RAMP Features Current Issus Updates

RAMP 3/5/14 @ 8AM

AGENDA  -  March 5, 2014

The Fabulich Center

3600 Port of Tacoma Road; 98424

 

8:00     Welcome & Self-Introductions                                  

  

8:10     Transportation 2040 Update

            Charlie Howard, Director of Integrated Planning, Puget Sound Regional Council
 

8:30     Port of Tacoma Road Rebuild

            Tom Rutherford, Project Manager, City of Tacoma

8:45     Round Robin/Good of the Order

9:00     Closing Remarks & Adjourn

 

Next RAMP Meeting

April 2, 2014
Fabulich Center; 3600 Port of Tacoma Road; 98424

 

RAMP is a regional coalition including business, labor, public and private organizations and citizens dedicated to improved mobility in the South Sound and Washington State.  Our mission is to ensure a healthy regional economy associated with the development of an effective, efficient transportation system and the resources to sustain it. RAMP is co-chaired by Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson. 

RAMP Legislative Priority Gains Big Support Across the State

Groups from across the State of Washington came together yesterday in a strong show of support for the proposed Transportation Investment Package.  Democrats, Republicans and leaders from business, labor, ports and local government were all represented at the rally in Olympia.

The event was emceed by the Mayor of Auburn, Pete Lewis, who introduced speakers including Governor Jay Inslee, Congressman Denny Heck, State Senator Tracy Eide, State Representative Judy Clibborn, State Representative Hans Zeiger and State Representative Dave Upthegrove.  Local government officials also spoke in support of the package, as did representatives from business, labor and local ports.

Congressman Heck summarized the theme of the rally when he stated, “We can’t let politics get in the way of this transportation package. Our state needs a modern infrastructure to compete in the 21st-century global economy. Thousands of family-wage jobs are at stake. The time to act is now.”

In taking a look at the crowd on the steps, Scott Mason President ILWU Local 23 observed that, “Usually you would see just labor, or business.  What I see here are all factions of our statewide economic base turning out to support a single idea; invest in our transportation system now or our State will be quickly outcompeted both domestically and worldwide in the movement of goods around the globe.  There are no more excuses – pass the Transportation Revenue Package this session.”

In Washington State, four out of every ten jobs are trade dependent. It’s for this reason that so many disparate groups came together today to show that there is no time to waste on modernizing our infrastructure for 21st-century global trade. Our leaders in Olympia must act now and vote to approve the Transportation Revenue Package.

Transportation Funding Rally May 20, 2013 Media Coverage

Thursday, May 16:
Business Examiner - http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/May-2013/Pierce-Chamber-to-join-transportation-package-rally/

Seattle Times (Editorial) - http://seattletimes.com/html/editorials/2021001198_edittransportationxml.html

Sunday, May 19:
News Tribune - http://m.thenewstribune.com/newstrib/db_108680/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=1OB7kY3l

Monday, May 20:
News Tribune - http://blog.thenewstribune.com/politics/2013/05/20/morning-update-special-session-day-8-2/

Business Examiner - http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/May-2013/Capital-steps-rally-backs-Transport-funding/

Seattle Times - http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021023827_apwaxgrtransportationrally3rdldwritethru.html?prmid=obinsource

KING 5 - http://www.king5.com/news/politics/Despite-rally-for-transportation-package-I-5-bridge-remains-a-concern-208231511.html

KIRO 7:
• http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/legislative/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/nXxTb/
• http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/washington/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/psLLb/
• http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/washington/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/psLLd/
• http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/washington/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/psLLX/
• http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/washington/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/psLLY/
• http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/washington/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/psLLZ/
• http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/washington/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/psLLc/

Q13 Fox - http://q13fox.com/2013/05/20/inslee-if-you-want-roads-bridges-repaired-raise-the-gas-tax/#axzz2TwukLMVR

Kitsap Sun -  http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/may/20/inslee-speaks-at-transportation-revenue-rally/#axzz2Twtnxz6E

Wenatchee World Online - http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/may/20/inslee-signs-87-billion-transportation-budget/

Spokesman Review -http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2013/may/20/inslee-vetoes-part-transportation-budget/

Westport News - http://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Inslee-signs-transportation-budget-4532425.php

Transportation Infrastructure in WA

A new Association of Washington Business (AWB) transportation report highlights employer concerns about transportation.

