CHAPTER 3 VISIONING, GUIDING PRINCIPLES, GOALS & POLICIES Introduction

Transcription

1 CHAPTER 3 VISIONING, GUIDING PRINCIPLES, GOALS & POLICIES Intrductin The update t the Reginal Transprtatin Plan (RTP) began with an extensive visining prcess, cnducted thrugh a bttm-up apprach. CWCOG staff wrked clsely with planning partners, Technical Advisry Cmmittees (TACs), and/r Plicy Bards in all five Suthwest Washingtn Reginal Transprtatin Planning Organizatin (SWRTPO) cunties. The SWRTPO area s large size and gegraphic diversity create a wide variety f challenges in building, maintaining, and managing a safe and efficient transprtatin system. Acknwledging thse differences, planning staff wrked with each cunty grup f stakehlder t craft a visin, guiding principles, gals, and plicies specific t their cunty. The reginal visining elements were then created thrugh identifying challenges and aspiratins that are shared between multiple cunties within the regin. Washingtn Transprtatin Plicy Gals The Washingtn Transprtatin Plan, WTP 2035, is based n the fllwing six transprtatin plicy gals established by the Legislature: PRESERVATION: T maintain, preserve, and extend the life and utility f prir investments in transprtatin systems and services. SAFETY: T prvide fr and imprve the safety and security f transprtatin custmers and the transprtatin system. MOBILITY: T imprve the predictable mvement f gds and peple thrughut Washingtn state. ENVIRONMENT: T enhance Washingtn s quality f life thrugh transprtatin investments that prmte energy cnservatin, enhance healthy cmmunities, and prtect the envirnment. STEWARDSHIP: T cntinuusly imprve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency f the transprtatin system. ECONOMIC VITALITY: T prmte and develp transprtatin systems that stimulate, supprt and enhance the mvement f peple and gds t ensure a prsperus ecnmy. CWCOG staff relied n these gals t facilitate visining discussins with lcal stakehlders fr the purpses f this RTP. When crafting the RTP gals and plicies, CWCOG staff wrked t ensure the regin s future effrts cincided and advanced the visin utlined in the WTP. Cunty Visining Prcess CWCOG staff initiated cunty visining prcesses thrugh first presenting a list f themes, which were gathered frm the transprtatin elements f area cmprehensive plans. These themes were used as a starting pint fr exercises, where the stakehlders were asked t develp a list f lcal transprtatin issues. Once the lists were develped and discussed, the stakehlders then priritized the needs r issues thrugh ppular vte. Planning staff relied n the tp needs r issues t craft each cunty s transprtatin visin and guiding principles. The guiding principles were used t help develp a list f gals and plicies, which were als partly shaped by the full list f issues. Each grup Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 27 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

2 f stakehlders was asked t mdify r enhance the language f each piece befre being finalized thrugh grup cnsensus. Reginal Visining Prcess The reginal visin was crafted thrugh recnciling the cmmn issues identified thrugh the cunty stakehlder meetings. Six cmmn reginal issues were then identified: Bicycle/pedestrian mbility Bridge perfrmance Ecnmic Vitality Funding Structures Safety Acrss Mdes Public Transprtatin Service The shared issues were used t develp a reginal visin, guiding principles, gals, and plicies, which aim t lead the entire SWRTPO in a directin that treats the regin s transprtatin infrastructure as ne intercnnected, multi-mdal system, rather than as separate parts. While the cunties individual visining elements are an imprtant part f the RTP, the reginal visining elements are verarching, and act as an umbrella ver the cunties visining elements. Reginal Transprtatin Plan Plicy Element Visin T achieve a safe and well-maintained reginal transprtatin system that integrates all travel mdes; supprts a healthy ecnmy; and enhances the quality f life acrss the regin. The transprtatin system will: Prtect the regin s investment by preserving and enhancing existing infrastructure. Prvide viable travel ptins acrss all mdes and thrughut ur diverse regin. Guiding Principles Preserve and imprve the reginal transprtatin system thrugh partnerships in rder t maximize investment. Prvide an integrated transprtatin system that encurages the use f all mdes by ffering accessible, safe, and efficient travel ptins. Encurage the preservatin and enhancement f public transprtatin prgrams and