HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-09 Transportation Minutes
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
April 9, 2007 - 5:00 p.m.
Present: Council Members Pam Carter (Chair), Joe Duffie, and Pam Linder
Jim Morrow, Frank marte, and Gail Labanara
Business Al!enda
A. Rel!ional Transportation Commission
Jim M began the review with some background information. In the year 2000, there was a statewide
Blue Ribbon Commission with several initiatives. The Blue Ribbon Commission stated that there
were too many groups overseeing transportation projects and that none had any real power to
change our regional transportation issues. The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) was
appointed in 2006 and just issued their fmal report. The report includes three important
implementation strategies: employ user fees (tolls, fares, parking charges) in order to have a new
funding source; give control of all funding sources to a Regional Transportation Authority, and
fmally give the Authority the ability to oversee and prioritize all surface transportation projects.
Most of the current 128 agencies in the four-county region would have to be either eliminated or
consolidated under this new authority. Jim stated that for any agency to independently prioritize and
get funding would be difficult.
There is currently House Bill SB 5803, which is now PSSB 5803 that is currently under
consideration during this legislative session. This bill is trying to create the RTC. Pam L suggested
that an overview be presented to Tukwila's full Council with a request to endorse the bill. Pam C
said that there are some problems with the bill and that it was written in just 6 months and has not
been completely thought-out. Pam C added that there are issues with the inability to use bus money
on roads and that there are different standards for the use of money. In tonight's TC agenda packet,
there are written concerns by PSRC and SCA TBd about the bill and its ramifications. The
Committee then had a thorough discussion on transit, Sound Transit and the use of transportation
funding. Jim stressed that any endorsement by Tukwila's Council should be broad and include the
three main principles listed above. Pam C will report the issue to full Council for direction. The
final State legislative day is April 22. Information only.
Adjournment: 6:00 p.m.
....(i? c.
Committee Chair Approval
Minutes by GL, reviewed by JM.
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