Aging infrastructure, bottlenecks at key ports and continued concerns about the financing of future projects are just a few of the top transportation worries for Washington state employers. That’s according to a new report published today by AWB, issued today during AWB’s 2013 Legislative Day in Olympia.

“In many ways, transportation is the lifeblood of our economy. We rely on our bridges, roadways, water, rail and airways to move people, goods and services on a daily basis. Any delays can have big economic impacts for business and our overall competitiveness as a state,” said AWB President Don Brunell.

The report captures the findings of focus groups held with purchasers and suppliers of transportation and logistics services around the state in the fall of 2012. AWB member companies were invited to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns about the economic, regulatory and workforce challenges faced by their industry. Sessions were held in Moses Lake, Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Renton, Seattle, Bremerton, Yakima and Mount Vernon.

“Transportation infrastructure is a critical piece in building a strong economy and providing jobs,” said Mike Ennis, AWB government affairs director for transportation policy. “Traffic congestion, choke points, and crumbling roads create risk, drive up costs and act as a drag on the economy. It’s clear from this report and other feedback we’ve received from our members that the current transportation revenue streams are not adequate,” said Ennis.

“This session, we are working closely with lawmakers and other key stakeholders to find solutions that will preserve the projects currently in place and prioritize those next in the queue.”

Among the report’s key findings:

·         Infrastructure Needs: Several transportation projects have been identified in the state that are critical to business growth, including the North South Freeway in Spokane; completion of State Routes 520 in Seattle and 167 in south King and north Pierce counties; and the Columbia River Crossing in Vancouver.

·         Funding: There is a lack of maintenance and operation funding for existing transportation infrastructure and the decline in the purchasing power of gas tax revenue has put new projects in jeopardy.

·         Overregulation: Overregulation for the transportation and logistics industry makes it difficult to provide efficient services to business.

·         Environmental Mitigation: Costs of environmental mitigation studies and programs are redundant leading to increased project costs and long delays in project completion.

·         Port Bottlenecks: Bottlenecks at the Port of Seattle continue to frustrate efforts to get goods to market in a timely manner.

·         Workforce Needs: The combination of an aging workforce and a dwindling pipeline of new workers is threatening the viability of the transportation industry.

To view the report in full, visit the AWB Institute here.

Transportation Projects, SR 167, Highlight Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Leg Day

On Friday, February 1, 2013 several key area business leaders met with Pierce County legislators for the Tacoma- Pierce County Chamber of Commerce’s first Legislative Advocacy Day of the session.

At the informal luncheon, business leaders and legislators discussed numerous issues, such as healthcare, education, and workforce and economic development. However, the major topic under discussion was transportation, and in particular, the full funding and complete construction of State Route 167, a top priority for the Chamber.

We have previously discussed the history behind the project. Still, it is important to note the project’s state-wide economic significance, the major driver for its completion. The project would not only create much needed jobs, but the completion would also speed up the shipment of freight through the Port of Tacoma, making it quicker, cheaper, and more efficient to transport goods from Eastern Washington and the Kent and Puyallup River valleys to international markets through the Port of Tacoma.

Other high priority projects discussed include the JBLM –I-5 Corridor and the Cross-Base highway.

Notable Pierce County legislators holding positions on the Senate and House Transportation Committees that were in attendance of the luncheon include Sen. Nathan Schlicher (D), Rep. Jan Angel (R), Rep. Linda Kochmar (R), Rep. Hans Zeiger (R), and Rep. Jake Fey (D).

RAMP 2/6 @ 8AM

AGENDA  -  February 6, 2013

The Fabulich Center

3600 Port of Tacoma Road; 98424

8:00     Welcome & Self-Introductions                                  

            Pat McCarthy, Co-Chair, Pierce County Executive             

8:05     Future Transportation Revenue and Needs

            Doug Vaughn, Director of Budget and Financial Analysis, WSDOT

8:25     SR-167 Completion Coalition

            Tim Thompson, Thompson & Smitch Consulting Group

8:45     Round Robin

9:00     Closing Remarks & Adjourn

            John Wolfe, Co-Chair, Port of Tacoma CEO

           

Next RAMP Meeting

Wednesday, March 6th – Details TBD

RAMP is a regional coalition including business, labor, public and private organizations and citizens dedicated to improved mobility in the South Sound and Washington State.  Our mission is to ensure a healthy regional economy associated with the development of an effective, efficient transportation system and the resources to sustain it. RAMP is co-chaired by Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson. 