infrastructure thrughut the Suthwest Washingtn RTPO, and explre pprtunities fr expanding service t increase access t jbs, services, and ther key destinatins. Supprt the regin s ecnmic vitality thrugh ensuring the transprtatin netwrk addresses inter- and intra-reginal accessibility and mbility needs fr bth peple and gds. Gals and Plicies Gal 1: Prmte and supprt a transprtatin system that strengthens the regin s ecnmic cmpetitiveness. Plicy 1a: Increase the capacity and efficiency f a multimdal freight netwrk that accmmdates trucking, rail, marine, and air carg services; facilitates cmpetitive chices fr the mvement f gds; supprts the regin s ecnmic well-being; and minimizes negative impacts n land-use and the envirnment. Plicy 1b: Install alternative energy fueling statins, including electric vehicle (EV) charging statins, t prvide visitrs wh drive alternative energy vehicles the capability t travel easily thrughut the regin, increasing access t jbs, services, turist attractins, and ther key destinatins. Gal 2: Preserve and enhance the regin s existing transprtatin infrastructure and facilities. Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 28 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

3 Plicy 2a: Encurage reginal crdinatin and decisinmaking t develp a reginal transprtatin system that is maintained and imprved thrugh adequate investment. Plicy 2b: Facilitate cperatin between public, private and nn-prfit rganizatins t identify new funding mechanisms fr transprtatin prjects and prgrams, and t manage the reginal transprtatin infrastructure. Plicy 2c: Encurage the maintenance and imprvement f the regin s rail netwrk and address at-grade rail crssings t increase the efficient mvement f peple and gds. Plicy 2d: Encurage federal and state legislatrs t fully fund bridge replacement fr structurally deficient bridges and bridges beynd their useful and functinal life span. Plicy 2e: Enhance existing state rutes t meet peak demand. Plicy 2f: Preserve the existing transprtatin infrastructure and services t ptimize capacity, and reliability, and t imprve travel and safety cnditins. Plicy 2g: Imprve, rebuild, r retrfit infrastructure which has exceeded its useful and functinal life, and develp a plan fr the timely replacement f infrastructure nearing the end f its useful and functinal life. Plicy 2h: Fcus effrts and investments n transprtatin prjects that maximize the efficiency and safety f the existing system. Gal 3: Develp an integrated nn-mtrized transprtatin system. Plicy 3a: Create a safe and cmprehensive netwrk f bicycle and pedestrian facilities integrated int the reginal transprtatin netwrk which prvides alternatives t autmbile travel; links resurces and destinatins; prvides greater cnnectivity between neighbrhds, emplyment hubs, schls, and parks; increases recreatinal pprtunities; prmtes healthy lifestyles; and enhances the quality f life in Suthwest Washingtn. Plicy 3b: Identify new trail segments and cnnect gaps in the existing trail system t strengthen regin-wide trail cnnectivity. Plicy 3c: Ensure the public transprtatin system is integrated with the bike/pedestrian system and with bike/pedestrian infrastructure. Plicy 3d: Imprve the safety f rutes thrugh accmmdating bicycle traffic, making the radways safer fr cyclists and all ther users f the system. Plicy 3e: Expand bicycle and pedestrian walkways in rder t enhance cnnectivity between destinatins, create new recreatinal pprtunities, and t better prtect the safety f all users. Plicy 3f: Identify new funding surces specific t nnmtrized transprtatin prjects. Gal 4: Maintain, mdernize and enhance a sustainable and cmprehensive public transprtatin system. Plicy 4a: Preserve, mdernize, and expand an accessible, reliable, cnvenient, and safe public transprtatin system f buses, vanpls, carpls, and specialized transprtatin services that prvides all residents, regardless f their age, incme, r special needs, with access t emplyment centers, cmmercial areas, recreatinal facilities, and ther destinatins within the regin. Plicy 4b: Imprve access and crdinatin between public transprtatin prviders acrss the regin. Plicy 4c: Prmte increased public transprtatin ridership thrugh service enhancement and expansin, imprved pedestrian and bicycle linkages, and encuraging transitriented develpment patterns. Plicy 4d: Imprve the efficiency f public transprtatin prgrams thrugh incrprating new technlgies, such as Intelligent Transprtatin System (ITS) slutins. Plicy 4e: Expand the reach f the public transprtatin netwrk, thrugh imprving cnnectivity t ther areas, Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 29 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

