The Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) recently released its Statewide Transportation Needs Assessment report, providing a comprehensive analysis of transportation funding mechanisms necessary for addressing critical transportation needs and local priorities. Now the JTC is in the process of hosting a series of advisory panel discussions to address critical transportation funding needs.

In 2019, the Legislature requested a study to assess statewide transportation needs and priorities from 2022-2031. The report is the first of a multi-phased analysis of Washington’s transportation system. It also will consider the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of Initiative 976.

The JTC’s report presents a ten-year needs assessment, with categorical estimates of critical funding needs. The report asserts that current funding for each jurisdiction is less than half of what is needed, without considering catch-up on deferred maintenance and preservation. If the report is accurate, cities will face a more than $8 billion funding gap within the next ten years.

The advisory panel includes stakeholders from the transportation industry, local government representatives, and state legislators. The first two advisory panel meetings have focused largely on revenue principles, revenue options and investment priorities. The next advisory panel meeting will be held on September 30, from 1 to 4 pm on TVW.

To view the full report, including a detailed menu of funding options and potential impacts from I-976 and COVID-19, click here. To view the most recent advisory panel discussion, click here.