Renewed Energy Toward 167 Completion

The new year rang in new congressmen, state legislatures, and coalitions that aim to apply renewed energy toward old transportation issues: the completion of State Route 167.

Construction on the highway was halted in the 1980s, leaving the final six miles from Puyallup to Tacoma unfinished. Proponents of the project argue that it would create much needed jobs, reduce congestion and pollution, and speed up the shipment of freight through the Port of Tacoma, thereby holding statewide economic importance. The project, which would require construction of dozens of bridges and a complicated interchange with I-5, has a current estimated cost of $1.5 billion.

Many local political, business, and community leaders and organizations have made the completion of SR 167 a top priority, forming the 167 Completion Coalition, aimed at finishing this critical transportation project. The Coalition consists of Congressman Denny Heck (D-10), CEO/ President of the Tacoma- Pierce County Chamber, Tom Pierson, and many others.

The News Tribune cites House Transportation Committee Chairwoman Judy Clibborn as suggesting various methods to raise the money for SR 167, such as gas taxes and tolls, although tolling would likely bring in only a fraction of the cost since drivers can find an alternate route to avoid the toll.  

While it is uncertain how the completion of SR 167 would be funded, it is clear that the project is headed in the right direction.

Gregoire Releases Transportation Budget Proposal

Today outgoing Governor Chris Gregoire released her final budget proposal for the state legislature, which included a transportation budget proposal.

Gregoire highlighted transportation as “the backbone of our economy,” noting that the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma transport “99.7 percent of the state’s international container traffic.” The proposal also said that transportation projects provide much needed jobs while ensuring reliability for businesses to move goods and employees.

The proposal suggested investing in eight important transportation projects, of which two are located in Pierce County: State Route 167 Tacoma to Puyallup new corridor and Interstate 5/ Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

SR 167 was described as a “critical missing link in the state highway network.” The project was estimated at costing $1.5 billion.

Likewise, I5/ JBLM was noted as being a “critical economic lifeline for Washington and the Pacific Northwest” and a “backbone of connectivity to the ports of Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia.” This project was cited as costing $820 million.

The proposal, unfortunately, did not include a revenue package that would fund SR 167, I5/ JBLM, or any other transportation project. Instead, Gregoire proposed an excise tax on gasoline and diesel projected at $1 billion to fund K-12 student transportation services, calling into question how these transportation projects so vital to our economy will be funded.

Gregoire Prepares Major Transportation Package

The Tacoma News Tribune reported that outgoing Governor Chris Gregoire is preparing a multi-billion dollar transportation package to be released in a budget proposal next week.

While the article noted a few major projects, it did not mention State Route 167. Gregoire said that while all of the road projects were important, any transportation package will be “dominated by maintenance and operation,” suggesting that the completion of SR-167 may be left out.

SR-167 is the primary freeway connecting the Kent and Puyallup River valleys to the Seattle/ Tacoma/ Bellevue metropolitan area. Construction of the final leg of the freeway from Puyallup to Tacoma halted in the 1980s. Completion of the project, a critical missing link in the state’s highway network, would improve safety while reducing congestion along local roads and freeways in the surrounding area. It would also move freight faster and more economically, connecting the warehouses of the valleys, as well as freeways of Eastern Washington, to the Port of Tacoma. The project would also improve surface water quality and holds other environmental benefits.

Currently, the cost to complete SR-167 is estimated at $1.5 billion. Given the project’s statewide significance, it would be detrimental if the much needed completion of SR-167 were left out of any transportation package. 

