Visionary Transport Blog - Jefferson County, WA

Legislature considering Governor's transportation revenue package

2012-01-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

2012 Legislative Session

The Washington State Legislature is considering Governor Christine Gregoire's proposed transportation revenue package during the early stages of the 2012 Legislative Session.

The bill numbers for the revenue components of the package are HB 2660 in the House and SB 6455 in the Senate. There are associated policy bills being considered by the House and Senate Transportation Committees, as well.

Connecting Washington

The current package is one outcome of the Governor's Connecting Washington Task Force effort. The Governor "...charged the Connecting Washington Task Force with reviewing statewide transportation needs, recommending the most promising investment options and revenue sources to address top priorities." The group was comprised of locally elected officials, members of State Legislative Transportation Committees, tribal members, organized labor, and trade associations and businesses.

The results of the effort are presented in a final report dated January 6, 2012.

Jefferson and Other Counties

If adopted, the package could have the following impacts on Jefferson County and other counties.

· The proposed increase in the passenger vehicleweight fee would create revenue distributed among several funds, including theCounty Arterial Preservation Account. Preliminary estimates are that theincrease is expected to approximately double the amount counties receiveannually for the CountyArterial Preservation Program (CAPP). Jefferson County uses these funds forannual maintenance of main County roads such as Center Road, Chimacum Road andIrondale Road.

· The TransportationBenefit District (TBD) option for a vehicle license fee is authorized to gofrom $20 to $40 with a 2/3 majority of the local legislative body, which in ourcase means the Board of County Commissioners approves the formation of a TBD bya majority or unanimous vote. A TBD allows a local agency to collect revenuefor specific transportation improvements within the District.

· Counties are authorized to impose a 1% localoption Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET). There is a requirement to negotiate aninterlocal agreement with cities and the transit agency within the county todistribute a portion of the revenue. The interlocal must distribute a maximumof $20 per vehicle in each city to the cities within the county for local roadoperation and maintenance needs.

· $2.7 billion of the $3.6 billion transportationrevenue package is expected from the $1.50 per barrel fee on every person whorefines petroleum products for transportation purposes in the state. Thisrevenue is intended as a dedicated source of funds for operating andmaintaining the State’s highway and ferry system.

Statewide Transportation System Survey

2011-09-28T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is seeking input from the public regarding statewide transportation needs, priorities and funding options.

Anyone can take the survey by registering via this webpage. The survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Let your voice be heard!

The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader published notice of the survey in today's edition:

More information after the jump...

The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader published notice of the survey in today's edition:

Tell state officials what you think about Washington's transportation network and how to pay for it

The Washington State Transportation Commission is conducting a major statewide transportation survey to find out what citizens think about our state’s transportation system and how future needs should be paid for. The findings of the survey are to be delivered to the Governor and Legislature in the coming weeks, as officials work to identify ways to fund growing transportation needs across the state.

The survey will be completed by mid-October. The results are to be scientifically valid at both the statewide level and the regional level, as defined by the boundaries of the 14 Regional and Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organizations across the state, according to a press release from the WSDOT. This will give the state data about the unique opinions and preferences in each region, thus allowing for targeted transportation investments that best meet varying needs statewide.

In the first phase of this effort, 100,000 postcards were mailed out to randomly selected residences across the state inviting them to take the survey. The commission encourages those who received a postcard to take the survey as soon as possible.
The second phase of the study is now underway and will ensure that all residents have an opportunity to participate and have their voice heard. To take the survey go to: http://www.voiceofwashingtonsurvey.org

EMC Research of Seattle is conducting the survey for the commission. The purpose of the survey is to gather Washington State citizens’ preferences and opinions about the transportation system, their priorities for today and the future, and their thoughts about transportation funding. When referring to the “transportation system” all forms of transportation are included at all levels of government. Respondents to the survey are asked to think about city, county and state roads and bridges, along with sidewalks, bike paths, transit and aviation.

For more information on the survey or the Washington State Transportation Commission, please visit: http://www.wstc.wa.gov

EPA Releases Guide to Sustainable Transportation Performance Measures

2011-09-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports a State and Local Climate and Energy Program that provides technical assistance, analytical tools, and outreach support to state, local, and tribal governments. The following information was delivered recently via email listserv:

EPA's Office of SustainableCommunities has published a Guide to Sustainable Transportation PerformanceMeasures. The guide describes opportunities for transportation agencies toincorporate environmental, economic, and social sustainability intodecision-making through the use of performance measures. Performance measuresallow decision-makers to quickly observe the effects of a proposedtransportation plan or project, or to monitor trends in transportation systemperformance over time. The guide describes 12 performance measures that canreadily be used in transportation decision-making, and for each, it presentspossible metrics, summarizes analytical methods and data sources, and illustratesits use by one or more transportation agencies.

The Guide to SustainableTransportation Performance Measures is available at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/transpo_performance.htm.

Solar Highways? Out-of-the-box idea explored...

2011-06-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

Talk about an out-of-the-box idea: Solar Roadways. Watch this video to hear the description directly from some folks working on the concept.

If you cannot see the embedded video below, use this link.

"How Stuff Works" provides some information on the concept of solar highways.

The State of Oregon has tried out a similar concept, utilizing space in the public right-of-way for solar panels.

What do you think?

2012-2017 Transportation Improvement Program

2011-06-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on June 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Jefferson County Courthouse in consideration of the proposed Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2012-2017.

For details and documents, visit the Public Works TIP page.

Public Works issued a media release on June 8 with information about the process by which the proposed TIP is developed. Read the text after the jump or jump to a PDF of the release.

* * *

MEDIA RELEASE

Date: June 8, 2011

Contact: Josh D. Peters, AICP, Principal Transportation Planner
Jefferson County Department of Public Works
(360) 385-9160 or jpeters@co.jefferson.wa.us

For Immediate Release

County to Adopt Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program

Port Townsend, WA— Each year Jefferson County adopts a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the next six-year period. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on June 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM in the Commissioners Chambers at the County Courthouse to consider the proposed 2012-2017 TIP developed by the Department of Public Works.

The TIP is a list of potential capital transportation projects that the County may undertake in the next six years, depending upon funding availability. It includes cost estimates and secured or planned revenue sources for each project. The proposed 2012-2017 TIP lists 30 capital projects, including four projects related to past emergency repairs. The total estimated cost to implement the entire program is $18.7 million, with about 88% of the funding to come from State and Federal sources. However, funding for much of the program has not yet been secured. Projects must be on a TIP in order to be eligible for most State and Federal grant programs.

“Historically, projects on Jefferson County’s TIP have averaged about 70% funding from State and Federal sources,” County Engineer Monte Reinders explains. “This means that by investing $1 of Jefferson County’s money in a project, an additional $2 or more can be brought into our community to put people to work to improve our infrastructure. Many non-local transportation revenue sources, however, only fund certain types of improvements on certain types or roads, and the result is that State and Federal priorities strongly influence what actually gets accomplished.”

Public Works proposes projects for the TIP based on an assessment of transportation needs throughout the County system. “The assessment has revealed many more needs than can be funded in the coming six-year and twenty-year timeframes,” says Principal Transportation Planner Josh Peters. “The limited availability of local transportation revenues, the increasing cost of capital improvements and road maintenance, and the impact to transportation programs from State and Federal budget shortages have resulted in a measured approach in this proposed six-year TIP.”

