REGIONAL CENTERS FRAMEWORK UPDATE PROJECT – AREA WORK SESSIONS!

Please join the Puget Sound Regional Council for a work session in your area on the update to the regional centers framework.

They want to hear your thoughts on key central places in Pierce, King, Snohomish, and Kitsap County and what defines them.  Of interest and part of the centers update is the discussion about how military installations should be recognized and incorporated into land use and transportation planning by the Puget Sound Regional Council and local governments.

Attend to discuss how the region supports these important central places and the objectives of the centers framework update.    

Pierce County | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16th, 10:00-Noon | PUYALLUP CITY HALL, 333 S Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371

Please RSVP! Email Sara Maxana to hold your spot!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

These sessions are open to the public. They will be of particular interest to public officials and local planning and transportation staff that work on issues related to planning in centers and neighborhoods.

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PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The Puget Sound Regional Council is working with its members and other partners to evaluate the regional centers framework and recommend structural changes to recognize both regional and subregional centers using consistent designation criteria and procedures. If adopted, the new centers framework would inform future regional and local planning and investments.

The project includes five phases. They are currently in the Research Phase that will produce a Background Paper that evaluates existing designated and undesignated centers and how they are supported through regional investments, and a Centers Market Study that identifies market indicators and estimates growth demand for centers.

The work sessions will help inform the Research Phase of the project by providing stakeholder input to shape additional research questions and allow PSRC staff to ground-truth preliminary findings of the research phase.  Please attend and lend your perspective and expertise to this process!

RSVP:  Hold your spot by sending an email to Sara Maxana at smaxana@psrc.org

JBLM Corridor Mobile Traffic Info

For drivers who travel through the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) corridor, a new traffic flow map showing Interstate 5 and arterial roads is now available to help them make informed route decisions.

In an effort to give military personnel, base employees and area residents a way to gauge traffic flow around JBLM entrance and exit gates along I-5, the Washington State Department of Transportation worked cooperatively with JBLM officials to install a traffic detection system that uses anonymous Bluetooth technology to show real time traffic conditions. The Bluetooth data are displayed on the map alongside the I-5 radar detection system.

“Military personnel can now see at a glance which gates have backups, and choose a less congested gate,” said WSDOT Freeway Operations Manager Tony Leingang. “Our goal is to have JBLM traffic enter the freeway more evenly dispersed along the corridor, which helps I-5 traffic.”

The new traffic flow map, which is also available on the WSDOT mobile app, includes sections of Steilacoom-DuPont Road and Center Drive in DuPont, giving residents a new way to know which ramp is less congested.

In addition to traffic flow maps, WSDOT offers many tools and resources to help drivers such as WSDOT’s travel alerts, construction update webpages, and the WSDOT mobile app, which includes statewide traffic cameras, travel alerts, flow maps and more.

Smart phone users only need to type in the term “WSDOT” in Google Play or the App Store to download the WSDOT application to get this same information on your phone.

Open House about I-5 Corridor thru JBLM

Tired of sitting in I-5 traffic through the Joint Base Lewis-McChord area?

Come learn about proposed improvements to traffic flow during a WSDOT hosted open house and NEPA environmental scoping meeting on Tuesday, May 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the McGavick Conference Center in Lakewood.

This event is also intended to solicit public feedback and seek the public's input on items you think should be studied during the environmental process for the proposed improvements. No formal presentation will be provided. Attendees are welcome to come and go at their leisure during the three-hour event.

The McGavick Conference Center is located at 4500 Steilacoom Boulevard Southwest in Lakewood.

Find out more HERE.

View proposed changes to I-5 interchanges on Flickr.

Chamber Spotlighted for Military Support

The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber was spotlighted in the Association of Defense Communities 2014 Annual Report/2015 Strategic Plan.

Specific mention was made of the Servicemember for Life Transition Fair, which the Chamber co-sponsored and the several traffic and transportation projects completed or underway now that serve JBLM and ease the congestion of other users along the I-5 Corridor.