4 neighbring cunties, and cnnectins with ther public transprtatin prviders. Plicy 4f: Imprve access t jbs thrugh peratinal imprvements and service expansins. Plicy 4g: Expand public transprtatin services t underserved areas, ptentially thrugh frming new partnerships between agencies, t maximize efficiency thrugh crdinatin. Gal 5: Maintain and enhance a reginal transprtatin system that is safe and accessible fr multiple travel mdes. Plicy 5a: Prmte designs fr new r widened radways that include sufficient width t accmmdate anticipated future demand, utility expansin, emergency vehicle access, buses and fr safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Plicy 5b: Maintain and enhance a safe and accessible public transprtatin, pedestrian and bicycle system which prmtes functinal and recreatinal pprtunities. Plicy 5c: Address at-grade rail crssings t imprve safety and t ensure emergency vehicles can respnd in a timely manner. Plicy 5d: Increase safety fr pedestrians with imprvements t separate pedestrians frm vehicular traffic. Plicy 5e: Explre methds t imprve safety at intersectins and radways that experience high traffic vlumes and higher rates f traffic accidents. Plicy Elements fr the Five Cunties Cwlitz Cunty Visin Building n the fundatin f Cwlitz Cunty s existing assets, we envisin a well-maintained and designed transprtatin system that prvides mbility, accessibility and cnnectivity fr peple, gds and services. The transprtatin system will: Prmte accessibility and mbility by imprving multi-mdal transprtatin chices. Prvide attainable and ecnmically sustainable slutins t cnnect cmmunities and maintain infrastructure fr peple and freight. Cwlitz Cunty Guiding Principles Preserve and enhance the efficiency f Cwlitz Cunty s existing transprtatin infrastructure by crdinating with reginal partners t maximize funding. Increase the reginal mbility and cnnectivity f freight (marine, rail, radway, and air) thrugh a balanced and intercnnected transprtatin system. Create a well-cnnected system f bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Plan fr transprtatin crridrs s they can accmmdate future demand, multimdal users, and utility expansin. Expand and maintain a public transit system that enhances mbility chices, increases ridership, and imprves efficiency thrugh crdinatin between all stakehlder agencies. Cwlitz Cunty Gals & Plicies Gal 1: Preserve and enhance existing transprtatin infrastructure and funding levels. Plicy 1a: Encurage reginal crdinatin, cperatin, and decisin-making t develp a transprtatin system that is maintained and imprved thrugh adequate investment. Plicy 1b: Preserve and maintain the existing transprtatin infrastructure and services t ptimize capacity and reliability, and imprve travel and safety cnditins. Plicy 1c: Create and maintain a transprtatin netwrk that enhances safety fr all travel mdes, and access fr all land uses. Plicy 1d: Facilitate cperatin between public, private and nn-prfit rganizatins in the develpment, funding, and management f transprtatin infrastructure. Gal 2: Sustain ecnmic cmpetitiveness and prsperity thrugh freight mbility. Plicy 2a: Prvide a transprtatin system that accmmdates safe, effective, efficient, and crdinated mvement f freight t Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 30 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

5 prmte Cwlitz Cunty s functin as a gateway fr reginal, natinal, and internatinal cmmerce. Plicy 2b: Prvide a safe and efficient freight transprtatin system that supprts the regin s ecnmic well-being, and minimizes negative impacts n land-use and the envirnment. Plicy 2c: Supprt a multimdal freight transprtatin system that includes trucking, rail, marine services, and air carg cnnectins t facilitate cmpetitive chices fr the mvement f gds and freight. Gal 3: Expand pprtunities fr alternative travel mdes that als prmte health, such as bicycling and walking, thrughut the cunty. Plicy 3a: Create a safe and cmprehensive netwrk f bicycle and pedestrian facilities integrated int the cunty transprtatin system which prvides alternatives t autmbile travel; links resurces and destinatins; prvides greater cnnectivity between neighbrhds, emplyment hubs, schls, and parks; increases recreatinal pprtunities; prmtes healthy lifestyles; and enhances the quality f life in Cwlitz Cunty. Plicy 3b: Increase public