Public Participation Plan, Southwest Washington Regional ...Public Participation Plan Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council Adopted: November 1, 2016 Southwest Washington

Public Participation Plan Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council

Adopted: November 1, 2016

Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council

Street Address Mailing Address1300 Franklin Street

Vancouver, WA 98660 P.O. Box 1366

Vancouver, WA 98666‐1366

Phone: 360‐397‐6067 Fax: 360‐397‐6132

http://www.rtc.wa.gov

Clark County

Skamania County

Klickitat County

City of Vancouver

City of Camas

City of Washougal

City of Battle Ground

City of Ridgefield

City of La Center

Town of Yacolt

City of Stevenson

City of North Bonneville

City of White Salmon

City of Bingen

City of Goldendale

C‐TRAN

Washington DOT

Port of Vancouver

Port of Camas‐Washougal

Port of Ridgefield

Port of Skamania County

Port of Klickitat

Metro

Oregon DOT

14th Legislative District





Preparation of this Plan was funded by grants from the Washington State Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation (Federal Highways Administration and Federal Transit Administration) and local funds from RTC member jurisdictions..

Title VI Compliance The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) assures that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 (P.L. 100.259), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. RTC further assures that every effort will be made to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether or not those programs and activities are federally funded.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Materials can be provided in alternative formats by contacting the

Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC)

at 360‐397‐6067 or [email protected].

Agenda Item VIII Resolution 11-16-28

1300 Franklin Street, Floor 4 P.O. Box 1366 Vancouver, Washington 98666-1366 360-397-6067 fax: 360-397-6132 http://www.rtc.wa.gov

STAFF REPORT/RESOLUTION

TO: Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council Board of Directors

FROM: Matt Ransom, Executive Director

DATE: October 25, 2016

SUBJECT: Public Participation Plan, Title VI and Limited English Proficiency Plan Updates, Resolution 11-16-28

AT A GLANCE - ACTION

The RTC Board is asked to take action on Resolution 11-16-28 to adopt updates to RTC’s Public Participation Plan, Title VI and Limited English Proficiency Plans (see attached). The Draft Plan updates were reviewed by the Board at the September RTC Board meeting when the Public Participation Plan was released for a now-completed public comment period. Periodic review and update of the three Plans keeps RTC compliant with federal and state laws.

BACKGROUND: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN

Public participation is an important part of the regional transportation decision-making process carried out by RTC and is required by both federal and state laws. Policies and guidance for public outreach and participation are outlined in RTC’s Public Participation Plan. Periodic review and update of RTC’s Public Participation Plan is a requirement of the federal metropolitan transportation planning process.

The Public Participation Plan addresses both federal and state requirements for public participation in RTC’s transportation planning activities; RTC acting as both designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Clark County region and as state-designated Regional Transportation Planning Organization for the Clark, Klickitat and Skamania County region. The PPP documents RTC’s commitment toward providing opportunity for public participation and sets RTC Board policy to allow for public comment and input in the transportation planning process.

The essentials for public outreach and participation, as required by federal and state transportation laws, continue to be reflected in the updated Public Participation Plan. These essentials include the need for RTC to ensure early and continued public awareness of and access to the transportation decision-making process in the region. There must be commitment to publish, or make available for public view, transportation plans and Transportation Improvement Programs and to hold public meetings at convenient and accessible times and locations. Plans and programs should be understandable with visualization techniques used to simplify concepts where possible. The public and stakeholders should be involved in development of the Public Participation Plan and there must be a minimum 45-day public comment period before adoption of the Public Participation Plan or any updates. The Plan is drafted to reflect current practices for public involvement, consultation with interested parties, interagency consultation, and describes RTC’s existing governance and operations.

Resolution 11-16-28 Page 2

Specific changes in the 2016 draft update include: reference to the current federal transportation act, Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act - the FAST Act; updated electronic hyperlinks; and a new section on page 43 addresses the linkage between RTC’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and C-TRAN’s Program of Projects (POP) with C-TRAN’s reliance on RTC’s public participation process to satisfy the Federal Transit Administration’s requirements regarding the transit agency’s POP.

The process to develop the 2016 Public Participation Plan update included a review of the regulatory basis for public involvement, review of RTC’s public outreach and participation practices, review of other Public Participation Plans, review and input by RTAC and the RTC Board, and circulation to stakeholders, public and consultation agencies. Once the 2016 Public Participation Plan update was drafted, the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed the draft update at the August 19 meeting. Subsequently, the RTC Board reviewed the draft PPP at its September 6 meeting and approved its release for public comment. Following the RTC Board meeting, the draft PPP was released on September 8 for a required 45-day public comment period. A media release was issued and notices of its release for public comment were published in local newspapers including the Columbian, the Battle Ground Reflector, the Camas Post Record, the El Hispanic News, the Asian Reporter and the Skanner. Public comments were also solicited through the Clark County and City of Vancouver network of neighborhoods. The draft Public Participation Plan was made available at branches of the Fort Vancouver library system and at Camas library, the draft PPP was posted on RTC’s website and its distribution included to planning and consultation partners at federal and state agencies.

RELATED PLANS

The Public Participation Plan is one of several plans that help to document how the regional transportation planning process is carried out. In addition to updating the PPP, RTC has reviewed and made minor updates to plans associated with the Public Participation Plan. These include Title VI and Limited English Proficiency Plans. A brief description of the Plans and their update is provided below.

Title VI Plan

RTC operates its programs without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability in accordance with applicable laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and RCW 49.60. RTC’s Title VI Plan is made available on RTC’s website. The Plan includes a Title VI policy statement and program responsibilities for communications and public involvement, planning and programming, consultant contracting, and education and training. The Title VI Plan was last updated in May 2014. Since then, RTC has translated complaint forms in Spanish and Russian which are made available on RTC’s website. To support the Title VI Plan RTC relies on understanding the demographics of the region. In the 2016 update to the Title VI Plan, demographic data is updated and is sourced from the 2014 American Community Survey (ACS).

http://www.rtc.wa.gov/info/title6/

Resolution 11-16-28 Page 3

Limited English Proficiency Plan

RTC also has a Limited English Proficiency Plan available on RTC’s website. Within the LEP Plan, RTC describes how the agency is committed to engaging and involving all residents of Southwest Washington, including those with LEP. The Plan outlines: how persons who may need language assistance are identified; the ways in which assistance is provided; staff training required; and how LEP persons are notified of available assistance. The LEP Plan was last adopted in May 2014. As noted in the Title VI Plan section above, Title VI forms are now available in Spanish and Russian. Telelanguage interpretive service is made available, though no requests for interpretive services or translation services have yet been requested of RTC. Google translate is available for RTC website translation. About 6% of Clark County’s population is of limited English proficiency; Spanish is the largest of the non-English language speakers at 2.1%, followed by Russian at 1.46% and Vietnamese at about 0.5%.