I-5 - JBLM Area Corridor Improvements - Future Plans

Public invited to WSDOT an open house about I-5 – JBLM Vicinity – Congestion Relief Study

Residents and highway users are invited to learn more and share their thoughts about potential improvements for Interstate 5 through the JBLM vicinity.

Open House Information:

When: 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Where: Eagles Pride Fort Lewis Golf Course
I-5 at exit 116, Mounts Road Southwest

Washington State Department of Transportation staff will host an open house to discuss alternatives being explored to improve traffic flow through the area which serves approximately 119,000 vehicles a day. No formal presentation is scheduled, and those interested in attending are welcome to come any time during the three hour open house.

WSDOT has worked closely with representatives of local governments, transit agencies, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, JBLM, Federal Highway Administration, and regional planning organizations to identify the causes of congestion in this area of I-5 and develop potential improvements.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Accommodation requests for people with disabilities can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.



Why is there so much congestion?

Interstate 5 is a national highway of strategic importance. It moves goods and people between two borders and links major cities. It is a critical corridor for military use. Over the past several years, traffic has increased along the entire I-5 corridor, and nowhere has that increase been more noticeable than in south Pierce County through the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) vicinity.

A combination of factors have contributed to the traffic growth through the area. Large businesses have moved in. JBLM and Camp Murray have expanded, and the communities of Lakewood, DuPont and Steilacoom have continued to develop. Each change has added demand on the already-crowded I-5 corridor. Motorists now see traffic congestion on a daily basis, especially during peak commute hours. Because secured military bases are located on both sides of I-5, alternate routes involve using perimeter roads around the bases. Those routes are neither convenient nor able to manage high volumes of traffic.

What is WSDOT doing about it?

In 2013, a joint I-5 corridor planning study involving WSDOT, JBLM and local jurisdictions evaluated the best way to improve transportation through the JBLM vicinity. The task of the planning study was to define improvements that could relieve congestion on I-5 from Center Drive to Gravelly Lake Drive, with a focus on the interchanges at the Steilacoom-DuPont exit (#119), 41st Division Drive/Main Gate exit (#120), Berkeley Street exit (#122) and the Thorne Lane exit (#123).

Specifically, the study addresses options to:
•    relieve congestion on I-5
•    improve system efficiency
•    enhance mobility
•    improve safety and operations
•    increase transit and alternative commute opportunities

This work is being performed in two phases. Phase 1 conducted a Corridor Feasibility Study. You can read the full report and the summary report linked below:

•    I-5 JBLM Vicinity IJR and Environmental Documentation Phase 1 Corridor Plan Feasibility Study
   
•    I-5 JBLM Vicinity IJR and Environmental Documentation Phase 1 - Summary Report

During Phase 2, WSDOT will conduct a comprehensive multi-modal corridor alternative analysis along with NEPA environmental studies and documentation. In this effort, WSDOT will evaluate alternatives off I-5 that could improve mobility along the corridor. Public involvement will be an important element of Phase 2.

Alternatives advanced from Phase 1 will be further evaluated along with those developed during Phase 2. WSDOT and other stakeholders will evaluate proposed revisions to interchanges and document them in an Interchange Justification Report (IJR). The alternative analysis will be conducted in 2014 along with initiation of the environmental studies and documentation.

In January 2014, WSDOT conducted an origin-destination study. The origin-destination study will better identify the nature of local trips and regional traffic on and near Interstate 5 between Center Drive and Gravelly Lake Drive.




Why are studies needed?

The planning study will result in an IJR, which is a study required by federal law used to justify revisions to highway interchanges. The IJR documents the design of the preferred alternative, the planning process, the evaluation of considered alternatives, and the support and justification for requesting an access revision. With the results from the report, project stakeholders can take action to implement the preferred solutions.

What will the completed study include?

•    National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental documentation for proposed corridor improvements and preliminary engineering for the highest priority improvements.
•    A completed Interchange Justification Report for revisions to the four focus-area interchanges.

What is happening in the mean time?

While the planning study is underway, some construction is already taking place in the corridor, and more construction is scheduled to start soon.  The construction projects will provide short-term improvements to help relieve congestion.  Specifically, crews will:

•    Install ramp meters
•    Widen ramp lanes
•    Add a ramp lane and auxiliary lane
•    Install data collection stations
•    Install Intelligent Transportation System improvements

View a map here of these preliminary project features.

