycles and appropriations will be one key to the success of the project. The State continues to move forward in discussing (and hopefully funding at some point) the current list of outstanding mega transportation projects, including the SR-167 extension.
Pierce County businesses and business leaders will need to be ready to support and advocate to the legislature and other elected officials that the SR-167 extension be included in any proposed state-wide funding package. Several studies have been completed to date on the extension including an “SR-167 tolling feasibility study” recently completed by WSDOT.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has been asked by our business and government leaders to make the SR-167 project its top-tier priority moving forward – we can do so without diminishing our support for the Cross-Base highway. As the 2011 Session approaches, still in the mitts of a recession, a state-wide funding package seems unlikely. November 2009 election results will have some impact on the Legislature and our advocacy efforts – the extent to which we won’t know until then. The prospects for such a package in the 2012 Session seem much more likely.
To that end, the Transportation Partnership has been re-invigorated and re-established. The Partnership was the driving force for the transportation revenue packages at the state level in 2003 and 2005. The Partnership’s Steering Committee will consist of leaders from the labor community, businesses interests (Tacoma-Pierce County and Greater King County Chambers), the Washington Roundtable, and interests from the Spokane and Vancouver areas.
The Transportation Partnership intends to advocate for a state-wide effort to fund the construction of the remaining mega projects in the state – including the SR-167 extension. The early involvement, at all levels, by Pierce County’s business and government leaders is critical to the success of this project. As the Transportation Partnership develops its agenda, strategies, and action plan(s), the Chamber via RAMP will keep members and RAMP participants informed and encourage their involvement and advocacy at the appropriate time.
The proposed extension of SR-167 from Puyallup to the Port of Tacoma is not a new idea – it has been envisioned in the highway’s design for approximately 30 years. On the one hand, the proposed SR-167 extension continues to lack full funding. On the other hand, the project’s economic rewards, including an estimated $10.1 billion in estimated new payroll, better freight mobility, and the creation of 79,000 jobs by 2025, remain true. Other important benefits include.
• Congestion relief on local roads and neighboring communities;
• Faster and safer local travel options for motorists and freight movement;
• Improved regional mobility by giving motorists and trucks much better access to I-5, the existing I-167 corridor, and the Port of Tacoma; and
• Enhanced surface water quality and improved stream habitat.
Planning for the future funding cycles and appropriations will be one key to the success of the project. The State continues to move forward in discussing (and hopefully funding at some point) the current list of outstanding mega transportation projects, including the SR-167 extension.
Pierce County businesses and business leaders will need to be ready to support and advocate to the legislature and other elected officials that the SR-167 extension be included in any proposed state-wide funding package. Several studies have been completed to date on the extension including an “SR-167 tolling feasibility study” recently completed by WSDOT.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber has been asked by our business and government leaders to make the SR-167 project its top-tier priority moving forward – we can do so without diminishing our support for the Cross-Base highway. As the 2011 Session approaches, still in the mitts of a recession, a state-wide funding package seems unlikely. November 2009 election results will have some impact on the Legislature and our advocacy efforts – the extent to which we won’t know until then. The prospects for such a package in the 2012 Session seem much more likely.
To that end, the Transportation Partnership has been re-invigorated and re-established. The Partnership was the driving force for the transportation revenue packages at the state level in 2003 and 2005. The Partnership’s Steering Committee will consist of leaders from the labor community, businesses interests (Tacoma-Pierce County and Greater King County Chambers), the Washington Roundtable, and interests from the Spokane and Vancouver areas.
The Transportation Partnership intends to advocate for a state-wide effort to fund the construction of the remaining mega projects in the state – including the SR-167 extension. The early involvement, at all levels, by Pierce County’s business and government leaders is critical to the success of this project. As the Transportation Partnership develops its agenda, strategies, and action plan(s), the Chamber via RAMP will keep members and RAMP participants informed and encourage their involvement and advocacy at the appropriate time.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
TATS Brown Bag
TATS (Tideflats Area Transportation Study), begins its public involvement opportunities with a Brown Bag Luncheon on Sept. 9 (see enclosed flyer).
The TATS will examine conditions and ideitify roads to potential improvement to keep freight moving. This study is most important to the success of our economy as the port-industrial area is the heart of our economy.