POLICY IMPLICATION

Periodic update of the Public Participation Plan is a requirement of the federal transportation act and Washington state laws. In summary, RTC continues its commitment to publish, or make available for public view, transportation plans, and transportation improvement programs (TIPs), and to hold public meetings at convenient and accessible times and locations. The Public Participation Plan covers both federal and state requirements for public participation in transportation planning activities of RTC as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Clark County region and as state-designated Regional Transportation Planning Organization for the Clark, Klickitat and Skamania County region. The public participation process must be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure early and continued public awareness of, and access to, the transportation decision-making process. The law requires a 45-day public comment period prior to adoption of the Public Participation Plan and prior to adoption of any updates to the Plan. The updated Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan represent RTC’s commitment to nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities. These plans help to ensure that all persons have meaningful access to all of RTC’s work and planning activities. Periodic update of the Title VI Plan is a requirement for all Metropolitan Planning Organizations. The updated Title VI Plan and Limited English Proficiency Plan cover both federal and state requirements for ensuring compliance with federal and state discrimination laws.

These Plan updates meets all minimum federal and state policy and procedural requirements.

BUDGET IMPLICATION

None. Public participation, Title VI and LEP activities and ongoing administration are programmed within the Regional Transportation Program Coordination and Management element of RTC’s Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). Revenue sources for this element are a combination of Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration

http://www.rtc.wa.gov/info/title6/

i

Public Participation Plan, Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council

Table of Contents I. Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1

RTC as MPO/RTPO and TMA ................................................................................................................................... 2What is the Metropolitan Planning Organization? .......................................................................................... 2What is the Regional Transportation Planning Organization? ......................................................................... 2

Importance of Public Input in the Transportation Planning Process ...................................................................... 5Purpose of the Public Participation Plan ‐ guiding principles and goals ................................................................. 6Guiding Principles ................................................................................................................................................... 6Public Participation Goals ....................................................................................................................................... 7Participation Plan Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 8

Laws, Policies and Regulations Guiding RTC’s Public Involvement Process ..................................................... 8Desired Outcomes of the Public Participation Plan .............................................................................................. 10Development of the Public Participation Plan Update ......................................................................................... 10

Opportunities to Comment on the Public Participation Plan Update ............................................................ 11

II. RTC’s ORGANIZATION ....................................................................................................... 13RTC Membership .................................................................................................................................................. 13Governing Structure: Committees ....................................................................................................................... 14

RTC Board of Directors ................................................................................................................................... 14Clark County .......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Regional Transportation Advisory Committee ............................................................................................... 16Skamania and Klickitat County Committees ......................................................................................................... 16

Skamania County Transportation Policy Committee ..................................................................................... 16Klickitat County Transportation Policy Committee ........................................................................................ 17

Bi‐state coordination ............................................................................................................................................ 17Bi‐State Coordination Committee .................................................................................................................. 18

Other Committees and Transportation Stakeholders .......................................................................................... 18

III. RTC’s TRANSPORTATION PLANS AND PROGRAMS ........................................................... 19Work Plan, Budget and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) ........................................................................ 19RTC and Transportation Project Funding .............................................................................................................. 20Regional Transportation Plans .............................................................................................................................. 20

Regional Transportation Plan for Clark County .............................................................................................. 20Regional Transportation Plans; Skamania and Klickitat Counties .................................................................. 20

Transportation Improvement Program ................................................................................................................ 21RTP and TIP; Air Quality Conformity Determination ............................................................................................ 21Congestion Management Process ........................................................................................................................ 22Human Services Transportation Plan .................................................................................................................... 23

Special Needs Transportation ........................................................................................................................ 23

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Vancouver Area Smart Trek; Transportation Management and Operations........................................................ 23Transportation Data and Analysis (household travel survey, travel forecast modeling) ...................................... 24

Transportation Data ....................................................................................................................................... 24Household Travel Survey ............................................................................................................................... 24Travel Forecast Modeling ............................................................................................................................... 24

Other Transportation Planning Activities ............................................................................................................. 25Make a Public Comment on RTC’s Transportation Plans and Programs: Contact RTC at: .................................... 25

IV. PARTICIPATION, INVOLVEMENT, CONSULTATION AND COMMENT PROCEDURES ........... 26Key Public Participation Elements ........................................................................................................................ 26

Procedures ..................................................................................................................................................... 26Public Meetings (forum for decision‐making) ................................................................................................ 26How to Access RTC Meetings and Related Information ................................................................................. 26

Access for All ......................................................................................................................................................... 27Environmental Justice and Title VI ................................................................................................................. 27Limited English Proficiency and Alternative Formats .................................................................................... 31

Consultation .......................................................................................................................................................... 31Tribal Government Consultation.................................................................................................................... 32

Other Consultation/Partnerships ......................................................................................................................... 32Resource Agencies; Air Quality, Land Management ...................................................................................... 32

Public Comment (how to offer comments) .......................................................................................................... 33Public Comment and Review Periods ............................................................................................................ 33How Public Comments Are Addressed .......................................................................................................... 33Public Input .................................................................................................................................................... 34

V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION METHODS and TECHNIQUES ....................................................... 35Menu of Public Participation Tools, Methods and Techniques ............................................................................ 35

RTC’s Website — rtc.wa.gov .......................................................................................................................... 35Public notification (agendas etc.) ................................................................................................................... 36Meetings held at Convenient Times, Locations and Accessibility .................................................................. 36View Meetings Online .................................................................................................................................... 36Public Meetings/Open Houses ....................................................................................................................... 37Workshops, and Forums ................................................................................................................................ 37Citizen Advisory Committees ......................................................................................................................... 37E‐Mail Distribution Lists and Databases ......................................................................................................... 37Stakeholder Outreach .................................................................................................................................... 37Social Media ................................................................................................................................................... 38Media Releases .............................................................................................................................................. 38Presentations and Speakers Bureau .............................................................................................................. 38Local Libraries ................................................................................................................................................ 39Visualization Techniques ................................................................................................................................ 39Newsletters .................................................................................................................................................... 39Other Technologies ........................................................................................................................................ 39

