Rural Family Economic Success Public Transportation Discussion SeaTac, Washington November 3, 2009 Tom Hanson Technical Assistance Specialist Public Transportation Division Paula Hammond Secretary of Transportation Steve Reinmuth Chief of Staff Dave Dye Deputy Secretary

How is public transportation provided in Washington State?  A public transportation system is created -- and uses its resources as well as grants from WSDOT.  A private non-profit organization or social service organization competes for a grant from WSDOT.

What types of State grants are available?  Rural Mobility Program for Rural and Small Urban systems  Paratransit/Special Needs Program Targeted for persons included in the definition of special needs: elderly, low income, youth and persons with disabilities

What types of Federal grants are available?  Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program – Section 5310  Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program – Section 5311  Statewide Planning Programs – Section 5313  Job Access and Reverse Commute – Section 5316  New Freedom – Section 5317

How can we find out if any of these programs are already at work in our communities?  Contact your local transportation provider – Stevens County – Rural Resources Kelly Scalf Grant County – Grant Transit Authority, Greg Wright Klickitat County – Mt. Adams Transportation Services Sharon Carter Lewis County – Lewis Mountain Highway Transit Doug Hayden Skamania County – Skamania County Senior Services Marilyn Butler

How does the grant application process work?  It all starts with planning – the State is divided up into Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPO’s).  Each RTPO is responsible for the development of a Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP).  The HSTP identifies the following: What are the transportation needs of the area? What programs are in place to meet those needs? What are the unmet needs?  The HSTP then goes on to identify and prioritize transportation solutions.  Once a project is identified and prioritized, an application can be submitted. The next application period begins in September 2010.

Where do I find my RTPO?  Stevens County – Northeast Washington RTPO Karen Van Soest  Skamania & Klickitat Counties – Southwest WA Regional Transportation Council Linda David X5205  Grant County – Quadco Derek Pohle  Lewis County – Southwest WA RTPO Amy Asher

And if I want some help from WSDOT?  Grant and Stevens Counties Tom Hanson,  Lewis, Skamania and Klickitat Counties Ryan Warner,