Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications

Published: 13 May 2022

OLYMPIA – After more than two years, volunteer groups across the state can once again participate in the state’s free coffee program at selected safety rest areas, providing coffee to the traveling public.

The free coffee program promotes safe highways by providing coffee to reduce drowsy driving. Volunteer non-profit groups dispense the free coffee at 34 designated rest areas operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation. In addition to coffee, travelers get a chance to learn more about the local volunteer group and can also make a voluntary donation for the coffee. The popular program was shut down in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic safety concerns.

Groups can now start making bookings for slots for Friday, May 20, through the end of the year by vising the program webpage for details (www.wsdot.wa.gov/about/contacts/rest-area-free-coffee-program). 

Participating groups should follow good sanitation and COVID prevention practices and follow https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/21-14.3%20-%20COVID-19%20Vax%20WA%20Amendment%20%28tmp%29.pdf

Governor Inslee’s Amended Proclamation 12-14, including providing a declaration to WSDOT that the group meets the proclamation’s vaccine verification, exemptions and accommodations requirements (more details available online).

Free coffee program details:

• An updated reservation system is available this year through email on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications also can be mailed (more details on the website).
• Only coffee and other non-carbonated beverages can be dispensed; food cannot be part of the free coffee service.
• Not every location has free coffee volunteers every day; service depends on volunteer group availability.
• Some sites may not have volunteers scheduled on the first available weekend. Groups will have signs out at near coffee dispensing areas when they’re on site.

Written by Eric Johnson, construction & grants program manager, WSDOT

Published: 11 April 2022

It’s time for airports to submit their applications for the second round of 2021-2023 Airport Aid Program grants. The Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division anticipates awarding between $1.1 and $1.3 million in funding.

Airports can only apply for projects previously submitted through the Statewide Capital Improvement Program, also known as SCIP. The SCIP is an unconstrained prioritized list of projects entered by Washington’s 132 public-use airports that captures project requirements for airports to address individual airport needs.

To apply, airports can fill out the online application and airport aid application checklist. WSDOT requires airport aid grant assurances be submitted with the application package.

Applications are due Friday, May 15, no later than 5 p.m. Qualifying projects should be targeted for completion by June 30, 2023. Eligible projects may include work beginning after June 1, 2022.

WSDOT will prioritize applications based on the SCIP project scores.

Guidance and information regarding scoring is provided online in the WSDOT Airport Aid Grant Procedures Manual.

WSDOT will announce grant award decisions after June 1, 2022.

The next grant cycle begins July 2023.

Airport Transformation Grant Program

Starting this year there is also an Airport Transformation Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to support the transformation of Washington's public use airports to become more environmentally sustainable.

In October 2021, WSDOT Aviation announced that with its 2022 Airport Aid grant program, 10% of the annual program funds available will be dedicated to this program.

Sustainable aviation projects may include, but are not limited to, sustainable aviation fuel storage, electrification of ground support equipment, electric aircraft charging infrastructure, airport clean power production or electric vehicle charging stations whose infrastructure also supports ground support equipment and electric aircraft charging.

Projects will be evaluated on their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the modification of airport infrastructure to adopt clean forms of transportation, adoption of airport clean power generation, and/or modification of existing infrastructure resulting in less dependence on fossil fuels.

Projects not selected for funding for Airport Transformation Grants will automatically be considered for funding under a new sustainable aviation grant program that WSDOT Aviation will establish in 2022.

Information on how to apply for an Airport Transformation Grant can be found on WSDOT’s Aviation website.

Written by Bill Bennion, Program Administration and Communications Office, Multimodal Planning and Data Division, WSDOT

Published: 26 March 2022

Online open house, virtual public meetings coming statewide

Olympia – The approach of spring brings a new opportunity for the public to help grow and improve the state’s Highway System Plan. The Washington State Department of Transportation is hosting an online open house to gather public input on future highway system investments for the update to the plan.

The opinion poll linked in the online open house asks people to weigh-in on highway investment priorities, such as maintenance, operations, walking and bicycling.

WSDOT is also hosting seven regionally focused virtual public meetings in late March and April to discuss the Highway System Plan and answer questions.

The plan, last updated in 2007, creates a 20-year vision for preserving, maintaining, improving and operating state highways. This long-term outlook is shaped by the diversity of the people who live in Washington, which helps ensure the highway system meet the needs of people who use transit, vanpools and vehicles; people who walk, ride bikes and use wheelchairs, and people who transport goods and services around the state. The update will address major challenges, including aging infrastructure and climate change.

