Washington State DOT seeks public input on freight mobility plan

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking public comments on the Washington State Freight Mobility Plan, which aims to prompt the safe, reliable and efficient movement of goods.

WSDOT has been working with private and public partners across the state to develop the plan. After it's finalized, the plan will help shape the future of Washington’s multi-modal freight transportation network and guide investments in the state's freight transportation systems, WSDOT officials said in a press release.

"Preserving and improving freight corridors remains vital to the state economy," said Barbara Ivanov, the director of WSDOT's Freight Systems Division. "We must put a priority on getting our goods to markets, both here in Washington and throughout the world."

The plan's main objectives are to guide state and federal investments in Washington freight corridors; prioritize freight system improvement strategies; and address multi-modal freight issues in a single state strategy addressing rail, truck, marine and aviation issues. The plan will help the state compete for federal freight funds by providing a data-driven benefit/cost analysis supporting truck and intermodal projects that meet federal criteria and goals, WSDOT officials said.

WSDOT will accept public comments via email until Aug. 8. The department also will hold public meetings on July 24 in Spokane and Aug. 1 in Seattle to review the plan.