Significant projects currently in the preliminary engineering or construction phase include: completion of the Larry Scott Trail, asphalt overlay and shoulder widening on Paradise Bay Road from Ludlow Creek to Teal Lake Road, low-cost safety improvements on collector roads throughout the system, the Rick Tollefson Trail from HJ Carroll Park to the Bob Bates Fields in Port Hadlock, and in west Jefferson County the painting of the Queets Bridge on Clearwater Road and the replacement of several culverts damaged in winter storms and/or acting as fish-passage barriers. All of these projects are heavily funded through State and Federal grant programs.

For more information about proposed TIP, visit the County website at www.co.jefferson.wa.us or call Public Works at (360) 385-9160.

###

"Longest Day of Trails" walk-run-bike-a-thon June 19, 2011

2011-06-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Longest Day of Trails, a fundraiser for trail organizations in Jefferson County, will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2011.

This is the second year for this event, which utilizes the Larry Sc ott Trail to raise money for the Jefferson Trails Coalition as well as Quimper and Pacific Northwest Trails Associations.

Event sponsors encourage everyone from the fiercely-competitive to the family-oriented to join the fun.

To learn more about the Longest Day of Trails, click on this link:
http://longestdayoftrailspt.wordpress.com/

WSDOT approves SR 19/20 Corridor Plan

2011-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has completed a Corridor Plan for State Route (SR) 19/20 from SR 104 to the Port Townsend ferry dock.

The plan outlines a vision for the future of the highway corridor and recommends improvement strategies.

The WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator approved the February 2011 document on March 27.

Visit this website to download the Corridor Plan: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr19/corridorplan.

The key question for those of us who use this highway corridor is how best can we work together to implement the Plan. How can we see to it that the priority improvements happen?

Jefferson County Public Works will be working toward meeting the goals of the Plan and we look forward to working with you.

WSDOT report on impacts of VMT reduction strategies

2010-12-30T17:06:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) commissioned a study by the Washington State Transportation Center (TRAC) concerning the Impacts of VMT Reduction Strategies on Selected Areas and Groups (December 2010 - 1.8 MB PDF). The study is released in the context of RCW 74.01.440, which in 2008 established statewide benchmarks to achieve per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reductions over the next 40 years.

The VMT benchmarks are per capita reductions of 18% by 2020, 30% by 2035, and 50% by 2050, based on an estimated VMT baseline of 75 billion miles in 2020.

The purpose of this study is to identify and assess current reports, studies, and academic literature about potential VMT reduction strategies and their economic impacts on five geographic areas, populations and business groups as specified in RCW 47.01.440(4).

For background information and ideas about VMT reduction strategies, visit the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Encylopedia maintained by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI).

Snow Blind

2010-11-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

Make sure to pay attention to the signs when you're out there driving in winter conditions! ;-)

The first snow of what is anticipated to be a wet winter has hit the area. The Leader posted some winter driving tips for your information.

MV Chetzemoka gets ship christening

2010-11-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 14, the MV Chetzemoka, the newest vessel in the fleet of Washington State Ferries, received its ship's christenting, a 4,000-year old tradition.

The Chetzemoka is the first replacement ferry for the Port Townsend - Coupeville route. The vessel is named after S'Klallam Indian Chief Chetzemoka (1808-1888).

Click "Read more..." below for more info and a picture of the new on-board bike racks.

Here is Assistant Transportation Secretary David Moseley's description of the inaugural sailing event as stated in his weekly email update:

I want to thank everyone who took part in making the inaugural sailing of the new ferry Chetzemoka a success on Sunday. There were hundreds of people involved, including the Governor, legislators, WSDOT/WSF staff, communities and customers. The festivities kicked off at the Coupeville ferry terminal with music provided by Navy Band Northwest and the Coupeville High School jazz band, followed by the Governor christening the Chetzemoka and speeches by dignitaries. The Chetzemoka made her inaugural voyage from Coupeville to Port Townsend and once in the dock, everyone was welcomed onboard for a tribal blessing, singing and speeches courtesy of the Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam and Lower Elwha Klallam tribes. The Chetzemoka was then open for public viewing and made available to the community of Port Townsend for their family photo.

See the event pictures posted by the Department of Transpotation. (Naturally, the first day of service, Monday, November 15, was interrupted due to high winds.)

Check out the on-board bike racks!

"Transportation Planning for Livable Communities: Measuring What Matters"

2010-11-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Planners Web presents an interview with transportation planners Hannah Twaddell and Gary Toth about their article, “Transportation Planning for Livable Communities: Measuring What Matters,” appearing in the fall 2010 issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal.

The article covers, in layperson's terms, transporation planning subjects such as the role of “level of service” standards (commonly referred to as “LOS”) and the relationship between mobility and accessibility. The intervew offers additional insights from the authors. If you're interested in these topics, it's worth the read.

"Walk Friendly Communities" program

2010-11-04T10:22:00.000-07:00

On October 1, 2010, the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in conjunction with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC), launched Walk Friendly Communities (WFC), a new initiative to encourage communities across the country to support pedestrian safety. Read the FHWA press release for details.

US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood described its benefits in a recent blog post. FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez said, "Walk Friendly Communities will show how cities and towns across the country are creatively improving walkability and demonstrating leadership in addressing pedestrian safety concerns."

The program offers a comprehensive assessment tool to evaluate community walkability and pedestrian safety. Questions in the online survey cover a community's efforts in engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, and planning. The program will accept applications until December 15, 2010.

2011-2016 Transportation Improvement Program subject of Oct. 18 public hearing

2010-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Quinault River threatens the South Shore Road. Jefferson County frequently faces road management challenges resulting from winter storm damage.

The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) will hold a public hearing on October 18, 2010 as a step in the process to consider and adopt a Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the period from 2011 through 2016. The TIP is a list of capital transportation projects that the Jefferson County anticipates undertaking in the next six years. It includes cost estimates and secured or planned revenue sources for each project.

Jefferson County Public Works issued a press release this week that pertains to the proposed TIP and upcoming public hearing.

Visit the Jefferson County website TIP page for more information and access to documents and maps.

You are welcome to comment on this blog. In order for your comment to reach the BoCC as part of the public hearing and TIP adoption process, please email the Commissioners directly.

How about a peddle-powered monorail?

2010-09-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Perhaps a peddle-powered monorail is not a fit for Jefferson County, at least at this point in time...

Check out the Shweeb from New Zealand.

It's creator calls it "the most efficient vehicle on Earth."

At the very least, it's an interesting invention that could find a transporation application somewhere.

Tesla, the Ferrari of electric cars, visits PT

2010-09-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

Photo by Charlie Bermant/Peninsula Daily News

Local enthusiasts hosted fellow members of an electric vehicle club this week in Port Townsend. The feature vehicle is the $110,000 Tesla, considered the Ferrari of electric cars and able to do 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds.

No need to shift gears. Quiet as the wind. 200-mile range. Sounds neat. Maybe someday these vehicles will be slightly more affordable...

Well, at least you can get the Nissan Leaf for around $30,000.

"Nimble Cities"

2010-07-15T16:36:00.001-07:00

Slate.com recently gathered ideas for making transportation in and between urban areas more efficient, safe and pleasant. See the results here. Several plans involved specifc "bicycle highways." Imagine...

Non-Motorized Plan update complete

2010-06-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

Jefferson County has adopted the 2010 update to its Non-Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan.

The 2010 Plan will guide the County’s development of active transportation facilities and multi-purpose trails.