Highway System Plan online open house information

When:                  Open through Monday, May 2

Where:                 Online at engage.wsdot.wa.gov/highway-system-plan/

Locate a free drive-in Wi-Fi access using the Washington State Department of Commerce location finder.

Details:                Participants will learn about the Highway System Plan and can use the opinion poll to share their preferences on future highway system investments. The poll is hosted by the University of Washington.

Virtual public meeting information

When:                   March 29 - April 14

Where:                 Zoom (virtual)

Details:                 The public can sign up for a virtual public meeting through the online open house to learn more about the highway plan. Each of the seven meetings focuses on a specific region of Washington, however anyone can participate in any meeting.

Written by Eddy Hensley, state unpiloted systems coordinator, WSDOT

Published: 23 March 2022

OLYMPIA – Drone usage is on the rise for both personal and commercial use. Beginning April 1, people or businesses using drones for commercial purposes will need to start registering their drone with the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division.

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill directing the WSDOT Aviation Division to create and manage a commercial drone registration program. Commercial drone operators must register unmanned aircraft every year beginning in April 2022.

The $15 drone registration fee will support WSDOT Aviation’s work to assess and collaboratively work on integration of emerging technologies.

Steps on how to register commercial drones can be found on the Aviation Division’s website.

For any questions regarding drone registration, contact State Unpiloted Systems Coordinator Eddy Hensley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT communications

Published: 18 March 2022

Plan ahead to avoid the rush and possible fines

OLYMPIA – The arrival of spring brings a reminder to drivers in Washington to remove studded tires before the end of the day Thursday, March 31. By planning ahead, drivers can beat the rush at tire service shops and avoid a potential fine of $136, starting Friday, April 1.

Studded tires are legal in Washington from Nov. 1 to March 31. The Washington State Department of Transportation encourages drivers to remove studded tires prior to the deadline, if possible. Studded tires damage pavement, so removing them promptly after winter has passed helps preserve state roadways.

State law gives WSDOT the authority to extend the deadline when circumstances call for it, most commonly when a forecast indicates widespread snow and ice. While late season storms are possible in the mountain passes, there are no forecasted statewide conditions that would call for an extension of the deadline. For mountain travel, WSDOT recommends drivers use approved traction tires and carry chains, if necessary.

Travelers are always advised to “know before you go” by checking road conditions before heading out and staying up-to-date on changes by using WSDOT’s social media and email alert tools or calling the 5-1-1 road conditions report.

Washington and Oregon share the same studded tire removal deadline. Other states may have different studded tire removal dates, but the Washington law applies to all drivers in the state, even visitors. No personal exemptions or waivers are issued.

More information about studded tire regulations in Washington is available online.

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 11 March 2022

OLYMPIA – Current efforts to reconnect and revitalize communities that have been divided by transportation construction projects is one of the topics of discussion when the Washington State Transportation Commission meets virtually next week. The commission will also hear about General Motors’ collaboration with Cruise to introduce the Origin, one of the latest developments in electric autonomous vehicles.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. both Tuesday, March 15, and Wednesday, March 16. Due to limitations related to COVID-19, this meeting will be virtual using Zoom. People interested in attending can register on the Commission’s website. TVW will broadcast the meeting live.

Highlights of Tuesday’s presentations include:

• Tolling Performance and Financial Update: An overview of traffic and revenue performance of Washington toll facilities will be provided.
• Virginia’s Road Usage Charge Implementation: Insights will be provided from Virginia’s upcoming implementation of a voluntary road usage charge program.
• Federal Safety Program for Partially Automated Vehicles: This briefing will focus on the federal Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) new ratings program that evaluates the safeguards that vehicles with partial automation employ to help drivers stay focused on the road.
• Learnings from Cruise’s “Origin” Autonomous Vehicle Shuttle: A briefing will be provided on the Origin, a fully driverless vehicle, designed to operate without a human driver. Discussion will include the policy implications of advancing autonomous vehicle technology.

Highlights of Wednesday’s presentations include:

• Reconnecting Communities: An overview of the impacts created when neighborhoods are separated by the construction a major transportation system through the community will be provided. Two current projects in Washington designed to reconnect and revitalize communities that have been negatively impacted will be highlighted.
• Front and Centered Listening Sessions: The results of recent listening sessions and surveys designed to gather community perspectives on issues such as climate change, green transportation, and mobility equity will be discussed.

