Transportation Commission spotlights future direction for transportation at meeting next week
- Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director
Topics include Road Usage Charging, COVID-19 impacts, and tolling
OLYMPIA – Planning for future transportation needs is the focus of the Washington State Transportation Commission’s October meeting. Topics to be covered include updates on tolling performance and the state transportation revenue forecast, next steps for the Road Usage Charge assessment, and a continuation of the commission’s year-long series on “The Future of Transportation Post COVID-19.”
The commission meeting begins at 9 a.m. both Tuesday, Oct. 20, and Wednesday, Oct. 21. Due to limitations on the size of gatherings in response to COVID-19, this meeting will be conducted virtually using GoToWebinar. People interested in attending can find registration instructions on the commission’s website. The meeting will be broadcast live on TVW at www.tvw.org.
On Tuesday, the Autonomous Vehicle Workgroup will provide an update on its progress and give a preview of pending recommendations, which will be submitted to the commission at its December meeting. The AV workgroup is charged with identifying policy and regulatory changes to better to accommodate AVs on our public roadways.
An update on the Interstate 405/State Route 167 express toll lanes Low-Income Tolling Study also will be given. The study is assessing the effects of tolling on low-income drivers of the I-405/SR 167 express toll lanes and recommends possible approaches to mitigate impacts. The project team will present proposed criteria for selection of possible low-income toll program options for further assessment and will provide an overview of a survey to be conducted of low-income drivers who use either corridor.
As part of the commission’s on-going work related to the statewide 20-year transportation plan “Washington Transportation Plan 2040 and Beyond,” Washington State Department of Transportation staff will provide a briefing on the development of the department’s Highway System Plan. The Highway System Plan is a component of the 20-year plan and serves as the basis for the six-year capital highway program and WSDOT’s two-year budget request to the State Legislature.
Tuesday afternoon, staff from WSDOT and the Office of the State Treasurer will provide an update on the performance of the state’s tolled facilities. They will highlight the effects the COVID-19 pandemic is having on traffic volumes and revenues for each tolled facility and discuss possible approaches to addressing toll revenue shortfalls. Staff will also provide a briefing on the September 2020 state transportation revenue forecast, addressing the current financial status of state transportation funding, and providing insight into what the future may hold for state transportation revenues and toll rates.
Tuesday’s meeting concludes with a briefing on the next phase of work for the Road Usage Charge assessment. A RUC is being assessed as a possible replacement to the gas tax. The commission has conducted several years of research and a year-long pilot project with 2,000 drivers from across the state. In January 2020, the commission made recommendations to the Legislature for implementing a small RUC program statewide. An overview of the next phase of research will be provided. This research is fully funded with a grant from the Federal Highways Administration.
The focus of Wednesday’s meeting is on the commission’s year-long series: “The Future of Transportation Post-COVID-19.” A panel of experts and industry leaders will speak to several topics, including:
- New considerations and approaches for future transportation infrastructure investments
- A proposal on the development of the “Cascadia Innovation Corridor” running from Vancouver, B.C., to Portland, Oregon
- New approaches to promoting changes in travel behavior, equitable mobility, and employer participation
- The challenges and impacts of the pandemic on businesses statewide and implications going forward
Written public comment will be accepted via email until 4 p.m. the day before the meeting. Comments should be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Written comments received after this deadline will be provided to commissioners after the meeting. Questions can also be asked during the meeting by using the “question” box found on-screen during the meeting, and as time allows, will be addressed during the meeting.
All presentations will be available on the commission’s website. For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/
Chelan Fire and Rescue Commissioners Meeting 10-21-20
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via Zoom. The public is welcome to join by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87284665516 Meeting ID: 872 8466 5516 or dial +1 253 215 8782
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Roll Call:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: September 2020
• Payroll: September 1 -30, 2020 for $181,744.98 paid 10-05-2020
• General Account Vouchers: #746675 – 746711 for $58,234.02
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17142 – 17147 for $11,824.39
• Minutes: September 16, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction / Apparatus Update
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• 2021-2025 DRAFT Strategic Plan – Update
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract - Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update
• IAFF Local 4816 Labor Agreement Negotiations – Update
• Firefighter/EMT Testing/Hiring – Update
• 2020-2021 Annexations – Update
New Business:
• Resolution 2020-10 Canceling Outstanding Warrants
• 2021 Budget Proposal: Schedule Public Meeting via Zoom
• Extension of Seasonal Firefighter Employment through December
• Firefighter/EMT Testing/Hiring
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
• Invoices
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:
Manson Parks Regular Board Meeting 10-8-20
- Written by Robin Pittman
Regular Board Meeting
October 8, 2020, 4:15pm
Phone-in meeting: 1-425-436-6260
Access code: 8182416
I. Call to Order
II. Additions and Deletions
III. Public Comment
IV. Approval of Minutes
a. September 10, 2020 regular meeting minutes
V. Financial Review
a. Review monthly financial report
b. Review and approve monthly voucher
VI. Old Business
a. Director’s Report
VII. New Business
a. Old Mill launch permit requirements for commercial contracts
VIII. Adjournment
Next regular meeting is November 12, 2020 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831, unless otherwise posted.