Please note that if you are unable to attend, the event will be hosted via the web. For details on the webinar contact Kell McAboy.
click on image for a large view
The TATS will examine conditions and ideitify roads to potential improvement to keep freight moving. This study is most important to the success of our economy as the port-industrial area is the heart of our economy.
Please note that if you are unable to attend, the event will be hosted via the web. For details on the webinar contact Kell McAboy.
click on image for a large view
Thursday, August 19, 2010
RAMP comments on SR 167 tolling study
The co-chairs of the Regional Access Mobility Partnership (RAMP) have submitted comments to Secretary of Transportation, Paula Hammond in support of tolling on SR 167.
The co-chairs, the Executives of Pierce County, the Port of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber support the use of toll revenues to partially pay for construction cost associated with the extension of SR 167 between Puyallup and the Port of Tacoma.
Read the full letter here.
The co-chairs, the Executives of Pierce County, the Port of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber support the use of toll revenues to partially pay for construction cost associated with the extension of SR 167 between Puyallup and the Port of Tacoma.
Read the full letter here.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Tideflats Area Transportation Study
The Port of Tacoma has established a webpage for the Tideflats Area Transportation Study.
The Tideflats Area Transportation Study will identify future transportation needs for the growth of freight-related traffic to and from the Tacoma Tideflats area. The study will analyze existing transportation conditions and identify roads to be examined for potential improvement to keep freight moving.
The Tideflats Area Transportation Study will identify future transportation needs for the growth of freight-related traffic to and from the Tacoma Tideflats area. The study will analyze existing transportation conditions and identify roads to be examined for potential improvement to keep freight moving.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Governor seeks feedback on budget plans
The Live Wire blog of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber reports that Governor Gregoire and the Washington State Office of Financial Management will be conducting four executive budget hearings to share information on the budget and receive feedback from residents and businesses around the state.
Read more at: http://tacomachamber.blogspot.com/
Read more at: http://tacomachamber.blogspot.com/
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Partnership Creates More Access to Puyallup Sounder Station
Through an innovative partnership with the City of Puyallup and the Puyallup Fair and Events Center, Sound Transit is responding to the high demand for additional parking at the Puyallup Sounder station. The project creates a permanent 219-space park-and-ride lot by improving the Fair’s existing Red Lot, just minutes away from the Sounder station. Pierce Transit Route 495 will be timed to connect commuters to and from the train.
Join the project partners for the ground breaking. Monday, May 17, 11 a.m., Puyallup Fair's Red Lot: 5th St. SW and 7th Ave SW RSVP to events@soundtransit.org
With construction lasting only about three months, the lot will open for Puyallup Fair attendees this September and will be available to Sounder commuters beginning in October. Improvements include grading and paving the lot, plus adding drainage, landscaping, and replacement lighting. As part of Sound Transit’s commitment to using low-impact development techniques, the project incorporates a unique rain garden – or combination of soil and plant types -- that will collect water runoff from paved surfaces, serving as a natural stormwater management tool.
Project funding
The project’s $2.8 million budget will be covered by a combination of grant money and Sound Transit funds. Along with $250,000 in matching funds from Sound Transit’s budget, the project received a $1.85 million Regional Mobility Grant from the State of Washington. In addition, the City of Puyallup secured a $772,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration, USDOT.
For more information, visit www.soundtransit.org/puyallupparking
Join the project partners for the ground breaking. Monday, May 17, 11 a.m., Puyallup Fair's Red Lot: 5th St. SW and 7th Ave SW RSVP to events@soundtransit.org
With construction lasting only about three months, the lot will open for Puyallup Fair attendees this September and will be available to Sounder commuters beginning in October. Improvements include grading and paving the lot, plus adding drainage, landscaping, and replacement lighting. As part of Sound Transit’s commitment to using low-impact development techniques, the project incorporates a unique rain garden – or combination of soil and plant types -- that will collect water runoff from paved surfaces, serving as a natural stormwater management tool.
Project funding
The project’s $2.8 million budget will be covered by a combination of grant money and Sound Transit funds. Along with $250,000 in matching funds from Sound Transit’s budget, the project received a $1.85 million Regional Mobility Grant from the State of Washington. In addition, the City of Puyallup secured a $772,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration, USDOT.
