HB 2491 - DIGEST

Finds that increased demands on transportation resources require increased integration of decision making within urbanized regions. The number of agencies involved in transportation planning and delivery of services has significantly added to the complexity of transportation programs.

Finds that coordinated planning, investment in, and operation of transportation systems by the state and by local governments, can help ensure an efficient, effective transportation system that ensures mobility and addresses community needs. Improved planning, investment, and operation can also enhance local and state objectives for effective regional transportation strategies and effective coordination between land use and transportation.

Finds that it is the will of the citizens of Washington to have a single regional government council to assume responsibility for the metropolitan planning function and be the designated regional transportation planning organization for its area.

Declares that it is therefore the policy of the state of Washington to provide the authority for the citizens of the central Puget Sound counties to create a single regional government council, more directly accountable to the public, with adequate resources to develop and encourage implementation of a comprehensive transportation plan within the state's largest urbanized region.

Provides for submission of this act to a vote of the people.