Manson High School senior Matt Torgesen earns commendation
- Written by Janice Stewart
Manson Middle/High School Principal, Dr. Heather Ireland announced today that Grant Torgesen has been names a “Commended Student” in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2021 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
''Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success," commented a spokesperson for NMSC. ''These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation.
We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success."
Apply now for new grants available to local small businesses
- Written by Cami Harris, Executive Assistant, CDRPA
Up to $5,000 is available for Chelan and Douglas county businesses with 20 employees or less to assist COVID-related response and recovery.
(September 15, 2020/East Wenatchee) – The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is accepting applications for emergency grants up to $5,000 each for businesses with 20 employees or less in Chelan and Douglas counties. Grant money can be used to assist with a variety of expenses related to impacts from COVID-19.
To learn more and apply, visit our COVID-19 Small Business Resources page to find more information and applications in English and Spanish.
“To date the Regional Port has distributed over $2.2 million dollars in federal, state, and local funding to more than 400 small businesses located in Chelan and Douglas counties,” stated Regional Port Board President Rory Turner. “We have seven programs still accepting applications with an additional $1.6 million available for local businesses impacted by COVID-19.”
Grant funds include new state funding of $945,000 available to businesses in Chelan and Douglas counties. These funds come from the state’s Working Washington Small Business program that uses federal Coronavirus Assistance, Recovery and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to help with COVID-19 response and recovery efforts across Washington State.
“The length and depth of the pandemic have hit small, main street businesses hard,” said Washington State Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown. “In particular, restaurants, hotels and other service industries have not seen the expected number of customers. Small businesses need these resources to stay open as we respond to the public health crisis and help get people back to work.”
FFA students selling this year's livestock
- Written by Janice Stewart
https://mansontribune.com/#sigFreeIdd89ce81ede
This year has truly been filled with opportunities that have and continue to allow us to grow, adapt, and overcome. The Chelan Valley continues to put students first in supporting student endeavors and education, both in a classroom setting and out. Thirty-seven 4-H and FFA students between Manson and Chelan will be selling their sheep, goat, and pigs through the 2020 Chelan County Virtual Livestock sale, which runs September 14th through 17th. These student projects would not be possible without the continued support our community has provided over the years.
That being said, the Okanogan County Fair auction has been extended due to the fires. As a result, both Chelan and Okanogan County Fair auctions will run through Thursday, September 17th. There are many ways to support these students: bidding on animals, providing add-on support, or simply sharing this to others who may wish to help out. The link to both auctions is https://soldbybestbid.hibid.com/, while fair websites are https://www.chelancountyfair.com/ and https://okanogancounty.org/fair/. At this time, any questions, etc. may be best answered by reaching out to the specific fair or an advisor.
If I have missed any Manson students, I sincerely apologize. Please feel free to reach out so we can make sure they also are highlighted for their hard work and dedication to being some of the best young people this world could hope for.
Thank you again for being the best support system these young entrepreneurs could ask for!