For more information, visit www.soundtransit.org/puyallupparking
Friday, April 16, 2010
Construction Impacts Just Ahead
King County
Snohomish County
Whatcom/Skagit/Island Counties
Pierce County
For construction in the Tacoma Area, go here.
For additional information on roads in other counties, please visit here.
Construction for Thurston, and Kitsap Counties.
Monday, April 12, 2010
How did Pierce County fair in the state transportation budget?
The 2010 state transportation budget is a supplemental to the 2009-2011 biennial budget. It appropriates funding for the biennium only. There are few major changes or new projects in the 2010 budget compared to the biennial budget adopted in 2009. Any changes are generally modest adjustments to the spending plan.
The note worthy additions for Pierce County include:
- Funding for a new signal light at SR 702 and Mountain Highway
- Intersection improvements at Thorne Lane and Perimeter Road
- ARRA funds for high speed rail
Most columns in this summary of funded project in Pierce County represent an updated expenditure plan, not an actual appropriation.
The note worthy additions for Pierce County include:
- Funding for a new signal light at SR 702 and Mountain Highway
- Intersection improvements at Thorne Lane and Perimeter Road
- ARRA funds for high speed rail
Most columns in this summary of funded project in Pierce County represent an updated expenditure plan, not an actual appropriation.
Ramps to link SR 509 to Foss Peninsula
A presentation presented at last week’s RAMP meeting illustrates preliminary plans to better connect SR 509 to “D” Street on the Foss Peninsula. The proposal, a partnership between the Puyallup Tribe, BNSF, SSA Marine and the City of Tacoma would improve freight access to BNSF’s main rail yard.
The cost of the project is estimated to be $19 million. Construction could begin in late 2010 if all identified funds are secured.
The cost of the project is estimated to be $19 million. Construction could begin in late 2010 if all identified funds are secured.
Pierce County HOV lane construction planned through 2022
A series of HOV lane projects are planned for Pierce County through 2022. WSDOT’s Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program builds 70 high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane miles in seven separate construction projects that will help move traffic into and through Pierce County.Currently, two projects are under construction
- Westbound Nalley Valley on SR 16
- Extension of HOV lanes on I-5 from the King/Pierce County line to Port of Tacoma Road
Future projects include:
- Eastbound Nalley Valley on SR 16
- Northbound I-5 Port of Tacoma Road to Portland Ave.
- Southbound I-5 Port of Tacoma Road to Portland Ave.
- I-5 Portland Ave. to M Street
- I-5/ SR 16 HOV Connectors
More information on each project is available in a recent presentation to RAMP and on the WSDOT website.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Recovery Depends on Freight Infrastructure
The Washington State DOT Freight Systems Division has developed a document outlining Washington State's freight priorities.
The Washington State Freight Priorities folio defines how important Washington State's freight infrastructure is to the state economy; shows samples of statewide freight dependent businesses and how Washington’s distribution system is essential to local communities; and highlights priority statewide freight deficiency improvements and how they impact Washington manufacturers and farmers who rely on the transportation network to ship their products.
For more information on this document, or if you have questions, please contact freight@wsdot.wa.gov
The Washington State Freight Priorities folio defines how important Washington State's freight infrastructure is to the state economy; shows samples of statewide freight dependent businesses and how Washington’s distribution system is essential to local communities; and highlights priority statewide freight deficiency improvements and how they impact Washington manufacturers and farmers who rely on the transportation network to ship their products.
For more information on this document, or if you have questions, please contact freight@wsdot.wa.gov
Monday, March 29, 2010
Air Cargo Compliance Deadline Nears
The Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) will be conducting a Town Hall meeting to discuss the 100% cargo screening law which will be fully implemented in August, and the Certified Cargo Screening Program’s (CCSP) role in complying with this mandate.
The meeting is on April 7th 9:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, 17620 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98188. Anyone is interested in attending,can register here.
Remember, on August 1st, if cargo is not screened, it will not be transported by passenger aircraft!
If you interested in participating in the CCSP, but cannot attend the Seattle session, they are encouraged to contact Lon Siro, Regional Coordinator, Transportation Security Administration, 503-889-3074.
The meeting is on April 7th 9:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, 17620 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98188. Anyone is interested in attending,can register here.
Remember, on August 1st, if cargo is not screened, it will not be transported by passenger aircraft!