RAMP 9/5 @ 8AM

Agenda - 9/5/12

The Fabulich Center

3600 Port of Tacoma Road; 98424

  

8:00     Welcome & Self-Introductions                                  

            John Wolfe, Co-Chair, Port of Tacoma                        

8:05     Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century (MAP-21)

            Charlie Howard, Puget Sound Regional Council

8:20     Federal Transportation Update

            Carl Seip, Senator Cantwell’s Office

8:30     SR 509 to East D Street Slip Ramps

            Jilma Jimenez, BergerABAM

            Tom Rutherford, City of Tacoma

8:45     Round Robin

      

9:00     Closing Remarks & Adjourn

            Pat McCarthy, Co-Chair, Pierce County

Next RAMP Meeting

Wednesday, October 3^rd - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – The Fabulich Center

RAMP is a regional coalition including business, labor, public and private organizations and citizens dedicated to improved mobility in the South Sound and Washington State.  Our mission is to ensure a healthy regional economy associated with the development of an effective, efficient transportation system and the resources to sustain it. RAMP is co-chaired by Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson.

Truckers back completion of SR-167

Several trucking companies from around Washington state joined the chorus calling on lawmakers to complete SR 167, a critical freight corridor of state and national significance. Finishing the remaining six miles to SR 167 from its end in Puyallup to the Port industrial area will improve access to the Port of Tacoma. 

Trucking companies expressing their support for the project include Premier Transport, PCC Logistics, Tacoma Transload and D&B Trucking of Tacoma, Tyson Trucking of Eatonville, American Container Transport of Ellensburg, Truck Force of Vancouver and Truck Express of Covington. 

For more information on SR-167, please see: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR167/TacomaToEdgewood/

Rail Project Will Improve Flow of Freight

President Barack Obama announced  that a project to improve mainline rail connections near the Port of Tacoma is one of four to be expedited by the federal government. The Point Defiance Bypass in Tacoma will relieve chokepoints near the Port by re-routing passenger rail and improving the flow of cargo to and from the Port. The project has already received $91 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

To better understand how this project improves freight mobility, please see: http://www.portoftacoma.com/govt-affairs

SR 509/East D Street Slip Ramps Open House

From the City of Tacoma:

You’re invited to an open house to learn more about the upcoming State Route 509/East D Street slip ramp project. The open house is scheduled for Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. in Room 405 of the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center (1500 Broadway).

The open house will focus on informing City residents, businesses and property owners in the area about the project features and schedule. The open house will also give participants an opportunity to comment on the preferred design alternative, or two alternatives if a preferred alternative decision has not been made.

The City will lead the design of a street and highway interchange at State Route 509 and East D Street. Once constructed, the interchange will improve freight movement into and from the Port of Tacoma as well as access to businesses on either side of the Thea Foss Waterway and to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail yard.

The project is entering the initial stage of selecting a preferred interchange design alternative and preparing the environmental documentation. Comment cards will be available for meeting participants to provide feedback to the project team. Additional project information is available at www.cityoftacoma.org/SR509.

RAMP 6/6 @ 8AM

Agenda - 6/6/12

The Fabulich Center

3600 Port of Tacoma Road

; 98424

8:00     Welcome & Self-Introductions                                  

            Tom Pierson, Co-Chair, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber             

8:05     SR-520 Bridge & Pierce County

            Julie Meredith, WSDOT

8:20     Puyallup River Bridge Construction

            Chris Larson, City of Tacoma

8:35     Port of Tacoma Strategic Plan Update

            Don Meyer, Port of Tacoma Commissioner

8:45     Round Robin

     

9:00     Closing Remarks & Adjourn

            Pat McCarthy, Co-Chair, Pierce County

           

Next RAMP Meeting

Wednesday, September 5^th - 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – The Fabulich Center

RAMP is a regional coalition including business, labor, public and private organizations and citizens dedicated to improved mobility in the South Sound and Washington State.  Our mission is to ensure a healthy regional economy associated with the development of an effective, efficient transportation system and the resources to sustain it. RAMP is co-chaired by Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe and Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber President & CEO Tom Pierson. 

Proposed Trans Package Too Light

Gov. Gregoire's 10-year, $3.7 billion transportation funding proposal  focuses on maintaining and preserving the state's existing transportation system. The package does not include any essential capacity improvement projects, such as completing State Route 167.

Completing the remaining six miles of SR-167 is of critical importance to Pierce County. The project will improve mobility, and spur economic growth and jobs. Learn more.

SR 167: Still Unfinished Over 30 Years Later

The News Tribune had an in depth article discussing the long history of the SR 167 stub in Puyallup.  For over 30 years, Pierce County residents and businesses have waited for a quality connection from the Port of Tacoma, Fife and Puyallup to Sumner, Auburn, east King County, and eastern Washington.