Financial Information

Financial Data for PINs 000513A & 300596S
Funding Source                                Amount ($ in thousands)
2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding)                      $0
2005 Gas Tax (TPA)                                        $0
Pre-Existing Funds (PEF)                        $6,502
Total                                                         $6,502

How can I get more information?

Contact:
Bill Elliott    
Olympic Region Plans Engineer
360-357-2682

Claudia Bingham Baker      
WSDOT Communications Manager 
360-357-2789

Direct Access to Website Info HERE.

NDTA Scholarship Opportunity

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SSMCP Annual Membership Forum

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REGISTER VIA EMAIL HERE

Map to Location

TCT about JBLM's Logistics

The Transportation Club of Tacoma’s Monday, 9 September luncheon meeting will feature Garey Heumphreus, Director of Logistics, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, speaking about the logistics impact these two bases have on our local and regional economy. 

La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421. Reservations link here.

Military Logistics

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JBLM Gets More Transportation Dollars

The top Washington state grant application for Tiger III funding captured $15 million for improvements along the I-5 corridor at JBLM.

The original application was for $32 million, but some $5.7 million of that was already achieved when the City of Lakewood captured a grant for improvements at the Berkeley St. Interchange, leaving some $26 million actively sought for.

The reduction will mean some specific work selection must be chosen by the Washington State Department of Transportation, but all improvements will be welcome on this corridor which serves some 15,000 trucks and some 152,000 vehicles accessing JBLM daily.  A longer range fix is currently estimated to cost $1 billion.

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Col. Tommy Brittain, Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond made the following statements after U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $15 million TIGER III grant to fund the I-5 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Area Congestion Management:

“Helping secure funds for projects that improve transportation throughout our region is one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Adam Smith.  “These grants will help alleviate traffic for military personnel and communities around the JBLM corridor and save commuters time and money. They will also improve freight traffic, benefiting our local economy while adding hundreds of jobs to our region. These are significant wins for our district and I thank Congressman Dicks, along with Senators Cantwell and Murray for their longstanding support.”

"We're grateful for the efforts of everyone involved to address the growing traffic congestion that has affect JBLM and our neighboring communities,” said Col. Tommy Brittain.  “We have worked very closely with local communities, regional and state agencies, and federal and state legislators, to develop strategies that mitigate the congestion brought about by growth in Pierce and Thurston Counties, as well as our growth here at JBLM. This grant is yet another indicator of the positive, cooperative relationship we enjoy with our neighbors, and we look forward to continuing to work together to find solutions to regional challenges."

"A true partnership is bringing about transportation improvements in the JBLM corridor," said Washington State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond. "Our state delegation in D.C. helped win these federal dollars, and we have partners at the base and in Pierce County and local cities. With this grant money, we can make transportation investments in this critical corridor that will have an immediate impact on reducing some of the congestion."

Possible Grants for JBLM on I-5

 

AGENDA  -  November 2, 2011

8:00     Welcome & Self-Introductions                                  

            Tom Pierson, Co-Chair                                                

8:10     Department of Defense, Office of Economic Adjustment: I-5/JBLM Grant

            Jeff Gonzalez, City of Lakewood

8:30     TIGER III Discretionary Federal Grant: I-5/JBLM

            Ron Landon & Kevin Dayton, WSDOT

8:50     Round Robin

9:00     Closing Remarks & Adjourn

            Pat McCarthy, Co-Chair

LOCATION:  Fabulich Center, Rm. 104, 

3600 Port of Tacoma Rd., Tacoma 98421

Hopes for Improved I-5 Access to Madigan

Hopes are high for improving access to Madigan Health- care Systems thanks to a recent grant opportunity that addresses improving access to medical facilities impacted by BRAC.

Attendees at this month's Military Affairs Forum heard a recap of a grant application designed to make significant improvements to those seeking service at Madigan, said Dan Penrose, Project Manager, SSMCP. 