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Surveys ........................................................................................................................................................... 39Planning Partners: Coordinated Public Outreach Activities/Events .............................................................. 40

VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN RTC's REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN and TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: A GUIDE TO PROCEDURES ........................... 41

Regional Transportation Plan for Clark County .................................................................................................... 41Transportation Improvement Program ................................................................................................................ 42

Federal Transit Administration Program of Projects: Public Participation Requirements ............................. 43RTC Document Review and Advertising Schedule for Clark County MPO Region ................................................ 44

VII. EVALUATION AND UPDATE OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM ......................... 46Public Participation evaluation of effectiveness ‐ matrix ..................................................................................... 46Updating the Public Participation Plan ‐ amendment to procedures, adoption .................................................. 48Adoption Process and Update Procedures ........................................................................................................... 48Amendment to Adopted Procedures .................................................................................................................... 48

APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................... 51

APPENDIX A: REQUIREMENTS FOR RTC’S PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ......................... 52Federal Requirements for RTC’s Public Participation Process .............................................................................. 52

Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) ................................................................................ 52Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ............................................................................................................ 53Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ......................................................................................................... 53Executive Orders ............................................................................................................................................ 53Federal Clean Air Act ...................................................................................................................................... 54Federal Regulatory Guidance ......................................................................................................................... 54

Washington State Laws ......................................................................................................................................... 54State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), RCW 43.21C ..................................................................................... 54State Growth Management Act (GMA), RCW 36.70A and RCW 47.80.030 ................................................... 55Washington State Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30 ............................................................................. 55Public Records Act, RCW 42.56 ...................................................................................................................... 55Washington Clean Air Act, RCW 70.94 ........................................................................................................... 55

Other Requirements ............................................................................................................................................. 55Bylaws and Interlocal Agreement .................................................................................................................. 55

Appendix B ............................................................................................................................ 57Media Outlets ....................................................................................................................................................... 57

Appendix C ............................................................................................................................ 59Public Comments on 2016 Public Participation Plan ............................................................................................ 59

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List of Figures Figure 1: RTC, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Region. The MPO covers the whole of Clark County which is a part of the Portland‐Vancouver‐Hillsboro (OR‐WA) metropolitan area. ................................... 4Figure 2: Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC): Extent of Regional Transportation Planning Organization (Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties). ................................................... 5Figure 3: RTC’s Agency Structure .......................................................................................................................... 14Figure 4: Minority Population 2014, Clark County, Washington .......................................................................... 29Figure 5, Low Income Population 2014, Clark County, Washington ..................................................................... 30

List of Tables Table 1: RTC Membership ..................................................................................................................................... 13Table 2: RTC Board of Directors: Representation and Voting Rights ................................................................... 15Table 3: Regional Transportation Advisory Committee: Representation ............................................................ 16Table 4: Skamania County Transportation Policy Committee: Representation ................................................... 17Table 5: Klickitat County Transportation Policy Committee: Representation ..................................................... 17Table 6: How to Access RTC’s Materials and Notices ........................................................................................... 27Table 7: RTC Document Review and Advertising Schedule for Clark County MPO Region .................................. 45Table 8: RTC’s Public Participation Plan, Evaluation Matrix ................................................................................. 47

I. Introduction 1


I. Introduction

Publicparticipationisakeyelementintheregionaltransportationdecision‐makingprocesscarriedoutbySouthwestWashingtonRegionalTransportationCouncil(RTC).Asmandatedinthe1991IntermodalSurfaceTransportationEfficiencyAct(ISTEA)andothersupportingFederalregulations,andcontinuedwiththecurrentFederalTransportationAct,FixingAmerica'sSurfaceTransportationAct(FASTAct),MetropolitanPlanningOrganizations(MPOs)mustestablishandperiodicallyreviewandupdatepublicparticipationprocessesinapublicparticipationplan.Theseprocessesshouldassureearlyandcontinuedpublicawarenessof,accesstoandopportunitytoparticipateinthetransportationdecision‐makingprocess.ThisPublicParticipationPlandocumentdescribesSouthwestWashingtonRegionalTransportationCouncil’s(RTC’s)publicparticipationprocesswithpolicesandguidanceforpublicoutreachandparticipationoutlined.ThePublicParticipationPlanestablishesconsistentprocedurestoensurepeoplehavereasonableopportunitiestobeinvolvedintheregionaltransportationplanningprocessandprovidesexamplesofthetypesoftoolsandtechniquesRTCmayusetocommunicatewiththepublic,stakeholdersandplanningpartners.

TheparticipationofthepublicinregionaltransportationplanningandprogramminghasbeenpartofRTC’sworkprogramsincetheCouncilwasestablishedinJulyof1992.RTC’sworkincludesdevelopmentofregionaltransportationplans,suchasthelong‐rangeregionaltransportationplans(RTPs)forClark,KlickitatandSkamaniacountiesandTransportationImprovementProgramsfortheregion.

TheIntermodalSurfaceTransportationEfficiencyActof1991requiredthatMPO’sadoptaformalpublicinvolvementprocessrelatingtoregionaltransportationplanningandprogrammingoftransportationprojectsintheMPOregion.TheoriginalPublicInvolvementPlanwasadoptedbytheRTCBoardofDirectorsinJuly,1994andwasupdatedinOctober2001.The2005FederalTransportationAct,SAFETEA‐LU,emphasizedtheneedtohaveparticipationofcitizensandinterestedpartiesindevelopingthePublicParticipationPlanandparticipationinthemetropolitantransportationplanningprocess.SAFETEA‐LUalsoemphasizedtheuseof“visualizationtechniques”aspartofthepublicparticipationprocess,includingmakingtransportationplansandprogramsavailableontheinternetanduseofmapsandpictureswheretheycanhelpthepublicunderstandthetransportationplanandprogram.TheserequirementscontinueundertheFASTAct,thecurrentFederalTransportationAct.TheadoptedPublicParticipationPlanalsomeetsWashingtonState’srequirementsregardingpublicinvolvementand

I. Introduction 2


outreachinconductingregionaltransportationplanningbytheRegionalTransportationPlanningOrganization.