If you interested in participating in the CCSP, but cannot attend the Seattle session, they are encouraged to contact Lon Siro, Regional Coordinator, Transportation Security Administration, 503-889-3074.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Transportation 2040 goes for a vote
Transportation 2040 the 30-year regional action plan for transportation investments in central Puget Sound will be adopted by the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Executive Board this spring. In the next 30 years, the region is anticipated to grow by 1.5 million people, 393,000 in Pierce County.
Over time this growth will significantly impact demand on our region’s highways and transit systems. Transportation 2040 attempts to strategically plan for future transportation investments based on the anticipated demand, while considering environmental impacts, monitoring and how to pay for the capital and on-going costs of infrastructure.
Historically, stakeholders in Pierce County have been particularly concerned with insuring equitable geographic distribution of transportation dollars and strategic roadway and transit investments that aid the growth of economic opportunities in Pierce County. These stakeholders (all active RAMP participants) include Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Pierce County, Port of Tacoma, City of Tacoma and the EDB have commented on the draft Transportation 2040 plan.
The comments of these stakeholders are diverse and illustrate some of the competing perspectives of how development patterns should be influenced to best grow the Pierce County economy in the coming decades. Correspondingly, some stakeholders diverge on how and where to fund transit investments. Given that much of Pierce County has relatively sprawling land uses, where transit investments are less efficient, stakeholders with more auto-oriented constituent groups are, not surprisingly, more concerned with making roadway investments than those who serve urban population centers.
Next Steps:
March 19th Release of Final Environmental Impact Statement
March 25th PSRC Executive Board Recommendation
May 20th PSRC General Assembly Action
Over time this growth will significantly impact demand on our region’s highways and transit systems. Transportation 2040 attempts to strategically plan for future transportation investments based on the anticipated demand, while considering environmental impacts, monitoring and how to pay for the capital and on-going costs of infrastructure.
Historically, stakeholders in Pierce County have been particularly concerned with insuring equitable geographic distribution of transportation dollars and strategic roadway and transit investments that aid the growth of economic opportunities in Pierce County. These stakeholders (all active RAMP participants) include Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Pierce County, Port of Tacoma, City of Tacoma and the EDB have commented on the draft Transportation 2040 plan.
The comments of these stakeholders are diverse and illustrate some of the competing perspectives of how development patterns should be influenced to best grow the Pierce County economy in the coming decades. Correspondingly, some stakeholders diverge on how and where to fund transit investments. Given that much of Pierce County has relatively sprawling land uses, where transit investments are less efficient, stakeholders with more auto-oriented constituent groups are, not surprisingly, more concerned with making roadway investments than those who serve urban population centers.
Next Steps:
March 19th Release of Final Environmental Impact Statement
March 25th PSRC Executive Board Recommendation
May 20th PSRC General Assembly Action
Friday, March 12, 2010
Pierce County comments on draft Transportation 2040
Collectively stakeholders in Pierce County continue to advocate in the Puget Sound Region for equitable geographic distribution of transportation dollars and strategic roadway and transit investments that aid the growth of economic opportunities in Pierce County.
Here are the comments on the draft Transportion 2040 plan from:
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
City of Tacoma
Pierce County
Economic Development Board of Pierce County
Here are the comments on the draft Transportion 2040 plan from:
Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
City of Tacoma
Pierce County
Economic Development Board of Pierce County
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Road improvements in Frederickson to close 176th St. E
Over the next three years, starting this summer, much of 176th Street E. in Frederickson will be under construction along with a nearby stretch of Canyon Road. The construction projects will result in considerable vehicle and pedestrian improvements including: widening roadways to add lanes, medians, sidewalks, street lights and traffic signals, as well as a new bridge over the railroad tracks just west of Canyon Road.
Once complete, the improvements will be a significant benefit to the community. However, in the meantime construction delays and road closures will be a major inconvenience to the traveling public. Residents and businesses should plan for the following road closures:
Late Summer 2010:
10-day road closure of 176th St E between 38th Ave E and 51st Ave E
Late Summer/Fall 2010:
4-week westbound lane closure of 176th St E between Waller Rd E and 36th Ave E
Spring/Summer 2011:
4-month road closure of 176th St E for new bridge construction
Pierce County is committed to completing the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. The County issued construction bonds to fund these projects simultaneously rather than spreading the work out over multiple years as separate projects, which would have created years of detours and delays rather than a few months of closures.