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), home of Madigan Health- care Systems and the Western Regional Medical Command, has been impacted by BRAC and several other Army initiatives, resulting in a doubling of personnel stationed there.  Now, there are 152,000 daily trips into-out of JBLM.  Over $1 billion is needed to accommodate today’s I-5 traffic (including its service for workforce commutation and commercial mobility).

Appli- cations from four defense commun- ities exceeded the $300 million fund cap.  Fairfax County, VA submitted the largest request, asking for $185 million; Montgomery County and Maryland asked for about $90 million, San Antonio, TX asked for $125 million and City of Lakewood [representing the South Sound Military and Community Partnership (SSMCP)] asked for less than $6 million.

The local application centers on the Berkeley Street/Union Ave./Freedom Bridge interchange on I-5.  Its particulars:

• a third lane to Madigan
• a second left turn land to I-5 South
• better signals on the ramps and Union Ave.
• a second receiving land for the Freedom Bridge overpass
• improved land configurations for Berkeley and Union
• added pedestrian safety improvements

The results – an astonishing 95% improvements in vehicle flow measured against the mid-day peak.  What’s now delays of more than 10 minutes per vehicle will drop to 35 seconds per vehicle after the improvements are made.

The decision is due November 7.  All here are hoping Lakewood’s proposal is “budget dust” that will be swept into local coffers.

Changes Coming for JBLM

MILITARY AFFAIRS FORUM
Military Affairs Committee, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

Date & Time: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Place: La Quinta Inn, 1425 E. 27th St., Tacoma 98421
Register: Online here.

AGENDA:

REPLACING SCHOOLS ON JBLM
Debbie LeBeau, Superintendent, Clover Park School District. Ms. LeBeau will have just returned from conferencing with the DoD’s Office of Economic Adjustment about the grant application for two new schools to replace existing facilities on JBLM.

The replacement of local obsolete and deteriorating schools was a primary objective of the Chamber's annual Washington-to-Washington, D.C. trip for the last two years. A cooperative effort with the Clover Park School District and other community advocates resulted in a new and first funding for replacement of schools on installations.

I-5 IMPROVEMENTS AT JBLM
Dan Penrose, Project Manager, South Sound Military & Community Partnership. The City of Lakewood and the South Sound Military & Communities Partnership have submitted a $5.7 million grant request to the Defense Department which will improve access to Madigan Army Medical Center and relieve congestion currently experienced on portions of Interstate 5 adjacent to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. When constructed, the overpass and ramp improvements at Berkeley Street (Freedom Bridge) will reduce delays and improve safety for the more than 1.4 million patients that visit Madigan annually.

FUTURE MEETINGS

Oct. 12 Chamber’s Annual Meeting. Featuring Keynote Speaker, Mr. Barry Moltz. Click here to find out more about Barry Moltz.

Nov. 10 John Anderson Citizen-soldier of the Year. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee will present the 32nd annual John Anderson Military Citizen of the Year at the Rotary Club of Tacoma’s luncheon. Place: Landmark, 47 St. Helens, Tacoma 98402. Price: $15

House Approves Its Defense Authorization Bill

The House Thursday approved its version of the fiscal 2012 defense authorization bill.

Several provisions in H.R. 1540 would increase the likelihood that growth communities like JBLM’s will be able to obtain federal funds to alleviate traffic congestion outside the gates.

One would expand DOD’s authority to use military construction appropriations to mitigate impacts on local roads stemming from mission growth. The Secretary of Defense would have to determine “the magnitude of the required improvements without regard to the extent to which traffic generated by the reservation is greater than other traffic in the vicinity of the reservation.”

The measure also calls for DOD to convene the Economic Adjustment Committee to consider additional sources of funding for the Defense Access Roads program, which provides a mechanism for DOD to fund public road improvements required as the result of defense-generated impacts. The SecDef would be required to submit an implementation plan for expanding funding sources to mitigate significant transportation impacts to military installations.

An amendment adopted in committee would authorize the Defense Access Roads program to spend $40 million. The amendment would establish a budget line item for the Defense Access Roads program, something it currently does not have. Now projects are funded from the military construction account of the service benefiting from the improvement.

The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to mark up its version of the annual policy bill next month.