awareness and knwledge abut the ecnmic, envirnmental and health benefits f walking and biking as practical mdes f transprtatin. Gal 4: Expand and imprve transprtatin crridrs. Plicy 4a: Crdinate timing f utility upgrades and expansins with transprtatin infrastructure imprvements. Plicy 4b: Prmte designs fr new r widened radways that include sufficient width t accmmdate anticipated future demand, utility expansin, emergency vehicle access, and fr safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Gal 5: Maintain and enhance a cmprehensive transit system. Plicy 5a: Prmte a public transprtatin system that prvides all residents with access t emplyment centers, cmmercial areas, recreatinal facilities and ther destinatins within Cwlitz Cunty and the regin. Plicy 5b: Maintain and expand an accessible, reliable, cnvenient and safe public transprtatin system f buses, vanpls, carpls and transprtatin services t assist peple with special needs. Plicy 5c: Imprve access and crdinatin between public transprtatin prviders thrughut and acrss cunties. Plicy 5d: Prmte increased transit use thrugh service enhancements and expansin, imprved pedestrian and bicycle linkages, and encuraging transit-riented develpment patterns. Grays Harbr Cunty Visin The Grays Harbr cmmunity envisins a safer, well-maintained, and suitably funded transprtatin system that prvides mbility, accessibility, and cnnectivity fr peple, gds and services. The transprtatin system will: Prvide attainable and ecnmically sustainable slutins t cnnect cmmunities, and maintain infrastructure fr peple and freight. Prvide Grays Harbr Cunty residents and visitrs with safe and cnvenient access t key destinatins. Is sufficient t meet current needs and attract future grwth, but is manageable t maintain effectively ver the lng term. Grays Harbr Cunty Guiding Principles Act strategically t maintain and imprve resiliency f critical existing infrastructure, especially bridges. Prvide viable, efficient, and sustainable funding fr all transprtatin mdes. Imprve mbility in difficult areas, specifically alng US 12 in East Aberdeen and alng the entire length f SR 109. Increase safety fr all radways including vehicle pulluts, rail crssings, and alternative rutes. Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 31 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

6 Grays Harbr Cunty Gals & Plicies Gal 1: Establish and maintain a safe and efficient transprtatin system that supprts mbility needs with a variety f transprtatin chices. Plicy 1a: Cnnect all mdes f transprtatin t frm an integrated and balanced system. Plicy 1b: Prvide a safe and pleasant pedestrian system which prmtes functinal and recreatinal pprtunities. Plicy 1c: Plan and implement electric vehicle cnnectins t facilitate travel frm I-5 t the cast. Plicy 1d: Update and maintain a mdern transit system. Plicy 1e: Strengthen the regin s ecnmy by mving peple and gds efficiently. Gal 2: Maintain and imprve resiliency f critical existing infrastructure, especially bridges. Plicy 2a: Crdinate with WSDOT t ensure bridge maintenance/repair adheres t scheduled timeline. Plicy 2b: Encurage federal and state legislatrs t fully fund bridge replacement fr structurally deficient bridges and thse beynd their useful life span. Plicy 2c: Encurage the maintenance and imprvement f the regin's rail freight systems. Gal 3: Prvide viable, efficient, and sustainable funding fr all transprtatin mdes. Plicy 3a: Wrk with state and federal legislatrs t implement a stable and sustainable funding mechanism fr the Highway Trust Fund. Plicy 3b: Review lcal streets t determine Functinal Classificatin eligibility as imprved classificatin increases access t funding. Gal 4: Increase safety and imprve mbility n all radways giving pririty t difficult areas. Plicy 4a: Develp a crridr safety plan alng SR 109 frm Hquiam t Tahlah. Plicy 4b: Implement the East Aberdeen Mbility Prject. Plicy 4c: Wrk with lcal agencies, WSDOT Rail Divisin, and PSAP Rail t identify and implement at-grade crssing imprvements and increased rail car strage slutins. Plicy 4d: Identify lcatins fr slw vehicle pull-uts, and integrate implementatin int lcal and state plans. Lewis Cunty Visin T prvide an efficient, cst effective, and integrated reginal transprtatin netwrk that prmtes safe, healthy, and prsperus cmmunities. The transprtatin system: Prvides Lewis Cunty residents and visitrs with safe and cnvenient access t key destinatins (emplyment centers, histric sites, turist sites, hspitals, schls, and recreatinal