New Transportation package still on hold

2010-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

According to this story, the White House continues to prefer extensions to SAFETEA-LU rather than take up a new 6-year transportation investment package. This isn't sitting well with Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn), Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Apparently, the Surface Transportation Authorization plan proposed by Oberstar in the spring of 2009 is in line with the administration's policies; the debate is over how to fund the investments (and how this plays out in an election year).

Draft County Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Update

2010-05-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Jefferson County is updating its Non-Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails (NMT) Plan that was initially adopted in 2002. The 2010 Plan update will guide the County’s development of non-motorized transportation facilities and multi-purpose trails, including:

Larry Scott Trail and the Rick Tollefson Trail

Safe routes for walking to school

Sidewalks in commercial areas and adequate roadway shoulders and community trails for walking in residential area

Pedestrian and bicycle connections to transit routes

Bicycle commuting routes

Bicycle touring routes such as the Olympic Discovery Trail

Click here for additional information on the 2010 NMT Plan Update, including links to chapters of the proposed NMT Plan.

The Jefferson County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on the Draft 2010 Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan at 10:00 AM on May 17, 2010 in the Commissioners’ Chambers at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Port Townsend.

"Longest Day of Trails" walk-run-bike-a-thon June 20, 2010

2010-04-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

The "Longest Day of Trails" walk-run-bike-a-thon event on June 20, 2010 will benefit Port Townsend and the greater Jefferson County community by raising money for a coalition of local trails organizations: the Jefferson Trails Coalition, Quimper Trails Association, and Pacific Northwest Trails Association.

The Larry Scott Memorial Trail is the venue for this event, which starts at 5:11 AM (sunrise) and ends at 9:11 PM (sunset). For more information, visit:

http://www.longestdayoftrailspt.wordpress.com/

Gov. Gregoire congratulates Port Townsend students for submitting winning vessel class name

2010-04-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Gov. Chris Gregoire visited Blue Heron Middle School in Port Townsend on Thursday, April 22, 2010 to congratulate students for naming the new Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel class. WSF conducted a contest to name the new classification of 64-car ferries with fourth-grade students from Chimacum, Port Townsend and Whidbey Island.

Blue Heron student Rose Dunlap submitted the winning entry, Kwa-di Tabil (pronounced kwah DEE tah-bayle), which translated from the Quileute dialect means “Little Boat.” The first Kwa-di Tabil Class ferry, Chetzemoka, is scheduled to begin service in late summer 2010. WSF is building two more Kwa-di Tabil Class ferries, which will begin service in 2011 and 2012. Click here to see photos of the event and construction progress.

Transportation Secretary on biking, walking, and "what Americans want"

2010-04-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

In an April 5 interview with the New York Times, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood talks about the recently updated United States Department of Transportation Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation. Secretary LaHood continues to characterize the policy update as a "sea change." He also states that the support for bicycle and pedestrian investments is "what Americans want."

April 14 Note: "Transportation's Bicycle Policy Hits Potholes"
The Seattle Times / Associated Press reports some backlash from "some conservatives and industries dependent on trucking" concerning the recent announcements of Secretary LaHood.

Jefferson Transit – Public Invited to Meet Finalists for General Manager Position

2010-04-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
The Jefferson Transit Authority Board, with assistance from the Washington State Department of Transportation, will be hosting two opportunities for community members to meet the top candidates for the position of General Manager. These include an informal reception at the Bishop Victorian Hotel located at 714 Washington Street in Port Townsend on April 5, 2010 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and a panel interview at Quimper Unitarian Universalist Fellowship located at 2333 San Juan Ave in Port Townsend on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Both events will provide opportunities for those who attend to provide written comments to the Jefferson Transit Authority Board about the finalists for the position. For more information call 360.385.4777.

Transportation Satire, Anyone?

2010-04-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Project for Public Spaces isssued an e-newsletter today that makes for some interesting early April reading. ;-)

Cars illegally occupy prime real estate in Atlanta.

Jefferson Transit to hold open houses about new routes changes coming April 11th

2010-03-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Jefferson Transit will be holding two open houses—one in Port Townsend and one in Port Hadlock—in the coming week to let the public know about the new route changes going into effect on April 11th. Both open houses will be from 5:30-7:30 pm with the Port Townsend one on March 18th at the Marina Room at Point Hudson. The second one will be March 23rd at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock. Both are free to the public. “The open houses are a great opportunity for people to find out about the new route changes,” said Mike Pollack, Interim General Manager for Jefferson Transit. “These new routes are a significant change that makes it much easier for our local community to get around, to get to work and become more ‘Green’. We welcome everyone to attend one of the open houses and learn how this can positively affect your life.” Maps and schedules of the new routes will be available, as well as staff from Jefferson Transit to answer questions. In addition, transit staff will demonstrate Internet-based Google Transit for individuals to determine the best way for them to get from “Point A to Point B.” Some of the advantages the new routes will provide to the community include extended service hours on some routes, fewer transfers between buses, easier commuting (the new schedules match start and quit times of most major employers), and more service to downtown and uptown. For more information, go to www.jeffersontransit.com or call 360.385.4777. Jefferson Transit is a public transit system that began service in May 1981 after a successful vote by Jefferson County citizens in 1980. Jefferson Transit operates as a Public Transportation Benefit Area in the State of Washington.

US DOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation

2010-03-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) recently issued an updated Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation - Regulations and Recommendations.

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood presented at the National Bike Summit and blogged about it on March 15.

Jefferson County will be updating the 2002 Non-Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan in the coming months. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate.

Port Townsend featured on walkability & livability tour of Puget Sound

2010-02-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

The 9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference is coming up in Seattle, February 4-6, 2010.

Following is a brief statement of purpose from the conference website:

Today, more than ever, we are faced with environmental and economic challenges that will define our generation, shape our future, and test our resilience as cities, regions, states and a nation. Join leaders from across the U.S. as we tackle these challenges head-on and demonstrate solutions to curbing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, creating a green economy, and building more livable, walkable, and healthier communities.

An optional pre-conference tour focusing on "Smart Growth in Small Towns" is taking place February 1-3, including a stop in Port Townsend this Wednesday. Last week, the Peninsula Daily News ran a story about this week's visit. For tour information, see the flyer PDF posted on the conference site.

The Walkable and Livable Communities Institute, Inc. recently set up shop in Port Townsend. The mission of the organization is "...to to make cities and towns throughout the world walkable, bicycle and transit friendly, livable, sustainable, socially engaging and welcoming places by improving their built form."

Executive Director Dan Burden is one of the leaders of the small town tour this week. He is well known as an expert in "walkability" and his co-leader Paul Zykofsky, part of the Center for Livable Communities program of the Local Government Commission, is recognized in the arena of "smart growth."

Port Townsend has been selected as one of the small towns in the Puget Sound that has made strides in consciously creating opportunities for "walkability."

As they get comfortable establishing the new Institute here in Port Townsend, we'll try to coax Institute staff Dan Burden and Sarah Bowman to contribute ideas to ongoing conversations on this blog.

EPILOGUE: The PDN published an article about the 2/3 tour on 2/4.