As the Port of Tacoma's Sean Eagan told the reporter, "It's a project that makes sense.  It helps complete our regional road network.  It should help us create and keep jobs.  And that's what's most important these days."

The chamber recognizes the importance of this connection to both the local and regional economy.  The chamber has supported this project through RAMP and other advocacy opportunities.  Recently, Tom Pierson, Chamber President and CEO, was appointed to the SR 167 Tolling Stakeholder Committee that is working with DOT staff to develop a proposal for the state legislature.

In addition, as the Chamber prepares its legislative agenda for 2012, it will continue to advocate for the completion of this critical piece of infrastructure.  Time and again, we have heard from business and industry that this road is critical to keeping south Puget Sound competitive over the next 30 years.  If you have additional thoughts on how the completion of SR 167 will help your business, employees or customers, please let us know.

Avoid Gridlock - Build 167!

Kell McAboy, Planner, Port of Tacoma, briefed the Chamber's Port-Industrial Committee members about the Tacoma Area Transportation Study Final Report.

McAboy noted the SR 167 project was a baseline condition that must be done. Without it, the 2030 planning horizon forecast transportation gridlock. The current cost of SR 167 is estimated at $1.9 billion.  Or, as one wag said, "Just a tunnel short of funding."

The TATS study was done to provide the documentation needed to address future transportation projects. The eight stakeholders* began meeting July 22 to consider prioritization and future action to be taken as a result of this study.

That PowerPoint and other info can be found at this weblink on the Port of Tacoma website.

• Washington State Department of Transportation
• Port of Tacoma
• City of Fife
• City of Tacoma
• SSA Marine
• Pierce County
• Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
• Marine View Ventures

PIC a TATS in July

PORT-INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE

Meeting Notice
Thursday, July 21
3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Chamber offices
Simpson Community Room
950 Pacific Ave., Ste. 300
(NW corner 11th & Pacific Ave.)

TIDEFLATS AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY FINAL REPORT

Presentation by Kell McAboy, Planner, Port of Tacoma

The TATS identifies future transportation needs for the growth of freight-related traffic to and from the Tacoma Tideflats area. The Port partnered with seven stakeholders to complete the study.

The study analyzed existing transportation conditions and identified roads to be examined for potential improvement to keep freight moving. The result is a plan to enhance the economic benefits of the Tacoma Tideflats area, improve roadway traffic circulation and reduce congestion.

TATS and Pierce Transit at RAMP Today

RAMP attendees were treated to three presentations at RAMP this morning.

For a follow-up on the Update in the service reductions of Pierce Transit by Jessyn Ferrell, Pierce Transit, please go here.

For a follow-up on the final Tideflats Area Transportation Study report and a PPT presentation by Kell McAboy, Planner, Port of Tacoma, go to the links in this sentence.

Attendees were also treated to a briefing by Larry Ehl, Transportation Issues Daily and Allison Camden, Federal Relations Manager,WSDOT on the hoped for federal transportation act. 

• The House bill will have a focus on roads nd will have significant decreases for state budgets. The House bill is expected to create a 35% reduction from previous funding levels.  A Republican press conference is scheduled for tomorrow.
• The Senate's bi-partisan bill, limited to two years, will maintain current funding levels, but still would need $12 billion identified for funding.  Currently there is no proposal on how to make up that funding gap. 

 The next meeting for RAMP is September 7.

Lincoln Ave Bridge Long Term Detour

LOCATION: Lincoln Avenue bridge in Tacoma

DETAILS: The Tacoma Public Works Department will rehabilitate the Lincoln Avenue Bridge starting in May of this year. This work will require closure of the bridge for 7 months up to one year depending on weather.

DETOUR: During the bridge closure a temporary heavy haul route will use Puyallup Avenue, Pacific Avenue, and SR 509 to cross the Puyallup River. All existing heavy haul routes will remain in place except the Lincoln Ave. Bridge. This temporary route will be removed once the bridge project is complete. A detour map is attached.

MORE DETAILS: You will still need to obtain the proper permits from the City of Tacoma and from the State of Washington.

If you have questions or would like more information about the bridge project, call Dan Soderlind or at (253) 591-5263.