RTC as MPO/RTPO and TMA SouthwestWashingtonRegionalTransportationCouncil(RTC)servesastheMetropolitanPlanningOrganization(MPO)fortheClarkCounty,Washington,portionofthelargerPortland(Oregon)/Vancouver(Washington)urbanizedarea.RTCisalsothestate‐designatedRegionalTransportationPlanningOrganization(RTPO)forthethree‐countyareaofClark,SkamaniaandKlickitat(seeFigures1and2formapsoftheregion).Havingapopulationofover200,000,theClarkCountyregionisafederally‐designatedTransportationManagementArea(TMA).TMAstatusbringsadditionaltransportationplanningrequirementsthattheMPOmustcarryout.ResponsibilityforthesefunctionswasassumedbyRTConJuly1,1992.

What is the Metropolitan Planning Organization?

AMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationisanorganizationofelectedofficialsinurbanizedregionswithapopulationof50,000orover.TheMPOprovidesaforumforlocaldecision‐makingontransportationissuesofaregionalnature.

Asaconditionforreceiptoffederalcapitaloroperatingassistance,MPOsmusthaveacontinuing,cooperativeandcomprehensivetransportationplanningprocess.TheMPOsaretocooperatewiththestateindevelopingtransportationplansandprogramsforurbanizedareas.Thistransportationplanningprocessistoresultinplansandprogramsconsistentwiththeurbanizedarea'scomprehensiveplanneddevelopment.Inaddition,theplansaretoprovideforthedevelopmentoftransportationfacilities(includingpedestrianwalkwaysandbicyclefacilities)andserveasanintermodalsystemforthestate,metropolitanareasandthenation.

TheMPO’splanningfunctionsarecarriedoutincooperationwiththestateandlocalagencies.AnMPOcancontractstafffromotheragenciestoperformspecificelementsintheplanningprocess.Thiscooperativetransportationdecision‐makingprocessprovidesaforumforthememberjurisdictionstodiscussregionaltransportationissuesandplantransportationimprovementsfortheregion.Currently,twelveregionalcouncilsperformtheMPOtransportationplanningfunctionsinWashington,representingtheurbanizedareasofthestate.

What is the Regional Transportation Planning Organization?

RTPOsservethesamebasictransportationplanningfunctionsasMPOs,butwerecreatedbystatelegislation.AnRTPOcoversbothurbanandruralareasandreceivesstatefundinginsupportofitsplanningefforts.In1990,theWashingtonStateLegislaturepassedtheGrowthManagementAct(ESHB2929)authorizingtheRegionalTransportationPlanningProgram.

I. Introduction 3


TheprimaryfunctionsofRTPOsaretodevelopregionalplansandpoliciesfortransportation,growthmanagement,environmentalquality,andothertopicsdeterminedbytheRTPO;providedataandanalysistosupportlocalandregionaldecisionmaking;buildcommunityconsensusonregionalissuesthroughinformationandcitizeninvolvement;buildintergovernmentalconsensusonregionalplans,policiesandissues,andadvocatelocalimplementation;andprovideplanningandtechnicalservicesonacontractualbasis.

RTCprovidestheregionavaluableforuminwhichtoconsiderthetransportationissues,developcoordinatedstrategies,andrecommendprudentinvestmentsinoursystemtosolvethetransportationchallengesfacedinthisregion.

I. Introduction 4


Figure 1: RTC, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Region. The MPO covers the whole of Clark County which is a part of the Portland‐Vancouver‐Hillsboro (OR‐WA) metropolitan area.

I. Introduction 5


Figure 2: Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC): Extent of Regional Transportation Planning Organization (Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties).

Importance of Public Input in the Transportation Planning Process Publicinvolvementisakeycomponentofthetransportationplanningandprogrammingprocess.Aproactivepublicinvolvementprocessisonethatprovidescompleteinformation,timelypublicnotice,andfullpublicaccesstomajortransportationdecisions,andsupportsearlyandcontinuinginvolvementofthepublicindevelopingtransportationplansandprograms.

Inanattempttoensurethatourplanningprocessisinclusive,RTCemploysspecificstrategiesforreachingouttopersonswhoaretraditionallyunderservedbytransportationprojects,suchaslow‐incomeandminorityhouseholds.Inadditiontoensuringthatcommunitymembersareinvolved,ourtransportationinvestmentsshouldnotadverselyimpactthesepopulationsandimprovementsaretobeequitablydistributed.

I. Introduction 6


Purpose of the Public Participation Plan ‐ guiding principles and goals ThepurposeofthePublicParticipationPlanistoensurethatallofRTC’sregionaltransportationplans,programs,andstudiesincludeadequatepublicinvolvementpriortoactionbytheRTCBoard.TheIntermodalSurfaceTransportationEfficiencyAct(ISTEA),enactedin1991,requiredthatorganizationslikeRTCutilize“proactive”publicinvolvementproceduresthatgobeyondmerelyprovidingnoticeofdecisions.TheserequirementscontinuetodayunderthecurrentfederalTransportationAct,FASTAct,requiringustoprovideopportunitiesfor“earlyandcontinuinginvolvementthroughoutthetransportationplanningprocess.”ThePublicParticipationPlanexplainsanddescribeshowthepubliccanbeinvolvedinthetransportationplanningprocess.

Guiding Principles RTC’spublicinvolvementprocessaimstoprovidemembersofthepublicopportunitiesforearlyandcontinuingparticipationintransportationprojects,programs,plansanddecisions,andtoprovidepublicaccesstokeydecisionmakingprocesses.Engagingthepublicearlyandofteninthedecision‐makingprocessiscriticaltothesuccessofanytransportationplanorprogram,andisrequiredbyanumberofstateandfederallaws.

RTC’spublicinvolvementproceduresarebuiltonthefollowingguidingprinciples:

RTCiscommittedtoprovidingtimelypublicnoticeandtimely,relevantinformation.

Publicaccesstothetransportationplanningprogramisnotbiasedbyrace,ethnicity,gender,disabilityoreconomiclevel.

Nomajorpublicpolicydecisionisreachedorlargeprojectimplementedwithoutsignificantlyaffectingsomeone.

Projectandpolicydecisionsshouldfollowadecision‐makingprocesstomakethemacceptable.

Effectivepublicparticipationandeducationstrategiesmustbetailoredtofittheaudienceandissue.

Collaborationprovidesforstrongersolutions.