Jefferson Transit Extends Saturday Morning Poulsbo Service for Four Weeks

2009-12-11T11:10:00.001-08:00

When Jefferson Transit staff heard that Kitsap Transit had proposed to cut connecting service in Poulsbo on Saturdays, it didn’t take long to come up with a plan to maintain vital connections until a service adjustment could be made in January. Jefferson Transit staff members first heard about a Kitsap Transit service reduction effective December 13 on December 6. The information passed by word of mouth from riders to drivers to administrative staff members. The service cut eliminates two of the existing 8 round trips on Saturdays on the Kitsap Transit #90 Poulsbo/Bainbridge service. Coincidentally, these two eliminated trips are the only trips on that route that connect with Jefferson Transit’s #7 service between Port Townsend and Poulsbo. In addition, cuts to Kitsap Transit’s #32 Poulsbo/Silverdale schedule will have some adverse effects on Jefferson Transit connections.

By mid-morning the following Monday, a plan had been made to extend the #7 route on Saturday mornings all the way to the Bainbridge Island Ferry terminal until a service adjustment in January once again makes it possible to have efficient connections from Port Townsend to Poulsbo to Bainbridge and back on Saturdays. “We realized that this was just about the worst time of year to lose this connection. Many people depend on those trips to get to and from the airport, especially during the holiday season. We needed to act fast in order to keep our riders happy”, reported Jefferson Transit’s general manager Dave Turissini. The #7 will run morning service from Port Townsend to the ferry terminal on Bainbridge Island on the following dates:

Saturday, December 19
Saturday, December 26
Saturday, January 2
Saturday, January 9

The regularly scheduled Saturday #7 departure will leave from the Haines Place Park-and-Ride at 8:20 AM, as it does now, and continue on to the Bainbridge Island Ferry terminal. It will make one stop in Poulsbo at the Poulsbo Transfer Center at 9:40 AM and will arrive at the ferry terminal at 10:05 AM. That same vehicle will then depart the ferry terminal for its return trip to Port Townsend at 10:15 AM, stopping at the Poulsbo Transfer Center at 10:35 AM and arriving back at Port Townsend at its regularly scheduled time of 11:49 AM. There will be no changes to the regularly scheduled Saturday afternoon service that departs Port Townsend at 3:22 PM; however, this bus will not connect with any Kitsap Transit Services upon arrival in Poulsbo. This bus will accept transfers from Kitsap Transit #90 as it does now. Passengers should note that the only way to get beyond Poulsbo on Saturdays using Jefferson Transit between December 19 and January 9 is to use the 8:20 AM #7 Port Townsend departure. After January 19 Jefferson Transit will operate a modified schedule that will restore connections with remaining Kitsap Transit services.

For further information, please contact Jefferson Transit directly at 385-4777.

Jefferson Transit Public Hearings December 15

2009-12-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

There will be two public hearings at the next regular meeting of the Jefferson Transit Authority Board to take comment regarding a proposed service change in April, 2010 and the proposed Operating and Capital Budgets for 2010. Materials for these two subjects can be found at http://www.jeffersontransit.com/ The Authority Board meeting will be held at the Port Townsend Fire Station training room, located 701 Harrison St., Port Townsend, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15. For more information, please call 385-4777.

Final Open House for SR 19/20 Corridor Plan

2009-11-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will host the final SR 19/20 Corridor Plan Open House on Thursday, November 19, 2009, at the Chimacum Middle School Commons, 91 W. Valley Road. The public is invited to stop by anytime from 3:30 to 6:30 PM.

The agency plans to share its final transportation improvement recommendations for the corridor from SR 104 to the Port Townsend ferry terminal. The plan is expected to be adopted early next year. For more information, visit this website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr19/corridorplan.

Report on "Driving and the Built Environment"

2009-10-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

A recent report from the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and the Board on Energy and Environmental Systems (BEES), both subsets of the National Academies, analyzes the effects of compact development on motorized travel, energy use, and carbon dioxide emissions.

The results are presented in a full report (Special Report 298) and a four-page PDF summary.

Quoting from the study overview:

The committee that produced the report estimated that the reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), energy use, and CO2 emissions resulting from more compact, mixed-use development would be in the range of less than 1 percent to 11 percent by 2050, although committee members disagreed about whether the changes in development patterns and public policies necessary to achieve the high end of these estimates are plausible.

TRB will conduct a web briefing or "Webinar" on Wednesday, October 21, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT that will explore Special Report 298: Driving and the Built Environment: The Effects of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions. There is no fee to join this webinar. Space is limited, so they encourage participants to register 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar.

"The Transportation Prescription"

2009-10-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

A coalition consisting of PolicyLink, Prevention Institute and Convergence Partnership has published a report entitled, The Transportation Prescription: Bold New Ideas for Healthy, Equitable Transportation Reform in America that accompanies an edited volume of detailed transportation and health policy advocacy.

The policy perspective addresses a wide variety of issues and choices in the broad field of transportation, while continually returning to public health as a focal point.

The Foreward to the report is contributed by Congressman James Oberstar, Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Congress is currently considering a successor to the current surface transportation legislation, last enacted in 2005. This legislation will directly affect the investment of billions of dollars in transportation infrastructure and programs.

“Environmental sustainability, access, and our collective well-being must combine with mobility and safety as the cornerstones of our transportation investments. The following report represents an important contribution to our emerging understanding of the connections between transportation and public health and is an invaluable resource for policymakers and all those interested in building healthy communities. With a greater recognition of the strong linkage between public health and transportation, I believe we can build a network that supports our mobility and creates access and economic strength while promoting equity, sustaining our good health and quality of life.”

Representative Jim Oberstar

Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

USDOT Transportation Secretary addresses energy & the transportation sector

2009-09-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

The US Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, spoke to the Council on Competiveness National Energy Summit & International Dialogue on September 23 about the role of the transportation sector in our energy challenges, and the steps the US Department of Transportation is taking to address those challenges.

See Secretary LaHood's blog entry about the event.

Thumbnail updates of his "Welcome to the Fast Lane" blog, as well as other transportation-related blogs, appear on the right side of this blog. Scroll down to see the list.

5 years of Washington State climate action summarized in one place

2009-09-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Department of Ecology has summarized all of the legislation and executive orders passed or issued in Washington State over the past five years that serve to reduce our state’s greenhouse gas emissions or otherwise address climate change. The text of the bills and executive order are linked to the summaries. Here is a link: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/docs/2009_ClimateChangeActions_071509.pdf

Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, and other local partners have joined together to plan and implement climate action. Visit this webpage for more information:

http://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopment/ClimateChange.htm

Jefferson Transit Public Meetings September 9

2009-09-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Jefferson Transit will hold three public meetings to discuss and receive feedback about proposed route changes.
Jefferson Transit’s comprehensive service planning process of last year has been blended with a plan to streamline service. The current service design, which Jefferson Transit proposes to implement in January of 2010, reflects community input from previous meetings, surveys and customer comments. Before the current revision of the service plan is approved by the Jefferson Transit Authority Board in October, Transit staff will conduct three more public meetings and a public hearing. Maps and proposed change summaries can be found at our web site.
The public meetings will be:

• Wednesday, September 9, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Pope Marine Building in Port Townsend (next to the Police Station on Water St.)
• Wednesday, September 9, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Just Ask Rental training room, across Ness’ Corner Road from Hadlock Building Supply.
• Wednesday, September 9, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Pope Marine Building

Please call us with questions or if you require special arrangements for transportation to the meeting.

385-4777
www.jeffersontransit.com

6-year TIP adopted for 2010-2015

2009-08-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Conceptual rendering of the future Rick Tollefson Trail connecting Chimacum and Port Hadlock through the Chimacum Valley. The preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisiton, and construction for this project is included in the 2010-2015 TIP.

