A Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) draft plan that outlines investment recommendations for preserving, maintaining, improving and operating state highways for the next 20 years is available for public review and comment. Comments on the draft Highway System Plan will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 18.
The WSDOT last published the plan in 2007. The new draft plan used scenario planning with extensive feedback to explore different investment alternatives to find the strongest recommendation, according to a press release.
Communities from around the state have provided input into the draft Highway System Plan in order to reflect transportation priorities. The found priorities form the core of WSDOT’s recommendation to the Legislature.
The recommendation proposes that new revenue for state highways over the next 20 years should be dedicated first to adequately funding preservation and maintenance, according to the press release. The recommendation proposes that remaining funds should be balanced at a 2-to-1 ratio between safety and efficiency strategies and highway expansion projects.
Interested citizens can provide feedback on the draft Highway System Plan on the draft document, which is available on WSDOT’s website at /wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/highway-sys tem-plan.
Comments can also be submitted through email to hsp@wsdot.wa.gov or through voicemail at (360) 704-6371. Written statements can be mailed to WSDOT Multimodal Planning and Data Division, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, Olympia, Wa, 98504-7370.