Peoplearemuchmorewillingtolivewithadecisionthataffectsdifferentinterestsunequallyifthedecision‐makingprocessisopen,objectiveandconsiderateofallviewpoints.

I. Introduction 7


Effectivepublicnotificationandparticipationtakestimeandeffort,anditcanbeexpensive,yetisanessentialcomponentofsounddecision‐making.

Earlyinvolvementofstakeholdersimprovesinformationanddirectionforregionalplanningdecisions.

Allrelevantinformationnecessaryforaninformeddecisionshouldbeprovidedbyprojectstaff.

Useofavarietyofpublicoutreachandpubliceducationtechniquesshouldbeusedtohelpinvolveawideraudienceofinterestedpartiesandstrengthendecisionsfortransportationpolicyandinregionalplans.

Publicparticipationisadynamicactivitythatisbestwhenplanningpartnersworktogethertoprovideinformationtothepublic.

Thereisoftenmorethanonesolutiontoaproblem.

Thedecision‐makingprocessisstrengthenedwiththeinclusionofpotentiallyunderservedpopulations,sometimesthroughalternatemeansofcommunication.Citizensofallethnicity,genderandbackgroundsneedtobewell‐informed,havetheopportunitytovoicetheirconcernsandhavetheirconcernsaddressed.

Public Participation Goals TheprimarygoalofRTC’sPublicParticipationPlanistodescribeRTC’sapproachtopublicengagement.OthergoalsofthePublicParticipationProcessareto:

Maintainaproactivepublicparticipationprocess.

SupportearlyandcontinuousparticipationofthepublicindevelopingRegionalTransportationPlansandTransportationImprovementPrograms.

Providetimelyinformationabouttransportationissuesandprocessestocitizens,affectedpublicagencies,representativesoftransportationemployees,freightshippers,providersoffreighttransportationservices,privateprovidersoftransportation,representativesofusersofpublictransportation,representativesofusersofpedestrianwalkwaysandbicycletransportationfacilities,representativesofthedisabled,andotherinterestedpartiesespeciallywheretheymaybeaffectedbyparticulartransportationplans,programsandprojects.

Provideadequatepublicnoticeofpublicparticipationopportunities.

I. Introduction 8


Provideadequatetimeforpublicreviewandcommentatkeydecisionpointsindevelopmentandapprovalofplansandprograms.

Providereasonablepublicaccesstoinformationabouttransportationissuesandprocessesincludingissuesrelatingtodevelopmentoftransportationplansandprograms.

Makeinformationonthetransportationplanningprocess,includingplanandprogramdevelopmentandmeetinginformation,availableontheWorldWideWeb.

Visualizationtechniques,suchasmapsandgraphics,canbeusedtosimplifyandmaketransportationplansandprogramseasiertounderstand.

Holdpublicmeetingsatconvenienttimesandlocations.

Consider,documentandusepublicsuggestionsandrecommendationsreceivedduringtheplanninganddevelopmentprocesses.Thedocumentationshouldincludehowcommentsaredisposedof;howtheyareresolved/usedinRTC’sdecision‐making.CommentsonthisPublicParticipationPlanareaddressedinAppendixC.

Identifyandaddressthetransportationneedsofthetraditionallyunderserved,includinglowincome,minoritypopulationsandpopulationswithspecialtransportationneeds(populationscoveredbytheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct),andidentifytheeffectsoftransportationpolicies,plansandprojectsonthesepopulations.

MeetingthesegoalsensuresearlyandcontinuouspublicnotificationandparticipationinmajoractionsanddecisionsbyRTCandthattherewillbemeaningfulpublicinputtoinformthedecision‐makingprocess.MajoractionsarethosepertainingtothecorefunctionsofRTCtodevelopandpublishaRegionalTransportationPlan,aTransportationImprovementProgramandPublicParticipationPlan.

Participation Plan Requirements FederalandstaterequirementsofthePublicParticipationProcessaremorefullyaddressedinAppendixAofthisPlanthoughasummarizedlistofapplicablefederal,stateandlocalrequirementsfollows:

Laws, Policies and Regulations Guiding RTC’s Public Involvement Process

RTCoperatesunderawiderangeoffederal,stateandlocallawsandrequirementsincluding:

I. Introduction 9


Federal:

FixingAmerica'sSurfaceTransportationAct(FASTAct),PublicLaw114‐94aspassedbyCongressandsignedbyPresidentObamaonDecember4,2015

AmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990,42USC126and49CFR27.19

FederalCleanAirActof1970,42USC85and40CFRParts50‐99

PublicWorksandEconomicDevelopmentActof1965,42USC38and13CFR305

TitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,23USC140,23CFR200,and49CFR21

ExecutiveOrder13166,ImprovingAccesstoServicesforPersonswithLimitedEnglishProficiency.SignedAugust11,2000byPresidentWilliamJ.Clinton

ExecutiveOrder12898,FederalActionstoAddressEnvironmentalJusticeinMinorityPopulationsandLow–IncomePopulations.SignedFebruary11,1994byPresidentWilliamJ.Clinton.

ExecutiveOrder12372,IntergovernmentalReviewofFederalPrograms.SignedJuly14,1982byPresidentRonaldReagan.

Federalregulatoryguidanceforpublicinvolvementisaddressedprimarilyin23CFR450SubpartCandinFederalTransitAdministration(FTA)Circulars,especiallythosepertainingtoTitleVI(FTACircular4702.1B),LimitedEnglishProficiencyandEnvironmentalJustice(FTACircular4703.1).

Washington State:

StateEnvironmentalPolicyAct(SEPA),RCW43.21C

GrowthManagementAct(GMA),RCW36.70A

OpenPublicMeetingsAct,RCW42.30

PublicRecordsAct,RCW43.56

WashingtonCleanAirAct,RCW70.94

Other:

RTCInterlocalAgreements,BylawsandMemorandaofAgreement.

I. Introduction 10


Desired Outcomes of the Public Participation Plan

ReceivepublicinputonRTC’sactivitiesanddecisions.

Sharetransportationplanningandprogramminginformationwithabroadcross‐sectionofthepublic.

Ensurenotificationandparticipationofallpopulations,includingpeopleofcolor,low‐incomeandspecialneedsgroups.

Increaseoverallawarenessofregionalplanningactivities.

Ensureplanningdecisionsincorporatetheconcerns,needs,andvisionsoftheregionandthatanycommentsreceivedareaddressed.