On July 27, 2009, the Board of County Commissioners adopted through Resolution 42-09 a Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the period from 2010 through 2015. The TIP is a list of capital transportation projects that the County anticipates undertaking in the next six years, including identified funding sources for each project. Visit the TIP page for more information and access to documents and maps.

SR 19/20 Corridor Plan Open House #3

2009-08-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will host an Open House this Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Chimacum Creek Primary School in Port Hadlock.

This is the third Open House scheduled as part of the corridor planning process. There will be a fourth once the draft plan is prepared late this year.

The agency is interested in public comments on a preliminary list of potential transportation improvement projects along the SR 19/20 corridor from SR 104 to the Port Townsend ferry terminal.

For more information on the Open House and on the corridor planning process in general, visit this website: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr19/corridorplan.

The poster boards to be presented at the Open House can be accessed on the WSDOT website, as well.

There are eight "projects of special interest" about which WSDOT is looking for feedback in particular. These are:

SR 20/Kearney Street intersection control
SR 20/Port Townsend entryway study (Discovery-Mill-Jacob Miller vicinity)
SR 19/SR 20 intersection control
SR 19/Prospect Avenue intersection control
SR 19/Irondale Road intersection control
SR 19/SR 116 intersection control
SR 19/West Valley Road intersection control
SR 19/SR 104 intersection control

"Intersection control" could mean a traffic signal or a roundabout.

For more information, plan on attending the Open House and/or continue to visit the WSDOT website linked above.

Stop idling your car

2009-07-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

After doing a fair amount of research, it seems that if you are going to be idling for more than 10 seconds, turn off your car. Don't idle your car in the morning to 'warm' it up. Driving your car gently to warm it up not only reduces pollution but warms up your car much more quickly and it warms up the drivetrain, transmission, etc. which idling doesn't do. There is a myth left over from 40 years ago that your car would last longer if you idled and warmed it up before you drove. That was before modern lubricants and electric oil pumps. It is now known that you are actually wearing out your car by idling.

Start watching and you will see people on the ferry start their cars before the ferry even docks! People dropping kids off at school (which is surprising in itself) idling for long periods of time, you people with kids- they are the ones inheriting this planet. Let's give them something worth inheriting. Cars in drive throughs, banks, food, etc., turn off those cars.

I grew up on a farm and some of our tractors had to be started with a hand crank in the front of the tractor but turning a key on from inside a comfortable car can't be that difficult.

Hood Canal Bridge Open to Traffic

2009-06-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) re-opened the Hood Canal Bridge to traffic late in the evening of June 3, 2009, eight days ahead of schedule. The Bridge had been closed since May 1 for major repairs. WSDOT issued a press release regarding the re-opening.

The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader has a story with quotes from some of the first drivers to cross the new, improved Bridge.

For more information on the project and access to photographs, visit hoodcanalbridge.com.

NJ FIT: Future in Transportation

2009-06-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

New Jersey is developing a new program oriented toward creating greater synergy between land use and transportation, which will yield environmental and health benefits. It's called Future in Transportation.

The program was developed after an Integrated Land Use and Transportation Plan for Route 31 in Flemington, New Jersey, included a robust trip reduction program in connect with public transit. Extensive public involvement was key to the corridor planning process. The project was recognized by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) with a "Best Project Award." The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) has also offered congratulations to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for this exemplary work, and included Route 31 as a case study in its Building Community through Transportation program.

Question: While recognizing that we are in a different geographic and demographic context, can we still learn something valuable from effort on the other coast?

Hood Canal Bridge Closed - Where Can I Get Info?

2009-05-04T12:56:00.001-07:00

On May 1, 2009, at 12:01 AM, the Hood Canal Bridge was closed to traffic for an estimated six weeks.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is managing the project and has a project website at HoodCanalBridge.com. The site includes links to a travel options page, an interactive transit map, a printable travel options map, the schedule and reservation protocol for the special Edmonds-Port Townsend twilight ferry, and a Bridge closure blog for the public.

You can also get updated traffic information on the project traffic webpage and sign up for email traffic alerts about situations as they develop on alternate routes such as US 101 and SR 3.

Visit the project Flickr page for pictures of the construction work, including the removal of old Bridge sections.

For local information related to the closure and travel options, visit JeffConnections.com and see the "Discover Your Own Backyard" closure survival guide published by The Leader newspaper. Jefferson Transit also has a printable two-page pamphlet concerning the closure.

Intersection Status:

The intersection of Paradise Bay Road and SR 104 just west of the Bridge will be in operation during the closure. However, SR 104 will be closed 1.2 miles west of the Bridge, between Scenic View Lane and Garten Road, so that WSDOT can install a new culvert. The preferred route for detoured traffic will be SR 19 to Oak Bay Road to Paradise Bay Road. Local traffic may choose others routes, keeping in mind that SR 104 will be closed at that location (milepost 12.7).

Disability-for-a-Day 2009

2009-04-23T13:15:00.001-07:00

On April 22, 2009, the local Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH) organization coordinated the 7th annual Disability-for-a-Day event.

The County Auditor, County Administrator, and County Transportation Planner were among the participants who volunteered to experience a simulation of what it is like to try to get around town with a disability. A County Planning Commissioner, the Chair and a member of the Port Townsend Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Board (PT NMTAB), and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) State Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator also participated.

From DASH's description of the event on its website:

Each participant has his or her sight or mobility limited in some fashion and will then spend the day completing a list of real-life tasks, including evaluating designated emergency points of refuge in and around Port Townsend [and Port Hadlock], riding the bus, and walking or wheeling along the city’s streets and sidewalks.

The simulated disabilities included blindness, macular degeneration, condition of the legs requiring use of a wheelchair, leg and feet condition requiring the use of a walker, and condition preventing or limiting the use of a hand or arm. Guides included disabled and able-bodied DASH Board members and other volunteers. Teams of participants set out on missions to get to and from specific points of business or other landmarks. Some utilized the Jefferson Transit system.

Read the April 23 article in the Peninsula Daily News for descriptions of the event and quotes from organizers and participants.

My story...

For my part, I was provided a walker (without wheels) and "maimed" in the following way: left leg brace, purposely uncomfortable shoe liner for my right foot, oven mitt-style for my right hand packed with packing pellets (that limited use of my dominant hand and cause it to stay in a state of sweat for several hours), and a pair of sunglasses with large red spots to simulate macular degeneration. (Click on the photo above that Marion Huxtable took for a closer look.) I will attest that this combination was effective in making it uncomfortable and awkward to get around. In other words, it worked.

I was with a group of four. The other participant, Bill Miller of the Planning Commission, had a blindfold and a cane. Our two guides were DASH Board President Lynn Gressley, who has been blind for 30 years, and DASH Board member Marion Huxtable, who is also active in transportation-related community initiatives. Thank you to our guides for keeping us safe and providing us with an eye-opening experience! (Bad pun here, I suppose. Sorry!)

We walked (i.e., stumbled around) from the hospital to the Transit bus stop on Upper Sims Way adjacent to the QFC plaza. Coincidentally, a person in a wheelchair boarded the bus when we did, and remarkably, another person in a wheelchair boarded at the County Libary in Port Hadlock. We got off at the Post Office in Hadlock and after checking out that facility from the perspective of a disabled person, walked toward the Hadlock crossroads (intesection of State Route 116, Irondale Road and Chimacum Road) and made our way to the opposite corner. By guiding Lynn across this four-way stop controlled intersection, I was able to learn how a facility that may function well enough for motor vehciles, at the same time may be dangerous and disorienting for disabled pedestrians.