areas). Is planned and cnstructed thrugh stakehlder cllabratin t maximize the value f transprtatin plicies and investments. Is sufficient t meet current needs and attract future grwth, but is manageable t maintain effectively ver the lng term. Lewis Cunty Guiding Principles Effectively cmmunicate funding infrastructure maintenance shrtfalls t federal and state fficials t identify existing and new funding surces t preserve r imprve rads, bridges, transit/paratransit service, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure. Imprve access between primary rutes and key destinatins resulting in greater system functinality, safety, imprved traffic flw, and strengthened ecnmic pprtunities. Address safety issues alng highways, pedestrian paths and atgrade rail crssings which present risks t public safety, exacerbate traffic cngestin, and deter ecnmic prgress fr Lewis Cunty. Imprve the efficiency and safety f Interstate 5 thrugh prjects that increase capacity, imprve levels f service, and expand access fr key ecnmic drivers. Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 32 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

7 Strengthen the resiliency f the existing transprtatin netwrk and ensure that system cmpnents are resistant t the impacts f natural events. Lewis Cunty Gals & Plicies Gal 1: Imprve safety. Plicy 1a: Address at-grade rail crssings t reduce the likelihd f accidents, and t allw emergency respnse in a timely manner. Plicy 1b: Imprve visibility and delineatin n dark rutes. Plicy 1c: Widen shulders and install guardrails where apprpriate. Plicy 1d: Increase safety fr pedestrians with imprvements that separate pedestrians and cyclists frm vehicular traffic. Gal 2: Supprt Ecnmic Develpment. Plicy 2a: Accmmdate demand fr industrial grwth thrugh strategically enhancing r expanding the transprtatin system in key areas suited fr industrial develpment. Plicy 2b: Imprve access pints t Interstate 5 in the Centralia/Chehalis urban area in in nrthern Lewis Cunty. Plicy 2c: Address at-grade rail crssings t imprve cngestin and mbility. Gal 3: Preserve r replace aging bridges and infrastructure. Plicy 3a: Maintain existing transprtatin infrastructure and services t ptimize capacity, reliability and imprve travel and safety cnditins. Plicy 3b: Imprve, rebuild, r retrfit infrastructure which has exceeded its useful and functinal life, and plan fr the replacement f infrastructure nearing the end f its useful and functinal life. Gal 4: Address transprtatin funding shrtfalls. Plicy 4a: Facilitate cperatin between public, private, and nn-prfit rganizatins t reduce csts fr transprtatin infrastructure and services. Such prjects/prgrams may include, but are nt limited t, infrastructure maintenance, transit and paratransit peratins, transit and paratransit capital prjects, and utility extensin. Plicy 4b: Wrk clsely with lcal, state, and federal fficials, as well as ther stakehlders, t identify new funding mechanisms fr transprtatin prjects and prgrams that benefit the Lewis Cunty area. Gal 5: Strengthen resiliency. Plicy 5a: Imprve the resiliency f the existing transprtatin system by recnstructing, relcating, r reinfrcing infrastructure s that it is mre resistant t flding and ther natural disasters. Plicy 5b: New r imprved infrastructure shuld be planned, designed, and lcated in a manner that makes it resistant t flding and ther natural disasters. Gal 6: Imprve traffic flw. Plicy 6a: Direct lcal traffic away frm Interstate 5 t reduce cngestin and address issues n lcal rutes when interstate 5 is shut dwn. Plicy 6b: Increase capacity f Interstate 5 thrughut Lewis Cunty. Plicy 6c: Address at-grade rail crssings t reduce cngestin. Plicy 6d: Designate and enfrce truck rutes in and arund twns. Pacific Cunty Visin Pacific Cunty s multimdal transprtatin system maximizes mbility fr all citizens and visitrs, and encurages the retentin and expansin f the lcal natural resurce-based ecnmy. The system: Cnnects Pacific Cunty s primary assets the peple, natural resurces and businesses t each ther and t markets and resurces utside the cunty and state. Prvides safe, cnvenient, efficient, and effective mvement f peple and gds. Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 33 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