Development of the Public Participation Plan Update ThispublicparticipationplanisRTC’sdocumented“processforprovidingcitizens,affectedpublicagencies,representativesofpublictransportationemployees,freightshippers,providersoffreighttransportationservices,privateprovidersoftransportation,representativesofusersofpublictransportation,representativesofusersofpedestrianwalkwaysandbicycletransportationfacilities,representativesofthedisabled,andotherinterestedpartieswithreasonableopportunitiestobeinvolvedinthemetropolitantransportationplanningprocess”inaccordancewiththe23CFR450.316(a)

ThePublicParticipationPlan(PPP)isupdatedasneededthroughaprocessinvolvingongoingconsultationandengagementwiththeRegionalTransportationAdvisoryCommittee(RTAC),theRTCBoard,andinterestedpartiessuchastransportationproviders,publicagencies,thefreighttransportationcommunity,representativesofseniors,youngpeopleandthosewithdisabilities,NativeAmericanTribesintheregion,bicycleandpedestriancommitteesandmore.

ThePublicParticipationPlanupdateprocessisongoingasRTCassessesthemosteffectivetechniquesforreachingouttothepublicovertimeandworkstocomplywithfederalandstatelawsgoverningpublicparticipation.This2016Planupdate,culminatingintheadoptedPPPdocument,underwenta45‐daypubliccommentperiod.TheRTCBoardisthedecision‐makingbodyofRTCwithauthoritytoadoptthePPP.

RTC’sinitialPublicInvolvementPlanwasadoptedinJuly1994andupdatedinOctober2001.TheAugust2007Planupdatewasadoptedtocomplywiththefederaltransportationactinexistenceatthattime,SAFETEA‐LU,aswellasstatepublicoutreachrequirementsfortheRegionalTransportationPlanning

I. Introduction 11


Organization.ThePublicParticipationPlanlastunderwentacomprehensivereviewandupdatein2014beforeadoptionbytheRTCBoardinJanuary2014.

FederallawrequiresthattheMPOperiodicallyevaluatethePublicParticipationProcessandupdatethePublicParticipationPlantoreflectcurrentpractices.RTCworkedwithplanningpartners,theBoard,Committees,stakeholders,interestedparties,theinteragencyconsultationprocessandthepublictodevelopthePublicParticipationPlanandupdates.

The2016PublicParticipationPlanreflectsRTC’sexistingpracticesforpublicinvolvement,consultationwithinterestedparties,interagencyconsultation,agencygovernanceandoperations,alldocumentedinoneplaceforpublicreference.The2016Planisupdatedtoincludestrategiesthathaveproveneffectiveintheplanningprocessandcomplieswithfederalandstateguidance.

Opportunities to Comment on the Public Participation Plan Update

ThedraftPublicParticipationPlanisopenforpubliccommentforatleast45days.The45‐daypubliccommentincludes:

NotifyingRTC’smembership,interestedparties,stakeholders,Tribes,communityorganizationsrepresentingTitleVIandEnvironmentalJusticegroups,aswellasfederalresourceagenciesoftheopportunitytocommentonthePlan.

OnlinecommentingandreviewavailableatRTC’swebsite,www.rtc.wa.gov

Newsreleasetomediaoutletsintheregion,includingnewsoutletsthatservediverseandLimitedEnglishProficientaudiences.

Legalnoticesplacedinlocalprintmedia.

AgendainformationitemstotheRTCBoardandRTCCommittees.

OpportunitytoprovideapubliccommentinpersonatRTCBoardmeetings.

AvailabilityforreviewatRTCandatlibrariesintheregion.

Documentationanddescriptionofhowreceivedcommentsareaddressedandused.

I. Introduction 12


If you have comments on this Plan, please contact RTC:

E‐mail:

[email protected]

Telephone: Fax:

360‐397‐6067 360‐397‐6132

Physical address: Postal address: RTC RTCPublicServiceCenter P.O.Box13661300FranklinStreet,4thFloor Vancouver,WA98666Vancouver,WA98660

II. RTC’s ORGANIZATION 13


II. RTC’s ORGANIZATION

AsbackgroundinformationontheSouthwestWashingtonRegionalTransportationCouncil,thesecondsectionofthePublicParticipationPlandescribestheorganizationofRTCanditsdecision‐makingstructure.RTCexistsasaforumforregionaltransportationdecision‐making.

RTC Membership RTCisamembershiporganizationformedbyinterlocalagreement.RTCmembersarelistedinTable1below:

Table 1: RTC Membership

RTC Membership: Jurisdiction/Agency

Clark County

Skamania County

Klickitat County

City of Vancouver

City of Camas

City of Battle Ground

City of Ridgefield

City of La Center

Town of Yacolt

City of Stevenson



City of Bingen

City of Goldendale

C‐TRAN

Washington State Department of Transportation

Port of Vancouver

Port of Camas/Washougal

Port of Ridgefield


Port of Klickitat

Metro (Portland, OR)



RTC Membership: Jurisdiction/Agency

Oregon Department of Transportation

Legislators from the following Washington State Districts:

14th District

17th District

18th District

20th District

49th District

Governing Structure: Committees RTC’sAgencyStructureisillustratedinFigure3belowanddescriptionsofthedecision‐makingCommitteesfollow.

Figure 3: RTC’s Agency Structure

RTC Board of Directors

TheRegionalTransportationCouncil(RTC)BoardofDirectorsisthepolicydecision‐makingbodyforRTC,bothasMPOandRTPO.TheBoardmeetsmonthlytomakepolicyandprojectdecisionsandprovidesdirectiontoRTCstaff.TheBoardmakesrecommendationsonkeytransportationissues.Asdeterminedbystate(RCW47.80.060)andfederallaws(23USC134(d)(2))andbyRTC’sBylaws,theRTCBoardiscomprisedoffourteenvotingmemberscomposedofelectedofficialsrepresentingtheregion’scities,countiesandports,andseniorstafffromstatetransportationagenciesandthetransitagency,and,becausetheregionisabi‐stateregion,theOregonDepartmentofTransportationandMetroarerepresented.Themethodofappointmentisatthediscretionoftheappointingjurisdiction.The



fifteenstatelegislativemembersofthe14th,17th,18th,20thand49thdistrictsareex‐officio,non‐votingmembersoftheBoard.NineRTCBoardmembersarerequiredtomeetquorum.Validvotesrequireatleasteightvotingmembersplusonememberwhocanbeeitheravotingornon‐votingmember.Table2providesasummaryofRTCBoardrepresentationandvotingrights.