Chelan Fire and Rescue Commissioners Meeting 9-16-20
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, CFR
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
The CFR Board of Commissioners will conduct the meeting via Zoom. The public is welcome to join by following this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87284665516 Meeting ID: 872 8466 5516 or dial +1 253 215 8782
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Roll Call:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: August 2020
• Payroll: August 1 -31, 2020 for $132,713.57 paid 09-05-2020
• General Account Vouchers: #746624 – 746658 for $21,372.32
• Capital Account Vouchers: #17132 – 17140 for $38,540.10
• Minutes: August 19, 2020
Fire Chief Report:
• 2020 Budget & Financial Report
• Emergency Response Report / Operations / Community Risk Reduction / Apparatus Update
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• 2021-2025 DRAFT Strategic Plan – Update
• August 26th SWOT Analysis – Request to Board
• City of Chelan Fire Protection Services Contract - Update
• Station 75 Short Plat – Update
• IAFF Local 4816 Labor Agreement Negotiations – Update
• EF Recovery Services - Update
New Business:
• 2021 Budget Proposal and Meeting Schedule
• Extension of Seasonal Firefighter Employment
• Firefighter/EMT Testing/Hiring
Special Events:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
• Invoices
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:Executive Session: RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) The Board will enter into executive session to review the performance of a public employee. This executive session will be held via conference call.
Adjournment:
Manson Parks Regular Board Meeting 9-10-20
- Written by Robin Pittman
Regular Board Meeting
September 10, 2020, 4:15pm
Phone-in meeting: 1-425-436-6260
Access code: 8182416
I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Additions and Deletions
IV. Public Comment
V. Approval of Minutes
a. August 13, 2020 regular meeting minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review monthly financial report
b. Review and approve monthly voucher
VII. Old Business
a. Director’s Report
VIII. New Business
a. Request for steps into Singleton Park from Vista Del Lago
b. Resolution 2020-08 (surplus of old Singleton Park playground equipment)
IX. Adjournment
Next regular meeting is October 8, 2020 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831, unless otherwise posted.
Allow extra time if traveling this Labor Day weekend
- Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications
Plan ahead, use WSDOT tools to stay in the know before and during trips
OLYMPIA – Whether taking in the great outdoors or staying close to home, the last holiday weekend of the summer typically brings additional traffic, so planning ahead and allowing extra travel time is crucial as Labor Day approaches.
For those who are traveling, consulting the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Labor Day weekend traffic volume charts can help determine best times to travel on key routes. (Due to closure of the US-Canadian border to non-essential travel, there will not be travel charts for the border crossing.)
While some traffic volumes have dipped due to the pandemic, traffic to popular outdoor areas can still be heavy. If possible, altering travel to less busy times can improve individual trips and help keep all traffic flowing more freely. Staying close to home, limiting non-essential travel and having a backup plan if your location is already crowded also will help reduce travel stress as well as slow the spread of COVID-19.
Know before you go
Those venturing out on land or sea can use several WSDOT tools to keep updated throughout the trip:
- Check WSDOT’s mobile app, Facebook page, multiple Twitter accounts and online toolsfor traffic information and ferry schedules. (When driving, have a passenger check online updates or pull over to safe place before using electronic devices.)
- Call the 511 travel information hotline. For out-of-state callers, it’s 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
- Pre-program vehicle radios to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
- Carry extra water, snacks and other supplies in case you’re delayed along the way.
Statewide construction halted, but expect holiday travel delays -- especially on passes
To ease congestion statewide, WSDOT suspends most state highway construction work during the weekend, starting Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7, though some larger construction zones and detours may remain in place. Traffic is always heavy over Interstate 90’s Snoqualmie Pass on summer weekends, so travelers should allow extra travel time or consider traveling during non-peak times, typically early in the day or later in the evening.
Tolling
In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, Sept. 7, on the State Route 520 bridge and the SR 99 tunnel. The Interstate 405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Travelers can learn about toll roads and rental car tips on the Good to Go! visitors page.
Ferry travel
People boarding a state ferry by vehicle should prepare for long waits and plan to remain in their vehicle throughout the sailing as much as possible due to the pandemic. Some routes are operating on reduced sailing schedules. A face covering and proper physical distancing are required for all walk-on passengers.
- Sign up for ferry email alerts.
- Check terminal conditions and WSF’s COVID-19 travel updatesbefore leaving.
- Make a vehicle reservationfor the Anacortes/San Juan Islands or Port Townsend/Coupeville routes.
Other travel considerations
Travelers planning to avoid highway congestion by traveling via train, personal aircraft or transit also should factor the holiday into their plans and check ahead to see if there are any COVID-19 restrictions or requirements:
- Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure. Book now or call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
- Check the status of state-operated airports online or by calling 800-552-0666.
- Check with local public transit agencies for any holiday schedule or service changes, including some Dial-A-Ride and fixed-route service that may not run on holidays.