We then visited the Valley Tavern and spoke with the owner, Chuck Russell, who told us that some of his regulars are wheelchair users. The next mission was to cross the intersection again and walk along Nesses Corner Road (SR 116) all the way to Rhody Drive (SR 19), cross without the benefit of a crosswalk, and continue north to the Transit stop in front of Fiesta Jalisco.

That's a fair amount of walking for a fully-abled person in good shape and in comfortable shoes. The most discomfort for me was in my right foot--courtesy of the lumpy shoe liner--and in my wrists from continually moving and leaning on the walker. (Did I mention that my walker had no wheels?)

Experiencing mobility challenges from the perspective of my set of simulated disabilities, Bill's faux blindness and Lynn's real blindness was enlightening. Though it is in the realm of my job as a transportation planner to pay attendtion to things like road shoulders, sidewalks, curbs, driveways, intersection crossings, and the like, it is another thing to actually experience the difference an inch or two, or a pothole or other obstacle here and there, can make to a disabled person attempting to negotiate these faciliies. Then there are issues with buildings, such as door widths and bathroom dimensions. I am resolved to convert my participation in this event into experiential wisdom that will be reflected in future county transportation planning and improvement projects.

We already have plans to develop a Tri-Area non-motorized transportation network plan. The need for this plan to include input from the disabled community is paramount, particularly because, according to DASH Board member Marion Huxtable:

The 2005-2007 census (American Community Survey) shows that Jefferson County has a larger than average percentage of people with disabilities and people older than 65. Ten percent of children aged fived through 15, 17.6% of people aged 16 through 64 and 33.8 % of over 65’s have a disability. Twenty one percent of the population is over 65. The percentage of older adults in the county appears to be growing and so the percentage of people with disabilities is also growing.
This includes all kinds of disabilities. It seems shocking to me. It is a lot of people to accommodate with transportation.

The Tri-Area non-motorized network plan will concentrate on users of the local transportation system other than motorists. This "complete streets" notion pays express attention to various types of pedestrians--including wheelchair users, sight-impaired, elderly and children--as well as bicyclists and public transit users. The non-motorized network plan will supplement and enhance the transportation improvement project priorization effort Public Works is currently managing for the Quimper Peninsula, as well as the SR 19/20 corridor plan that WSDOT is coordinating. The next step is to identify possible funding sources and acquire the funds to carry out the Tri-Area non-motorized network planning process.

The bottom line is that I had a valuable learning experience yesterday and that I aim to improve future transportation plans and projects as a result. Thanks to DASH for the invitation!

Time for some CLEAN-TEA

2009-03-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

On March 11, 2009, the Clean Low-Emissions Affordable New Transportation Equity Act, known as CLEAN-TEA for short, was introduced in Congress as the next transportation Federal aid package.

Senators Carper (D-DE) and Specter (R-PA) and Reps. Blumenauer (D-OR), Tauscher (D-CA), and LaTourette (R-OH) are the lead sponsors of S. 575 in the Senate and H.R. 1329 in the House. CLEAN-TEA would be the latest in a line of Federal aid transportation packages that began with the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, and have included recent reauthorizations known as ISTEA (1991, pronounced "ice tea"), TEA-21 (1998), and SAFETEA-LU (2005), the current act which expires on September 30, 2009.

Some had speculated that the next package would be called "GREEN-TEA," but it looks like "CLEAN-TEA" won out in the end.)

Read the press release from Representative Blumenauer for the perspective of one of the sponsors.

Alternatively, there is a one-page PDF summary from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and a two-page factsheet from Smart Growth America that focuses on the relationship between CLEAN-TEA and reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). (From their website: "Smart Growth America is a coalition of national, state and local organizations working to improve the ways we plan and build the towns, cities and metro areas we call home.")

You can follow the Senate version here and the House version here as the bills go through the legislative process.

In leading up to development of a new transportation package, a National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission released a report concerning the challenges we face as as nation with respect to maintaining and improving our transportation infrastructure.

Whatever the final Federal transportation aid package, it will have significant effects on the national , state and local transportation system for years to come.

Jefferson County receives "stimulus" funds for transportation improvement

2009-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation informed Public Works via letter dated March 11, 2009 that Jefferson County is to receive $358,000 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to apply toward a two-mile ashphalt overlay project on Center Road.

The ARRA funds are at 100% (i.e., require no local match). The County will also apply other Federal funds through the Surface Transportation Program regional allocation (with a 13.5% local match) to complete the project.

The ARRA transportation improvement funds channeled through the State of Washington are for "shovel ready" projects. The Center Road overlay (phase 4) will be completed in 2009. The asphalt overlay will rehabilitate and preserve the roadway section between milepost 2.3 and milepost 4.3. Center Road is classified as a Rural Major Collector and a T-3 Freight and Goods route.

More information about ARRA-funded transportation improvements can be found on the Federal Highway Adminstration website.

JeffConnections - new local site

2009-01-30T13:55:00.000-08:00

"JeffConnections" (jeffconnections.com) is a new local Web site with the monniker:

Port Townsend and Jefferson County's source for transportation and event news.

The focus of the site currently is the upcoming six-week Hood Canal Bridge closure beginning May 1, 2009.

The site features bridge closure news updates, links to a wide variety of local transporation and community information sources, transit and ride share information, a discussion forum, transportation-related blogs, and photos and video.

Users may sign up for an RSS feed, e-newsletters, or to be a "JeffConnections blogger." The site will offer various options for those who desire real-time news updates of road and transit conditions during the Bridge closure.

The site is managed principally by the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader. Information on the site is coordinated through a local Hood Canal Bridge closure steering committee.

The site may continue after the Bridge closure as a clearinghouse for transport information.

Smart Trips Workshop 1/23/09

2009-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

From the Sponsors' Event Flyer...

Jefferson Smart Trips -

A Visioning Workshop

Friday, January 23, 12- 2 p.m.
Masonic Hall, Jefferson & Van Buren, Port Townsend

Featuring

Vicki Steigner for WA State Dept. of Transportation

Dave Turissini for Jefferson Transit

Josh Peters for Jefferson County

Rick Sepler for City of Port Townsend

What could a Smart Trips program look like in Jefferson County?

Whatcom Smart Trips uses an innovative rewards campaign to get people walking, biking, sharing rides, and taking the bus. Although the Whatcom Smart Trips program is designed for the Bellingham metropolitan area, we could be the test case for a program in a rural area. Our goal would be to decrease congestion in the SR 19/20 Corridor. The program would dovetail well with the new commuter-oriented bus routes being planned by Jefferson Transit. We need to figure out better ways to incorporate bicycles with buses, to encourage use of park-and-rides, and promote transit and ride-sharing alternatives for trips between Port Townsend, Port
Hadlock and points further south (particularly ferries). Here are a few more ideas:

Walk
Installing complete streets, more trails and better interconnections

Bike
Bike commuting classes
Free bike repairs and tune-ups

Share a Ride
Promoting Rideshare Online for commuters
Providing Emergency Ride Home for commuters
Subsidizing the Vanpool program
Developing a Community Car Share program

Ride the Bus
Improving routes on Jefferson Transit, especially for commuters
Relieving congested sections of SR 19/20 corridor
Subsidizing transit passes for employees
Better provisions for bicycles, on-board folding bikes

Exhibits: Come early at 11:30 a.m. to learn more about folding bicycles, ride-sharing programs, walking and biking trails, and proposed transit commuter routes.