Table 2: RTC Board of Directors: Representation and Voting Rights

RTC Board Representation Voting Rights

Three Clark County Commissioners Yes

Two representatives from the City of Vancouver Yes

One elected official from the City of Camas or the City of Washougal representing Camas and Washougal

Yes

One elected official from the City of Battle Ground, the City of Ridgefield, the City of La Center, or the Town of Yacolt representing these four cities

Yes

One elected official from Skamania County, the City of Stevenson, the City of North Bonneville, or the Port of Skamania County

Yes

One elected official from Klickitat County, the City of White Salmon, the City of Bingen, the City of Goldendale, or the Port of Klickitat

Yes

The Executive Director/CEO of C‐TRAN Yes

The Southwest Regional Administrator of the Washington State Department of Transportation

Yes

One Port Commissioner from the Port of Vancouver, Port of Ridgefield, or the Port of Camas/Washougal representing these three ports

Yes

The Portland Region One Manager of the Oregon Department of Transportation

Yes

One Councillor from Metro of Portland Yes

Ex‐Officio Representation:

14th Legislative District: State Senator and Two State Representatives

No


No


No


No


No

AllmeetingsoftheRTCBoardandRTC’sothercommitteesareopentothepublic,withtheexceptionofBoardexecutivesessions.RTCBoardmeetingagenda,minutesandinformationalmaterialsareavailableonRTC’swebsiteorcopiescanbeobtainedbycalling(360)397‐6067.AllBoardmeetingsincludepubliccommentopportunityasanagendaitem.



Clark County

Regional Transportation Advisory Committee

WithintheClarkCountyMPOregion,theRegionalTransportationAdvisoryCommittee(RTAC)meetsmonthlytocoordinatetheregionaltransportationplanningprogramandadvisetheRTCBoardontechnicaltransportationissues.RTACiscomposedofstafffromlocaljurisdictions,WSDOT,C‐TRANastheregion’stransitagency,andbi‐staterepresentationfromODOTandMetro.RTACrepresentationislistedinTable3below.

Table 3: Regional Transportation Advisory Committee: Representation

Regional Transportation Advisory Committee: Representation

Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council

Clark County Public Works

Clark County Planning

City of Vancouver, Public Works

City of Vancouver, Community Development

City of Battle Ground/Town of Yacolt

City of Camas

City of Washougal/Port of Camas ‐Washougal

City of Ridgefield/City of La Center/Port of Ridgefield

C‐TRAN

Washington State Department of Transportation

Port of Vancouver

Oregon Department of Transportation

Metro

Human Services Transportation

Skamania and Klickitat County Committees Consistentwiththe1990StateGrowthManagementAct,TransportationPolicyCommitteesforSkamaniaandKlickitatCountiesprovidepolicyandtechnicaladviceforthetworuralcountiestotheRTCBoard.

Skamania County Transportation Policy Committee

TheSkamaniaCountyTransportationPolicyCommitteewasestablishedin1990tooverseeandcoordinatetransportationplanningactivitiesintheRegionalTransportationPlanningOrganizationSkamaniaregion.SkamaniaCountyTransportationPolicyCommitteerepresentationissummarizedinTable4below.



Table 4: Skamania County Transportation Policy Committee: Representation

Skamania County Transportation Policy Committee: Representation

Skamania County

City of Stevenson



WSDOT, SW Region

Senior Services – transit provider Non‐Voting Member

Klickitat County Transportation Policy Committee

TheKlickitatCountyTransportationPolicyCommitteewasestablishedin1990tooverseeandcoordinatetransportationplanningactivitiesintheRegionalTransportationPlanningOrganizationKlickitatregion.KlickitatCountyTransportationPolicyCommitteerepresentationissummarizedinTable5below.

Table 5: Klickitat County Transportation Policy Committee: Representation

Klickitat County Transportation Policy Committee: Representation

Klickitat County


City of Bingen

City of Goldendale

Port of Klickitat

WSDOT, SW Region

Mt. Adams Transportation – transit provider Non‐Voting Member

Bi‐state coordination BothRTC,theMPOfortheClarkCounty,WashingtonportionofthePortland‐Vancouvermetropolitanregion,andMetro,MPOfortheOregonportionofthePortland‐Vancouverregion,recognizethatbistatetravelissignificantwithintheregion.Toaddressbi‐stateregionaltransportationsystemneeds,RTCrepresentativesparticipateonMetro’sTransportationPolicyAlternativesCommittee(TPAC)andJointPolicyAdvisoryCommitteeonTransportation(JPACT)committees.MetroisrepresentedonRTC’sRegionalTransportationAdvisoryCommittee(RTAC)andRTCBoardofDirectors.Currently,severallocationsontheI‐5andI‐205northcorridorsareatornearcapacityduringpeakhoursresultinginfrequenttrafficdelays.Theneedtoresolveincreasingtrafficcongestionlevelsandtoidentifylong‐termsolutionscontinuestobeapriorityissue.Alsoofbi‐statesignificanceiscontinuedcoordinationonairqualityissues.



Bi‐State Coordination Committee

TheBi‐StateTransportationCommitteewasestablishedin1999toensurethatbi‐statetransportationissuesareaddressed.TheCommitteewasreconstitutedin2004toexpanditsscopetoincludebothtransportationandlanduseaccordingtotheBi‐StateCoordinationCharter.TheCommitteeisnowknownastheBi‐StateCoordinationCommittee.TheCommittee’sdiscussionsandrecommendationsareadvisorytotheRTC,theJointPolicyAdvisoryCommitteeonTransportation(JPACT),andMetroonissuesofbi‐statetransportationsignificance.Onissuesofbi‐statelanduseandeconomicsignificance,theCommitteeadvisestheappropriatelocalandregionalgovernments.

Other Committees and Transportation Stakeholders RTCmayformadhocCommitteestohelpwithspecifictransportationplanningtaskssuchascorridorstudiesandtoassistindevelopmentofplanssuchastheHumanServicesTransportationPlan.TheformationoftheseadhocCommitteesandtheirmeetingdatesandtimeswillbepostedontoRTC’swebsite.StakeholdersidentifiedtoserveontheseCommitteesmayincludeelectedofficials,civicandcommunityinterestgrouprepresentativesandmembersofthegeneralpublicwithinterestinthespecifictopicarea.