8 Is flexible and nimble enugh t adapt t changes in technlgy, the envirnment and the ecnmy. Pacific Cunty Guiding Principles Act strategically t maintain and imprve resiliency f critical existing infrastructure (rads, bridges, and culverts). Create a system f intercnnected trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities t varius cuntywide destinatins. Use innvative appraches t enhance and/r expand majr rutes t meet fluctuating demand in nrth Pacific Cunty and the Peninsula. Strategies shuld include the additin f passing lanes and electrnic vehicle charging statins. Imprve and cnnect prt facilities access t critical infrastructure fr crps/seafd. Prvide viable alternative emergency evacuatin rutes that are accessible and safe fr users f all abilities and incmes. Pacific Cunty Gals & Plicies Gal 1: Strengthen resiliency. Plicy 1a: Imprve the resiliency f the existing transprtatin system by recnstructing, relcating, r reinfrcing infrastructure s that it is mre resistant t landslides, ersin, flding, tsunamis, and ther natural disasters. Plicy 1b: New r imprved infrastructure shuld be planned, designed, and lcated in a manner that makes it resilient t landslides, ersin, flding, tsunamis, and ther natural disasters. Gal 2: Imprve safety. Plicy 2a: Install mre lighting n dark rutes. Plicy 2b: Plan and develp additinal emergency evacuatin rutes. Plicy 2c: Cnstruct additinal passing lanes and pulluts n state highways. Gal 3: Enhancing bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Plicy 3a: Cnstruct mre pedestrian walkways and bike facilities, especially within ppulated r cngested areas. Plicy 3b: Identify new trail segments and cnnect gaps in the existing trail system t strengthen cuntywide trail cnnectivity. Plicy 3c: Establish cnnectins with trail systems in neighbring cunties t strengthen regin-wide trail cnnectivity. Plicy 3d: Develp a cuntywide system f cycling rutes. Plicy 3e: Cntinue effrts t repurpse abandned railways and ther rights-f-way int trails. Gal 4: Supprt Ecnmic Develpment. Plicy 4a: Imprve multimdal access t prt facilities fr marine vessels and trucked freight. Plicy 4b: Prvide critical facility imprvements t supprt apprpriate preservatin, strage and distributin f marine and agricultural prducts. Gal 5: Fcus effrts n system preservatin and enhancements. Plicy 5a: Maintain rads and bridges t meet r exceed Federal standards. Plicy 5b: Repair r replace failing state highway culverts Plicy 5c: Enhance existing state rutes t meet peak demand. Plicy 5d: Imprve rads in rder t strengthen cnnectivity between Nrth Cunty and Suth Cunty. Plicy 5e: Add mre viewing statins n state rutes t prmte turism and prvide a safe place fr travelers t stp. Plicy 5f: Cnstruct additinal passing lanes n state rutes. Plicy 5g: Priritize efficiency and peratinal imprvements t the existing transprtatin system befre investing in cstly expansin imprvements. Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 34 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

9 Gal 6: Invest in public transprtatin. Plicy 6a: Explre expanding public transprtatin services t underserved areas, and frm new partnerships with ther prviders in the regin. Plicy 6b: Imprve the efficiency f public transprtatin prgrams, ptentially thrugh Intelligent Transprtatin System (ITS) slutins. Plicy 6c: Increase frequency f scheduled service t neighbring cunties, establishing cnnectins with ther public transprtatin prviders. Plicy 6d: Prvide greater access t jbs, ptentially thrugh develping new and innvative prgrams, extending service hurs, establishing new rutes t emplyment hubs, r creating new seasnal rutes/times during peak seasns fr turism. Gal 7: Fster innvatin. Plicy 7a: Cnsider Intelligent Transprtatin System infrastructure alng primary rutes and n public transprtatin vehicles t imprve efficiency. Plicy 7b: Cnsider slar-pwered lighting alng transprtatin rutes. Plicy 7c: Supprt alternative energy surces fr transprtatin, including investments in a cuntywide netwrk f Electrnic Vehicle (EV) charging statins that are cnveniently lcated fr residents and turists. Gal 8: Supprt multi-mdal transprtatin. Plicy 8a: Explre new passenger inter-cunty ferry service. Plicy 8b: Ensure the public transprtatin system is integrated with the bike/pedestrian system and with bike/pedestrian infrastructure. Wahkiakum Cunty Visin Wahkiakum Cunty s transprtatin system maximizes the safety and mbility f peple and gds thrugh an intercnnected netwrk f walkways, public transprtatin rutes, marine systems, and radways, designed t accmmdate cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles. The system: Cnnects Wahkiakum Cunty s key destinatins in a safe and efficient manner fr all mdes f travel. Encurages walking, biking, and the use