Summary

Will join Mayor Cooke in hearing public comment on Future Transportation Needs

Story

The shape of transportation in south King County will bring Metropolitan King County Councilmember Julia Patterson and Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke together next week for a special Town Hall meeting.

Thursday, June 4
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Kent Senior Activity Center
600 East Smith Street

The public is invited to share their thoughts on a long-range transportation plan and five alternatives that will be presented at the meeting.

“Our transportation system dramatically impacts our economy and quality of life, yet it is something we often take for granted,” said Councilmember Patterson. “This meeting is designed to help south King County residents understand proposed transportation alternatives, and gives them the opportunity to help shape the future of transportation in our region.”

The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) is updating its regional transportation plan known as Transportation 2040. The goal of Transportation 2040 is to evaluate the best ways to get people where they need to go while making communities, the environment and the economy stronger as the region grows over the next 30 years.

“Engaging the public is critical as demand for transportation options grows while revenue sources decline,” said Mayor Cooke. “Having a better understanding of the region’s needs and identifying sustainable funding sources to meet them is the challenge; the public should be involved before they’re asked to pay for new projects.”

Scheduled for adoption in 2010, Transportation 2040 will address climate change and sustainable financing for transportation, while addressing the mobility needs of a growing region.

PSRC develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth and transportation planning in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. Comprised of over 80 county, city, port, transit, tribal and state agencies, the Regional Council coordinates the distribution of approximately $160 million in Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration funds each year. PSRC sets priorities and evaluates the most efficient ways to target those funds to support state and local transportation and growth management plans.