Open House to Gather Input On Proposed Amendment to Transportation Plan

SRTC will host a public open house Wednesday, March 2 from 4-6 p.m. at SRTC, 221 W. 1^st Ave., Suite 310 to get input on a proposed amendment to the area’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), Horizon 2040.

Horizon 2040 is the area’s long-range transportation plan that guides how the regional transportation system will develop through 2040. It is based on projections for growth in population, housing and jobs and considers every mode of transportation, such as private vehicles, public transit, bicycling, walking, freight movement, rail and air travel.

The proposed amendment to Horizon 2040 adds three new City of Spokane projects. To be eligible for funding, these projects are required to be included in the plan. The projects being added include:

·         Main Ave. - Browne St. to Division St. - Reconfigure three lane arterial to two lanes with possible center lane angle parking, mid-block pedestrian crossing and streetscape improvements.

·         North Monroe St.- Indiana Ave. to Garland Ave.- Reconfigure a four lane arterial to one lane each direction with a center two-way left turn lane, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements, curb extensions and traffic signal modifications at the intersection with Montgomery.

·         Maxwell Ave.- Maple St. to Washington St.- Reconfigure to two lanes with a center two-way left turn lane.

More info on those projects and Horizon 2040 in general can be found at http://www.srtc.org/mtp_2040.html. We are looking for feedback on the proposed amendment and the projects to be added to the plan. If you can't attend the meeting, submit comments by emailing to contact.srtc@srtc.org, mailing to SRTC at the address above or by calling (509) 343-6370. All comments must be submitted by March 6, 2016.

Making Transportation More Accessible to Those With Special Needs

Most of us don't usually put much thought into how we're going to get where we're going each day. It's not so easy though for those who are elderly, disabled, too young to drive or just choose not to drive. There are many challenges they face, including:

• Lack of public transit services in rural areas
• Lack of transportation services to medical services
• Broken or missing sections of sidewalk
• Snowy and Icy sidewalks
• Lack of transportation options outside of Spokane Transit's service area
• Limited service hours for Spokane Transit buses
• Many others

Every couple years SRTC updates the Spokane County Coordinated Public Transit – Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP), a plan to improve transportation services for people with disabilities, youth, older adults, and individuals with lower incomes. The plan provides guidance to aid communities, agencies and service providers in coordinating transportation resources provided through federal and state programs.

The HSTP includes an inventory of services that provide transportation, common origins and destinations for persons with special transportation needs, an assessment of transportation issues and “gaps” in the system, and implementation strategies for addressing those gaps.

Now what's needed is input on the HSTP. Did we accurately assess all the issues and challenges "vulnerable" folks are coming up against in regards to transportation? Are the strategies to address these issues realistic and appropriate to the situation? Are there possible solutions we overlooked?

We would appreciate it if you could attend a public open house and let us know on Tuesday, Oct. 14 from 4-6 p.m. You can stop by anytime between those hours and stay as long or as short as you'd like. The open house will be in the SRTC office at 221 W. 1st Ave. Suite 310.

If you'd like to check out the Spokane County Coordinated Public Transit- Human Services Transportation Plan 2014 Update in advance, use this link.

TAC Meeting To Offer Public Chance to Comment On Public Involvement Policy

The agenda and packet for the June meeting of the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) has been posted online here. This meeting will be a little different from most though. We will go through our usual monthly business and updates, then open the meeting up to public comment on SRTC's Public Involvement Policy (PIP), which is available for public review and comment right now.

The PIP guides how SRTC reaches out to the public to inform people of our activities and solicit input, and the “tools” and resources used in this process. The primary goals of the PIP include:

•    Articulating how the agency approaches public engagement.

•    Ensuring early and continuous public involvement in major activities and decisions by SRTC.

•    Receiving meaningful public input to guide the decision-making process.

Specifically, the PIP addresses how the public is notified of SRTC meetings, projects and activities; when and where public meetings are held; how public comments are handled; how access is provided to people with disabilities and those who speak limited English; and what materials, such as maps, brochures, videos, newsletters, etc., are used to promote and explain SRTC’s activities.

 The draft Public Involvement Policy is available for public review and comment through Saturday, July 20, 2013.  In the past, we've held separate public meetings to solicit feedback on it. Those meetings traditionally have low turnout though, with everyone having a million other things to do, so this year we decided to combine the public meeting with our TAC meeting, which is our committee that works with and represents the public.

 

So if you have something about the PIP you would like to ask or share, come to the meeting. It starts at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 24 but the part of the meeting specific to the PIP probably won't start until around 4 p.m.

 

If you can't make it, the draft PIP can be viewed at www.srtc.org or by contacting SRTC at (509) 343-6370.  Comments can be submitted by emailing contact.srtc@srtc.org or mailing to SRTC at 221 W. First Ave., Suite 310, Spokane, WA 99201. 