f public transprtatin as a cnvenient alternative t driving. Incrprates a resilient netwrk f rads, bridges, and ther infrastructure built t accmmdate future demand with sustainable maintenance csts ver time. Wahkiakum Cunty Guiding Principles Enhance mbility by creating a system f intercnnected trails and bicycle/pedestrian facilities that prvide safe and cnvenient access t varius cuntywide and reginal destinatins. Address safety issues alng highways, bridges, pedestrian paths, and intersectins which present risks t public safety and hinder mbility with all age grups. Act strategically and cllabratively t maintain the existing transprtatin netwrk and add imprvements t enhance the system s usefulness and efficiency. Supprt the preservatin and expansin f public transprtatin systems t imprve access t jbs, essential services, and destinatins within and utside f Wahkiakum Cunty. Wahkiakum Cunty Gals & Plicies Gal 1: Enhance the safety f the transprtatin system Plicy 1a: Explre methds t imprve safety at intersectins and radways that experience high traffic vlumes and higher rates f traffic incidents. Plicy 1b: Cnstruct additinal passing lanes and pulluts n state rutes. Plicy 1c: Address speeding issues. Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 35 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan

10 Gal 2: Imprve and expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Plicy 2a: Plan fr the prper maintenance and imprvements t existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities in rder t ensure they remain a safe, useful and viable mde f travel. Plicy 2b: Plan fr bicycle and pedestrian system extensins t mre destinatins within Wahkiakum Cunty and t destinatins in neighbring cunties. Plicy 2c: Cnstruct mre bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in rder t enhance cnnectivity between destinatins, create new recreatinal pprtunities, and t better prtect the safety f all system users. Plicy 2d: Imprve state rutes t better accmmdate bicycle traffic making the radways safer fr cyclists and all ther users f the system. Gal 3: Create mre pprtunities fr ecnmic develpment. Plicy 3a: Install directinal signage t prmte destinatins in Wahkiakum Cunty and attract utside visitrs. Plicy 3b: Install electrnic vehicle (EV) charging statins t prvide EV drivers with greater access t Wahkiakum Cunty destinatins. Plicy 3c: Address parking issues fr Wahkiakum Cunty attractins, businesses, and ther key destinatins. Gal 4: Cncentrate n the preservatin and enhancement f the existing system. Plicy 4a: Fcus effrts and investments n prjects that maintain the existing system, r prjects that maximize the efficiency and safety f the existing system. Plicy 4b: Repair r replace failing infrastructure, and plan fr the replacement f infrastructure reaching the end f its useful and functinal life. Plicy 4c: Enhance the efficiency and safety f existing state rutes, by cnstructing additinal passing lanes t accmmdate the use f bicycles and pedestrians. Gal 5: Maintain and expand public transprtatin services. Plicy 5a: Cnsider the expansin f public transprtatin services t underserved areas, ptentially thrugh frming new partnerships between agencies t maximize efficiency thrugh crdinatin. Plicy 5b: Imprve cnnectivity t ther areas thrugh increasing the frequency f scheduled transit service t neighbring cmmunities, while als establishing additinal cnnectins with ther transprtatin prviders. Plicy 5c: Imprve access t jbs, ptentially thrugh extending service hurs and weekend service, r establishing new rutes t emplyment hubs. Plicy 5d: Invest in additinal signage and bus shelters as transit stps. Summary The lcal and reginal visining prcesses fr this plan were cnducted thrugh a bttm-up apprach, relying heavily n area stakehlders. The cunty visining elements were develped with each cunty s elected fficials, engineers, planners, transit agency directrs, city managers, and ther leaders. Reginal visining was cnducted at RTPO Plicy Bard meetings, which were attended by stakehlders representing each cunty in the RTPO area. The RTPO s large size, lw density and gegraphic diversity create a wide variety f challenges in building, maintaining, and managing a safe and efficient transprtatin system. This visining prcess allws the RTPO t effectively face these challenges thrugh develping a plan that addresses bth lcal issues, while als fcusing n the verarching needs and aspiratins f the regin. Suthwest Washingtn RTPO 36 Lngview Kels Rainier MPO Reginal Transprtatin Plan