OLYMPIA – Community leaders and local officials from across the Wenatchee Valley will meet virtually with the Washington State Transportation Commission next week to share their perspectives on transportation issues, challenges, and successes.
The meeting will take place starting Tuesday, June 15, from 1-5 p.m., and reconvene on Wednesday, June 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. Due to limitations on the size of gatherings in response to COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted virtually using Zoom Webinar. People interested in attending can register on the commission’s website. The meeting will be broadcast live on TVW at www.tvw.org.
On Tuesday, the Chelan-Douglas Regional Transportation Council will brief the commission on the region’s transportation needs, which vary between the urban and rural areas. Representatives from the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee will discuss their transportation investments and funding needs that will support the growing regional economy. The commission will be briefed on how Wenatchee’s award winning, nationally recognized “Complete Streets” program addresses equity. County leaders will discuss with the commission the importance of the transportation system to the economic vitality of the area, including the effects of commercial air service expansion.
During Wednesday’s session, the commission will learn about the Douglas County Public Utility District’s renewable hydrogen production facility pilot project. Northern Fruit, a local business, will share with the commission its planned electrification of their truck fleet. A multijurisdictional panel will provide information on the efforts to complete the Apple Capital Loop project, which when done, will complete the transportation backbone of the Wenatchee urban area. Additionally, the area’s transit system will be highlighted with a focus on their current fixed route services, as well as innovative special needs transportation programs that are being explored in an effort to reduce costs, while increasing access.
Questions or comments from the public can be submitted during the virtual meeting by using the “Q&A” function found on-screen. As time allows, questions will be addressed during the meeting. Written comments can also be submitted via email until 4 p.m. the day before the meeting. Comments should be sent to transc@wstc.wa.gov. Written comments received after this deadline will be provided to commissioners after the meeting.
The commission also is holding a special meeting 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 15, to propose new ferry fares and to discuss toll rate increases on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, the State Route 99 tunnel and the SR 520 bridge. All presentations will be available on the commission’s website.
For more information about the commission and complete meeting agendas, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/
Hyperlinks within this release:
Register: Meetings 2021 – Washington State Transportation Commission