 

Review SRTC's Public Involvement Policy and Win... Nothing At All

How do you find out what's happening with your favorite (or any) government agency? Do you feel agencies are making a good faith effort to get information out to the public? Is there a different method of deseminating information you wished government agencies would use? Are you tired of me asking questions?

I ask because SRTC has recently updated our Public Involvement Policy (PIP) with some new strategies for outreach to the public, and we're looking for input on it.

The PIP guides how we inform people of our activities and solicit input, and the “tools” and resources used in this process. The primary goals of the PIP include:
• Articulating how the agency approaches public engagement.
• Ensuring early and continuous public involvement in major activities and decisions by SRTC.
• Receiving meaningful public input to guide the decision-making process.

Specifically, the PIP addresses how the public is notified of SRTC meetings, projects and activities; when and where public meetings are held; how public comments are handled; how access is provided to people with disabilities and those who speak limited English; and what materials, such as maps, brochures, videos, newsletters, etc., are used to promote and explain SRTC’s activities.

The Public Involvement Policy was last updated in 2008. Please review this latest update and suggest outreach methods or tools that may not have been recognized in the plan. Go ahead, it won't hurt my feelings. And I have to show the federal government that we worked with the public to fine-tune this document, so the more comments, the merrier (and the more the feds like me).
The PIP can be viewed on the home page of the SRTC website at www.srtc.org. There are also instructions there on how to submit comments and the deadline to do so.

Some Input I Heard At Last Night's Open House

I don't know this woman's name but
she was so fun to talk with and had
great input.

So I've been to a TON of public open houses and meetings over the years, both in a working capacity and as a concerned citizen. I have to say that last night's open house with Spokane Transit was one of the best though.

There was such a huge crowd that both our planner Ryan and I were busy talking to someone the entire time! Had I known, I would have roped another employee into coming with us.

We got lots of great input too. Last night seemed to be the evening for safety concerns- at least among the people I talked to. I talked to a nice lady about trying to get a crosswalk in front of the Goodwill store downtown. Another woman commented on the incidence of pedestrians being hit by cars in Airway Heights and a gentleman had concerns with a couple blind corners around there area.

While there were a lot of familiar faces attending the open house, I also talked to a lot of people I've never seen before. One woman from Boston was telling me how she and her husband didn't have a car while going to school in Boston and how it's shaped their worldview, especially now that they're living in Spokane. Another told me about her recent trip to Portland and riding the lightrail. And a third told me about her knee surgery. Well, believe it or not, it's applicable as it impacts what kind of transportation options are available to her.

Anyway, nice job planning and publicizing such a great event Spokane Transit! And the food was awesome too.

Lots of Area Transportation Activities Happening This Week

Demand is so high that Spokane Transit Authority is adding new buses to the morning commute headed to Cheney and Eastern Washington University. The wrangling over a potential increase in coal trains through our area heats up even more. A portion of Spokane Falls Boulevard remains closed due to an unfinished construction job. And STA is offering surplus van pool vehicles to nonprofit agencies. The Spokesman-Review's 'Getting There' column has all the area transportation activities for this week.

The Big Meeting Is Tonight!

Last reminder- public open house at the STA Plaza tonight, 4-6 p.m., to discuss transportation planning issues for the area. Try to attend if you can.

Planning Open House This Wednesday

In case you have forgotten, you have plans Wednesday night. SRTC will be taking part in Spokane Transit's 'Moving Forward' open house to talk about local planning initiatives. We'll be talking about the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, Horizon 2040, we are in the process of developing, and ask for your input on what you would like to see in the plan. So bring your ideas- we want to know how you would like our transportation system to look/operate/etc. by the year 2040. 

Click the picture to view the flyer in full size please.

Combined Public Open House Next Week

So yesterday I blogged about a public open house SRTC is partnering with Spokane Transit and the City of Spokane on. Well I just got ahold of a flyer for the meeting and here it is.

Each jurisdiction will be talking about their particular planning efforts their working on right now. For instance, STA will be asking for input on the 'Moving Forward' long term planning effort, the City of Spokane will be showcasing their updated to the transportation chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and SRTC will be asking for your feedback on our Metropolitan Transportation Plan.

The great thing about this meeting is that you can tackle all these subjects in one place and give all your input at one time. Please come and let us know how we can plan to make the region better in the future.

Joint Public Open House Next Week

Mark your calendars- SRTC is partnering with the City of Spokane and Spokane Transit for a public open house next Wednesday, May 16 from 4-6:30 p.m. on the second level of the STA Plaza.  The meeting is a great opportunity to find out about several local transportation planning efforts happening at different jurisdictions, in one place. STA will be talking about their new long-term planning project called 'Moving Forward,' City of Spokane staff will be looking for input on their update of the Pedestrian Plan and we will be looking for direction on our long term Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Use this meeting to your advantage- it's a good time to give your feedback on three separate projects without having to attend separate meetings!