The commission will take public comment at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 16. Those wishing to speak can sign up during the meeting by posting their name in the Q&A box on-screen. Written comments can also be submitted via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov.

Written by Ann Briggs, WSDOT

Published: 02 March 2022

We're beginning work to create an equitable decision-making process for significant actions planned on our state's transportation system, especially as it relates to communities of Black Americans, tribal members, people of color and low-income individuals. That means when we design a project, we include all voices in making decisions about how and where the project is built and learning what we can do to ensure that the project's benefits and negative effects are equally distributed. We want to hear from you how we can best work together.

But first, please bear with us as we provide some background on this important issue:

Decisions of the past have consequences for today

It's no coincidence that transportation infrastructure can have negative health effects on the people who live next to it. Planners and engineers of past decades often designed highways, bridges, airports and rail lines to run next to, or right through the middle of, communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. Land was less expensive and the people who lived there had limited resources or opportunities to challenge the decisions that were being thrust upon them. Studies have shown that as a result of those decisions, people who live in communities adjacent to major transportation infrastructure are more likely to suffer poor health due to air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and related stress. In recognition of these conditions, the state Legislature in 2021 passed the “Healthy Environment for All Act,” or more commonly called the HEAL Act (Senate Bill 5141).

The HEAL Act is a first step toward preventing and lessening the long-term negative environmental and health effects of state agency decisions. The act aims to improve the health for all Washington state residents. We're one of seven state agencies covered by the HEAL Act. The others are the departments of: Ecology, Health, Natural Resources, Commerce, Agriculture and the Puget Sound Partnership.

To begin this important work, we want to talk with and listen to the people who are affected by our transportation decisions, especially those living in overburdened communities that bear the adverse effects of infrastructure placement. That's where you can help.

Talk with us and share your experience

Before we can begin addressing the problems created by transportation activities, we need to know how best to engage with and understand the needs of the people who are most affected by our work.

We're holding online listening sessions to start the conversation and help us understand the best ways to communicate with people who live in underserved communities.

Listening sessions information

Online listening sessions are being held over Microsoft Teams. To join us, click on the link for one of the following:

• 5 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 8
• 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 10
• 1 to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 12

Here's what you can expect during these sessions:

• We'll share information about the HEAL Act and its requirements for the state agencies covered under the act.
• We'll talk about environmental justice  and what that means for communities that have experienced more than their fair share of harm from state agency decisions.
• We'll ask a few questions of participants to get the conversation going.
• Then we'll listen while you tell us your experiences and concerns; how you want us to reach out and involve you in decisions; and what's working – or not working – for you.

We'll then use your input and suggestions to help create more equitable decision-making that better serves the needs of all (part of our community engagement planning and tools).

No Wi-Fi? No problem!

Free, temporary internet access is available in locations throughout the state for those who do not have broadband service. To find the nearest Wi-Fi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

Language assistance

If you have difficulty understanding English, you may, free of charge, request language assistance services by calling 360-705-7090 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Servicios de traducción - Aviso a personas con dominio limitado del idioma inglés: Si usted tiene alguna dificultad en entender el idioma inglés, puede, sin costo alguno, solicitar asistencia lingüística con respecto a esta información llamando al 360-705-7090, o envíe un mensaje de correo electrónico a: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

翻译服务 -  如果您难以理解英文，则请致电：(360) 705-7090，或给我们发送电子邮件：This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.，请求获取免费语言援助服务。

خدمات الترجمة - إذا ﻛﻨﺖ ﺗﺠﺪ ﺻﻌﻮﺑﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻓﮭﻢ اﻟﻠﻐﺔ اﻹﻧﺠﻠﯿﺰﯾﺔ، ﻓﯿﻤﻜﻨﻚ ﻣﺠﺎﻧًﺎ طﻠﺐ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت اﻟﻤﺴﺎﻋﺪة اﻟﻠﻐﻮﯾﺔ ﻋﻦ طﺮﯾﻖ اﻻﺗﺼﺎل ﺑﺎﻟﺮﻗﻢ 705-7090 (360) ، أو ﻣﺮاﺳﻠﺘﻨﺎ ﻋﺒﺮ اﻟﺒﺮﯾﺪ اﻹﻟﻜﺘﺮوﻧﻲThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.:

các dịch vụ dịch thuật - Nếu quý vị không hiểu tiếng Anh, quý vị có thể yêu cầu dịch vụ trợ giúp ngôn ngữ, miễn phí, bằng cách gọi số 360-705-7090 hoặc email cho chúng tôi tại: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