Residents and businesses should plan ahead for this construction as detour routes will add an average of 30 minutes to trips and upwards of an hour during peak commute time. This may be a good time to form a carpool, work a different shift, or telecommute. Avoiding the detour routes during the morning and afternoon rush will help save time and inconvenience.
For more information Read the project newsletter, visit the project website, or contact project manager, Ramiro Chavez, ramiro.chavez@co.pierce.wa.us, (253) 798-7041.
Once complete, the improvements will be a significant benefit to the community. However, in the meantime construction delays and road closures will be a major inconvenience to the traveling public. Residents and businesses should plan for the following road closures:
Late Summer 2010:
10-day road closure of 176th St E between 38th Ave E and 51st Ave E
Late Summer/Fall 2010:
4-week westbound lane closure of 176th St E between Waller Rd E and 36th Ave E
Spring/Summer 2011:
4-month road closure of 176th St E for new bridge construction
Pierce County is committed to completing the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. The County issued construction bonds to fund these projects simultaneously rather than spreading the work out over multiple years as separate projects, which would have created years of detours and delays rather than a few months of closures.
Residents and businesses should plan ahead for this construction as detour routes will add an average of 30 minutes to trips and upwards of an hour during peak commute time. This may be a good time to form a carpool, work a different shift, or telecommute. Avoiding the detour routes during the morning and afternoon rush will help save time and inconvenience.
For more information Read the project newsletter, visit the project website, or contact project manager, Ramiro Chavez, ramiro.chavez@co.pierce.wa.us, (253) 798-7041.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Air Cargo Compliance Deadline Nears
A law requiring the screening of 100% of items transported on passenger aircraft will become effective this coming August. The deadline of August 1, 2010 is Congressionally mandated.
There are regional town hall meetings and monthly Webinars to provide information regarding the 100% cargo screening mandate (and the Certified Cargo Screening Program) and to answer questions from shippers and freight forwarders.
The Non-Sensitive Security Information (SSI) version of the TSA Air Cargo ScreeningTechnology List Version 2.0 has been posted online.
This list indicates the technologies that can be used by air carriers, indirect air carriers, independent cargo screening facilities, and shippers in the Certified Cargo Screening Program to screen for domestic and outbound (of the U.S.) air cargo.
The next free webinar of the series on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 1:00 p.m. EST, titled: “Is package integrity critical to your business?” features TSA’s Marc Rossi, Certified Cargo Screening (CCSP) Program Branch Chief and guest speaker Brad Elrod, Senior Manager of Global Logistics Security, Pfizer, Inc.
There will be a series of webinars occuring monthly through June. If you haven’t registered for one of the free webinars or road shows, please visit this site. The next TSA Town Hall in Seattle will be April 7-8, 2010. Visit here to register.
Information regarding CCSP is now directly available via the TSA website. To access TSA’s CCSP, use this address.
For further information, you may contact Lon Siro, Regional Coordinator (PCSA)- Pacific Northwest and North Central Plains, Certified Cargo Screening Program.
There are regional town hall meetings and monthly Webinars to provide information regarding the 100% cargo screening mandate (and the Certified Cargo Screening Program) and to answer questions from shippers and freight forwarders.
The Non-Sensitive Security Information (SSI) version of the TSA Air Cargo ScreeningTechnology List Version 2.0 has been posted online.
This list indicates the technologies that can be used by air carriers, indirect air carriers, independent cargo screening facilities, and shippers in the Certified Cargo Screening Program to screen for domestic and outbound (of the U.S.) air cargo.
The next free webinar of the series on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 1:00 p.m. EST, titled: “Is package integrity critical to your business?” features TSA’s Marc Rossi, Certified Cargo Screening (CCSP) Program Branch Chief and guest speaker Brad Elrod, Senior Manager of Global Logistics Security, Pfizer, Inc.
There will be a series of webinars occuring monthly through June. If you haven’t registered for one of the free webinars or road shows, please visit this site. The next TSA Town Hall in Seattle will be April 7-8, 2010. Visit here to register.
Information regarding CCSP is now directly available via the TSA website. To access TSA’s CCSP, use this address.
For further information, you may contact Lon Siro, Regional Coordinator (PCSA)- Pacific Northwest and North Central Plains, Certified Cargo Screening Program.
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