Transportation Plan Open House Tomorrow Night

Don't forget that tomorrow is SRTC's open house to gather input on the 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and 2012 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

Both documents are currently available for public review and comment through 4 p.m. on December 18.

The MTP is a long-term, “blueprint” for transportation aimed at meeting the mobility needs of the area through the year 2035. Transportation plans and projects proposed to potentially be constructed by all jurisdictions within Spokane County over the next 25 years are included in the MTP. That document can be found here.

The TIP is a short-term document that provides information on state and local projects planned for construction or implementation within the next four years. The TIP contains funding information for all modes of transportation including highways and transit. You can review the TIP here.

The open house is 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 6 at SRTC, 221 W. First Ave., Suite 310 so come by and give us your input.

University District-Sprague Corridor Study Public Workshop Dec. 7

The City of Spokane has added another workshop to its slate of activities for next week. On Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 5-7 p.m. at the South Campus Facility (412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd.) on the Riverpoint Campus, the City will host a public workshop for the University District-Sprague Corridor study.

The study is part of the larger University District Master Plan and works with other projects such as the Division Gateway Corridor and University District Bike/Ped Bridge to implement the plan goals. More info on it can be found here.

Come To SRTC Open House Before Heading To Gateway Open House Same Night

I hate to even mention this item because it conflicts with a public meeting we're having here, but the City of Spokane is hosting an open house next Tuesday, Dec. 6 as part of efforts to develop the community’s vision for the Division Street corridor through downtown and the University District.

So here's the deal; this is going to require some planning on your part. SRTC is hosting a public meeting to get feedback on the 2012 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and the 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) the same night. Our meeting is from 5-7 p.m. here at SRTC, 221 W. First Ave., Suite 310.

So, you come here first, around 5:00, give your input, get educated, etc., then you head over to the WSU Bookie at 410 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. to provide input on the design direction for the Division Street corridor. That meeting is from 5:30-8 p.m. Here's information on the Gateway Project.

Feel free to skim that but you'll really want to read
this document. It's the 2012 MTP, a long-term plan for how transportation facilities will be developed over the next 20 years.

And here is the TIP. It's a short term document of transportation projects to be constructed over the next four years.

Okay, so you've got your directions now: SRTC first, then the Bookie. Don't forget.

Central City Mobility Open House Tomorrow

A reminder that tomorrow is the Central City Mobility Open House, sponsored by the City of Spokane, Spokane Transit and the University District, and SRTC will be there showcasing theInland Pacific Hub project.

The Central City meetings are a convenient way for you to get information on a variety of local transportation projects at one venue, including:

• University District-Sprague Corridor study
• Division Street Gateway project
• North Monroe Corridor Revitalization project
• Central City Transit Analysis, High Performance Transit Network plan, and service revisions

The Open House is 5 to 7 p.m. at The Bookie, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd. on the Riverpoint Campus.

Park Road Reconstruction Project Open House

Spokane Valley staff next week will host an open house to give citizens and businesses an opportunity to discuss the design and potential impacts of the proposed Park Road Reconstruction Project.

The project will take place between Indiana and Broadway Avenue on Park Road. The entire street from Indiana to Broadway will be restriped to a single lane in each direction with bike lanes and a center turn lane.

The intersection at Park and Broadway will be repaved with concrete, and a right turn lane from westbound Broadway onto Park northbound may be added. Concrete will also be installed at the Park and Mission intersection.

Storm water drainage improvements will be made and sidewalks repaired or upgraded to Americans with Disabilities Act standards throughout the entire project area.

Currently, City engineers do not have a set timeline for this project. Dates for construction will be determined as property right-of-way and funding is acquired.

Your participation and comments at the Open House will help lessen the impact of future construction on residents and businesses. Staff and City Officials will be on hand to answer any of your questions and explain project details. More information can be found here.

The meeting is Monday, October 3 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm in the Commons Area at Seth Woodard Elementary.

TIP Meeting This Thursday

Don't forget- the public meeting for the draft 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is this Wednesday, Sept. 21 at SRTC, 221 W. First Ave., Suite 310, Spokane, WA.

The TIP is a funding program document that lists transportation improvements proposed by jurisdictions within Spokane County. It identifies specific programs or projects that jurisdictions or agencies propose to undertake during the upcoming four years. It can be viewed here.

Transportation Commission Meeting Tomorrow

Take the day off tomorrow so you can attend the Washington State Transportation Commission meeting. The Commission provides a public forum for transportation policy development. It reviews and assesses how the entire transportation system works across the state and issues the state’s 20-year Transportation Plan.

The Commission takes turns holding meetings in different locations across the state and this time it's in Cheney. Here's a look at the agenda. The meeting is open to the public so feel free to attend. You'll get to sit through my fabulous 'Transportation Vision Project' presentation. Can't think of a better way to spend a Tuesday.