번역 서비스 - 영어로 소통하는 것이 불편하시다면, 360-705-7090으로 전화하시거나 다음 이메일로 연락하셔서 무료 언어 지원 서비스를 요청하실 수 있습니다: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Adeegyada Turjumaada - Haddii ay kugu adag tahay inaad fahamtid Ingiriisida, waxaad, bilaash, ku codsan kartaa adeegyada caawimada luuqada adoo wacaaya 360-705-7090 ama iimayl noogu soo dir: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Услуги перевода - Если вам трудно понимать английский язык, вы можете запросить бесплатные языковые услуги, позвонив по телефону 360-705-7090 или написав нам на электронную почту: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director

Published: 11 February 2022

OLYMPIA – Travel trends that have emerged during the pandemic will be among the topics of discussion during the Washington State Transportation Commission meeting next week. The commission will also discuss how state highway right of way can be used to meet clean energy, reliability, resiliency, and connectivity goals. In addition, the Puget Sound Regional Council will provide a briefing of its draft Regional Transportation Plan.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. both Tuesday, Feb. 15, and Wednesday, Feb. 16. Due to limitations related to COVID-19, this meeting will be virtual using Zoom. People interested in attending can register on the Commission’s website. The meeting will be broadcast live on TVW.

Highlights of Tuesday’s presentations include:

• Transportation Trends Emerging from COVID: Location-based data and analytics such as traffic conditions, road safety, and parking availability provide insights into transportation trends resulting from the impacts of COVID.
• Gasoline Superusers: Who they are and why they are critical to meeting climate goals: Colutra, a national environmental advocacy group based in Seattle, will share results of a study that explores the relationship between “gasoline superusers” (drivers in the top 10% of fossil fuel consumption) and climate goals.
• Next Generation Highways – A Reimagined Interstate: This briefing describes efforts that are underway across the country to advance the co-location of utilities and technology within the state highway right of way.
• SR 520 Bridge Self-Insurance Evaluation: Staff will present the results of a recent evaluation that assessed the costs, benefits and risks of pursuing a self-insurance option to cover debt payments on the State Route 520 Bridge in the event tolling revenues are disrupted.

Highlights of Wednesday’s presentations include:

• 2021 Ferries Performance Measures Report:  Washington State Ferries will share recent performance results from a variety of measures that track its progress meeting 17 capital, operational and customer performance goals.
• Puget Sound Regional Council – Regional Transportation Plan: PSRC staff will provide a review of its plan, which sets forth a regional strategy for a wide variety of investments and services that make up the region’s transportation system.
• Washington’s Maritime Industry Priorities: Representatives of Washington’s maritime industry will discuss current challenges and opportunities facing the industry in our state.

The commission will take public comment at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16. Those wishing to speak can sign up during the meeting by posting their name in the Q&A box on-screen. Written comments can also be submitted via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov.

Written by Matthew Kenna, Public Transportation Division, WSDOT

Published: 17 January 2022

Public’s chance to weigh in on access to mobility for people with special transportation needs                                         

OLYMPIA – A group of transportation experts and providers, social services organizations, tribes, and other stakeholders have worked together to over the past three years to update the Human Services Transportation Plan. The draft plan now is ready for public review and feedback.

Every day, people across the state rely on human services transportation as their only means of travel between jobs, school, medical appointments, the grocery story, and much more. The Human Services Transportation Plan identifies gaps and barriers that create mobility challenges for people with special transportation needs and develops strategies to address those issues. This statewide plan will guide local and regional plans as well as future human services transportation investments in communities.

The public is encouraged to visit WSDOT’s online open house, where you can learn more about the plan and provide feedback. The online open house is available in English, Spanish and Russian languages for about two months beginning Wednesday, Jan. 12.

Additionally, WSDOT’s Public Transportation Division staff will host a virtual public meeting from 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, for attendees to ask questions of the team who created the plan. Anyone interested in attending this meeting on Zoom must register in advance.