Sponsored by the Transportation Lab, Local 20/20 & Jefferson Transit

Contact 360-385-6579 or info@JeffersonCAN.org

For complimentary transportation to meeting, call Jefferson Transit at 360-385-4777

PRESS RELEASE

January 14, 2009

JEFFERSON SMART TRIPS – A VISIONING WORKSHOP
Joining forces to reduce congestion

A public workshop on January 23 will offer a look at a program of innovative alternatives for getting around East Jefferson County efficiently. Whether commuting on State Route 19/20 or taking a shopping and entertainment trip, Smart Trips can help. Successful implementation of a Smart Trips program in this area will provide choices beyond reliance on a single-occupancy vehicle (SOV).

The Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) is in the beginning stages of planning to address safety and congestion issues along the SR 19/20 corridor from SR 104 to the Port Townsend ferry. Traffic forecasting for the year 2031 shows that during the "peak hour," which is generally 4:30-5:30 p.m., we could see 50-70% more traffic volume on the State Routes and 60-75 % more traffic at the major intersections along the corridor.

Traditional solutions to this type of volume-to-capacity problem have involved additional travel lanes and traffic signals. Widening the highway may not be what this community desires for the future. If we are to create an alternative solution to our challenge, it must involve transportation demand management (TDM), including innovative programs like Smart Trips, which help reduce the number of SOV’s on the roadways. The sponsors of this workshop, with the support and encouragement of DOT, are undertaking to bring a Smart Trips program to Jefferson County.

Vicki Steigner of DOT will present the Smart Trips program as pioneered in Whatcom County as a strategy for reducing congestion and increasing safety on Highway 19/20. Ms. Steigner will show how the program has significantly increased ride-sharing, transit use, van-pooling, walking and bicycling in four years.

Dave Turissini of Jefferson Transit will present possibilities for commuter routes and Park & Ride locations as part of the effort to reduce congestion.

Josh Peters for Jefferson County and Rick Sepler for the City of Port Townsend will facilitate discussions about the transportation alternatives needed to help commuters, residents and visitors get where they need to go in the next couple of decades without facing gridlock on the highway. The workshop discussion will generate ideas for putting together a Smart Trips program suited to East Jefferson County.

Port Townsend Transportation Lab, Local 20/20 and Jefferson Transit are co-sponsoring the Jefferson Smart Trips Visioning Workshop. If you are concerned about gas prices, want to reduce the congestion on the roads and reduce your carbon footprint, Smart Trips can help.

The workshop will take place on January 23 from Noon to 2 p.m. at the Masonic Hall located at Jefferson and Van Buren Streets. As a lead-in to the workshop, information will be available at 11:30 a.m. about a variety of alternative transportation modes including Jefferson Transit’s proposed commuter routes, folding bikes for convenient use on Transit, walking and bicycling in Jefferson County and how to use rideshare online and van-pooling.

For complimentary transportation to the workshop, call Jefferson Transit at 360-385-4777. For information, contact Marion Huxtable at 379-9527.

Rick Tollefson Trail in line for grant funds

2009-01-06T16:02:00.001-08:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) issued a report to the Legislature in December 2008 pertaining to the grant programs for Safe Routes to Schools and Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety.

Jefferson County Public Works submitted a proposal for consideration under the Ped & Bike Safety program to complete the funding needed to design and construct phase 1 of the Rick Tollefson Trail (RTT) in the Tri-Area of Jefferson County. The RTT is a non-motorized, multi-use path that will eventually run from central Port Hadlock to the Chimacum school campus along State Route 19. The centerpiece of the RTT is the phase 1 stretch from Chimacum Road near the Bob Bates Fields to the northeast corner of HJ Carroll Park by way of the Chimacum valley and over the Chimacum Creek via short bridges.

The WSDOT report lists RTT phase 1 as the #9 project among 92 total. (See page 19 of the PDF.) The first 16 projects in this competitive process are anticipated to be funded. However, the final word will come from the State Legislature in setting the budget during the 2009 session. The County is very hopeful that our project will receive grant funding this year and be ready for construction next year.

The RTT will provide a relatively direct (and enjoyable) path for bicylists and pedestrians (including wheelchairs and strollers) connection between widely-used amenities, which will enable non-motorized travel that avoids busy roadways. The overall goal of the project is to construct an attractive, universally supported, and well-used multi-use trail that is part of a non-motorized network in the Tri-Area. More information on the project can be found in the County's 2009-2014 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program.

New State Climate Report

2008-12-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

The State Department of Ecology put out a press release today. The referenced report includes an appendix item dedicated to transportation-related activities, which according to the report account for nearly half of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Washington state. Here are excerpts from the new climate change report to the Governor and Legislature:

* * * *

New state climate change report provides blueprint for new jobs, green economy, energy independence

OLYMPIA – A new report continues Washington’s bold leadership against climate change and shows how creating new “green” jobs will keep the state at the forefront of building a clean, green economy.

Gov. Chris Gregoire required the report, “Growing Washington’s Economy in a Carbon-Constrained World,” in her requested climate change legislation, HB 2815. The 2008 Washington Legislature approved the bill, and she signed it into law.

“This report is our blueprint for continuing to build the new, clean, green economy,” said Jay Manning, director of the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology). “We will reduce our emissions of planet-warming pollution and, in the process, develop new technologies that create clean energy and new jobs while reducing our dependence on foreign oil. The plan describes changes we will make to transition to a green economy, shrink our carbon footprint, and do our part to stabilize the climate.”

“We’re constantly competing in the world market for private investment dollars, especially in clean technology and renewable energy,” said Juli Wilkerson, director of the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED). “A strong climate change policy will help Washington’s businesses become even more competitive. We need to show business that we are serious about climate change – now and for the long term. This will attract and keep businesses here, putting people to work today and growing jobs for the future.”

Ecology and CTED led the report’s creation. The report also includes the work of the departments of Transportation, Natural Resources and Agriculture; the Western Climate Initiative; the many business and environmental interests, tribal, local and state governments, and others who made up the state’s Climate Action Team; and other statewide groups that examined forestry, agriculture and land use.

The report:

Outlines how curbing Washington’s changing climate will create jobs, make us more energy independent, and grow the green economy.

Details what is already being done to curb climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions and additional actions necessary to achieve required greenhouse gas reductions.

Summarizes the Climate Action Team’s recommendations for increasing energy efficiency and green buildings; expanding waste reduction and recycling; improving transportation choices to cut greenhouse gas emissions; and using the State Environmental Policy Act to limit climate change.

Discusses how land-use choices can influence climate change.

Advocates adoption of the Western Climate Initiative’s cap-and-trade program for controlling carbon emissions. A cap-and-trade system is the needed centerpiece policy for reducing emissions, and will spur the creation of innovative technologies and green jobs.

Read the report at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/2008CompPlan.htm.

Find fact sheets that outline cap-and-trade and other issues at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/factsheets.htm.

###

Media Contacts: Seth Preston, Ecology media relations, 360-407-6848; 360-584-5744 cell
Penny Thomas, CTED media relations, 360-725-2805
Dave Workman, Ecology media relations, 360-407-7004

For more information: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm

Ecology’s Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/

Jefferson Transit Service Planning - Additional Community Meetings

2008-12-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

Following a public hearing at the November meeting of the Jefferson Transit Authority Board, Jefferson Transit staff will hold several additional community meetings in Jefferson County to discuss the proposed comprehensive service plan. The meetings will be held at the following locations:

Jefferson County Library, 620 Cedar Avenue, Port Hadlock
Wednesday, December 17th, 1:30 AND 6:30 p.m.

Port Townsend Community Center Main Room (upstairs)
Tuesday, January 6th, 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, January 13th, 1:00 p.m.

Port Ludlow Beach Club, 121 Marina View Drive, Port Ludlow
Monday, January 12th, 2:15 p.m.

Your comments on service planning changes are welcome!

Please call us at 385-4777 if you require special transportation arrangements to the meeting.

Drawings will be held at each meeting for three monthly passes.

Bicycles as Transportation

2008-12-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

If we in Jefferson County hope to meet our goal of reducing carbon emissions to 80% lower than 1990 levels by 2050, we will need to stop traveling or start bicycling. Encouraging bicycling leads to a healthier population reducing the costs of healthcare. It also fosters community. I have never met anyone when driving a car but I meet people all the time on my bike.
Bikes can be used for recreation but they really shine when they are used for daily transportation. I use mine to carry loads from hundreds of pounds to a bag of groceries.
Every bicycle you see means less tax money spent on water pollution, road maintenance, health care infrastructure, military, homeland security, fire and ambulance, and garbage.
If you need help with your bike or how to use your bike more, contact me.

Hawaii Endorses Plan for Electric Cars

2008-12-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

A New York Times article published December 2 describes how Hawaii is looking to become a testing ground for electric vehicle infrastructure. The piece opens like this:

The State of Hawaii and the Hawaiian Electric Company on Tuesday endorsed an effort to build an alternative transportation system based on electric vehicles with swappable batteries and an “intelligent” battery recharging network.

Looks like an island environment like Hawaii is a good place to experiment. The following is excerpted from the piece:

[Silicon Valley software executive] Mr. [Shai] Agassi has argued that even if oil prices continued to decline, his electric recharging network — which ideally would use renewable energy sources like solar and wind — could provide competitively priced energy for a new class of vehicles.
He supposes that his network idea will be appropriate first for “island” economies that typically have significantly higher energy costs, and then will become more cost-competitive as it is scaled up.
“We always knew Hawaii would be the perfect model,” he said in a telephone interview. “The typical driving plan is low and leisurely, and people are smiling.”
Hawaii is a relatively small market with high energy costs. The state has about 1.2 million cars and replaces 70,000 to 120,000 vehicles annually.

Drivers on the islands also rarely make trips of more than 100 miles, meaning there will be less need for his proposed battery recharging stations. Part of Mr. Agassi’s model depends on quick-change service stations to swap batteries for drivers who need to use their cars before they have completely recharged their batteries.

A little local press

2008-12-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

The new tranportation blog got a little local press on Thanksgiving day. Following is the text of a November 27 article in the Peninsula Daily News, Jefferson County edition. Unfortunately, there is no direct link available on the PDN website.

November 27, 2008

Transportation blog goes live

By JEFF CHEW

PORT TOWNSEND - Online blogs are emerging as a new way to connect Jefferson County staffers with residents. While the first county blog spot for Parks and Recreation was launched in summer 2007, the latest innovation comes from the transportation planning program, said Josh Peters, the county's principal transportation planner.

The blog is at visionarytransport.blogspot.com.

"What I am looking for is a conversational Web site," said Peters, who helped develop the blog and monitors the comments.

He will add his comments or answers to inquiries -- whichever way the transportation winds blow.

"I want to keep it free and loose. I want all kinds of ideas on the table. No idea is "out there," Peters said.

Although present transportation issues are important, Peters said he hopes to host ongoing conversation that will look into the future of county transportation some 30 years.

"This is just taking advantage of available technology."

The direction of dialogue largely depends on where comments take it, he said.

Jefferson County Public Works will provide links to information and conversations happening in the world at large.

The blog has posted information about the latest on the corridor plan for state highways 19 and 20 and Jefferson Transit's effort to prioritize commuter trips with a new service plan.

Next from Public Works is a solid waste Web site to soon be launched with assistance from the Washington State University Extension office in Port Hadlock.

A "wikipedia" entry on the county Web is also on the table.

That would spell out the county's draft proposals and would be intended to inform staff and the three county commissioners.

Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia with millions of articles contributed corroboratively using Wiki software.

"Dialog that's good for us is good for all," Peters said.

Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew call be reached at 360 385-2335 or at jeff chew@peninsuladailynews com

Photo caption:

Josh Peters, Jefferson County's principal transportation planner, shows off the county's new transportation blog, a place where the public can communicate directly with county staff on transportation issues.

What does your crystal ball show?

2008-11-21T12:27:00.000-08:00

What do you see in the future? What happens after peak oil? What will fuel our transport modes? Will water transport once again play a significant role for our local ports?

* * * *

Background info on the "peak oil" theory:

WSDOT drafting SR 19/20 corridor plan

2008-11-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is currently running a corridor planning process for State Route (SR) 19 and 20 from SR 104 to the Port Townsend ferry dock.

The process includes an essential stakeholder and public involvement component. There is a Corridor Working Group composed of stakeholders that held its second meeting on November 7. A public open house is scheduled for December 4, 3:30-6:30 PM, at the Chimacum Middle School campus, 91 W. Valley Rd. WSDOT is looking for public comments on a master list of potential improvements along segments of the SR 19/29 corridor. Officials from Jefferson County, the City of Port Townsend, and Jefferson Transit will attend the open house, as well.

For more information on the open house and on the corridor planning process in general, visit the WSDOT SR 19/20 Corridor Plan website.

Jefferson Transit looking to prioritize commuter trips with new service plan

2008-11-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Jefferson Transit is considering a significant service plan switch that would prioritize commuter trips. Buses would begin earlier in the day in order to help riders get to work in the morning, and extend into the evening to help them get home after work. In addition to new early and late trips that would allow, for example, connections with early and late ferries to and from Seattle, the Port Townsend Shuttle, Castle Hill, Fort Worden and North Beach routes would be consolidated into two new connector routes that would connect neighborhoods and Castle Hill through passes uptown and downtown.

For more information, visit the "Public Information" section of the Jefferson Transit website.

With respect to the creation of a vibrant commute trip reduction program for our community, this service plan switch is a key component. The next step is to encourage employers to take advantage of tax breaks and other opportunities to put monthly bus passes into the hand of the employees.

For more information about commuter incentive programs, start here at Commuter Choice, a program funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Experimental Blog

2008-01-25T20:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the "Visionary Transport Blog" for Jefferson County, Washington. These pages are managed by the transportation planning program at Jefferson County Public Works. Our hope is that this blog fosters an exchange of ideas about the future of this part of western Washington state. Jefferson County residents and interested parties are welcome to contribute. Public Works will provide links to information and conversations happening in the world at large. Let us discuss whether and how these cutting edge ideas could be applied here. No idea is too "out there" in terms of thinking ahead and envisioning what this place may be like many years from now.

Feel free to comment to get the dialogue started. If you are interested in being added as blog "author," enabling you to post entries, contact the "blogmaster" directly at jpeters@co.jefferson.wa.us.