RTCmayalsoattend,participatein,andseekadvicefromothertransportationplanningcommitteesandgroupssuchastheClarkCommunitiesBicycleandPedestrianCommittee,theC‐TRANCitizensAdvisoryCommittee,theSouthwestWashingtonFreight&CommerceTaskForce(SWFACT)operatedthroughIdentityClarkCountyandlocaltransportationprojectcommitteestoprovideideasonwaystoaddressregionalchallenges,toresearchandresolvetechnicalissues,andtoreviewandrecommendmajortransportationprojectsforfunding.

RTC’s committee meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for citizen comment.

Information about meetings and agendas are available at rtc.wa.gov or from RTC at 360-397-6067 or

[email protected]

III. RTC’s TRANSPORTATION PLANS AND PROGRAMS 19


III. RTC’s TRANSPORTATION PLANS AND PROGRAMS

ThethirdsectionofthePublicParticipationPlandescribesRTC’sregionaltransportationplanningprogramsandreportsthepublicmaybeinterestedin.

Work Plan, Budget and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Eachyear,RTCdraftsacalendaryearWorkPlanandBudgettomaintaintheregionaltransportationplanningprocessledbytheRTCBoard.ThedraftWorkPlanandBudgetisusuallyreviewedattheNovemberRTCBoardmeetingandisproposedforadoptionattheDecemberRTCBoardmeeting.TheWorkPlanoutlinesacourseforRTC’sregionaltransportationplanning,policysetting,andprojectprogrammingactivities.

RelatedtotheWorkPlanandBudget,theUnifiedPlanningWorkProgramisafederally‐requireddocumentthatdescribescoordinatedmetropolitantransportationplanningactivitiesanticipatedfortheregionforthenextoneortwoyearperiod.ForUPWPpurposes,thefiscalyearbeginsJuly1.TheUPWPisexpectedtoreflectfederal,state,andlocaltransportationplanningemphasisareas.RTC,asMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationfortheregion,isgrantedFederalHighwayAdministrationPL(planning)dollarsandFederalTransitAdministrationplanningfundstocarryouttherequiredmetropolitantransportationplanningprocess.TheUPWPoutlineshowthesefederaldollars,aswellasstateandlocalfunds,willbeusedbyRTCandplanningpartners.UPWPrequirementsarespecifiedin23CFR450.308and23CRF420.111.

TheUPWPmustbedevelopedbyRTCincooperationwiththestateDepartmentofTransportationandtransitoperatorsandbi‐statetransportationplanningpartners.MembersoftheRegionalTransportationAdvisoryCommitteehelpRTCtodevelopadraftUPWP.FederalHighwayAdministrationandFederalTransitAdministrationrepresentativesusuallyreviewthedraftUPWPinFebruary,theRTCBoardreviewsthedraftinAprilorMayandBoardadoptionisproposedforthefollowingmonth.Duringthecourseofthefiscalyear,theworkprogramiskeptcurrentthroughUPWPamendments.



RTC and Transportation Project Funding WithintheMetropolitanPlanningOrganizationregion,orClarkCounty,RTCselectsprojectstoreceivecertaintypesoffundingfromtheFederalHighwayAdministrationandtheFederalTransitAdministration.Byfederallaw,thesefundsmustberegionallyselectedandapprovedbyRTC.Thecriteriausedtoselectprojectsarebasedonregionaltransportation,economicandlandusepoliciesadoptedbytheregion’selectedleadership.RTCregularlyreviewsandupdatestheprojectselectioncriteriatofitwiththetransportationpolicyframework.Allpublicagencies,jurisdictionsandtribesareeligibletoapplyforfunding.ProjectsselectedtoreceiveRTCfundsundergoapubliccommentandreviewperiodpriortoRTCBoardapprovalaspartoftheTransportationImprovementProgram(TIP)process(seebelow).

Regional Transportation Plans RTCcoversathree‐countyregioneachcountyhavingalong‐range,twentyyear,

RegionalTransportationPlan.

Regional Transportation Plan for Clark County

TheRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP),alsoknownastheMetropolitanTransportationPlan,isthelong‐range,twenty‐year,planfortheClarkCountyregion’stransportationsystem.ThePlanisrequiredbythefederalgovernmentasaconditionforreceiptoffederaltransportationfundingtotheClarkCountyregion.TheRTPmustbeupdatedatleasteveryfouryears,mustincludemultiplemodesoftravel,befiscallyconstrainedandmustbeconsistentwithfederal,stateandlocalplansandpolicies.ThePlanprovidesavisionforanefficientfuturetransportationsystemandaguideforsoundtransportationinvestmentstoaccommodategrowingtraveldemand.

Regional Transportation Plans; Skamania and Klickitat Counties

InRTC’stworuralcounties,theRegionalTransportationPlanforKlickitatCountyandtheRegionalTransportationPlanforSkamaniaCountyarethetwoprincipaltransportationplanningdocuments.TheRegionalTransportationPlanshavealong‐range,twenty‐year,horizon.ThePlansaredevelopedthroughacoordinatedandcooperativeprocessbetweenlocaljurisdictions,RTCandWashingtonStateDepartmentofTransportationinordertodevelopregionaltransportationsolutions.



Transportation Improvement Program TheTransportationImprovementProgram(TIP)isafour‐yearprogramofregionallysignificantprojects.ProjectsprogrammedintheTIParedrawneitherdirectlyfromspecificprojectrecommendationsmadeintheRegionalTransportationPlanoraredevelopedfromamoregeneralseriesofrecommendations(e.g.preservation,maintenance,safety,etc.).TheTIPrepresentsanagency’sintenttoimplementaspecificprojectandtheanticipatedflowoffundsforthatproject.RegionallyselectedtransportationprojectsareincorporatedintotheTIPalongwithotherregionallysignificantprojectsselectedforfundingatthestateoffederallevel.TheTIPisusuallyupdatedannuallybyRTC,undergoesapublicreviewandcommentperiodpriortoRTCBoardadoption.

ThemetropolitanTIPforClarkCountyisrequiredunderbothfederalandstatelegislation.Transportationprojects

programmedintheTIPmustbeconsistentwiththeRegionalTransportationPlan.Projectsmustalsomeetcleanairstandardsandenvironmentaljusticerequirements.TheTIPisdevelopedbyRTCthroughacooperativeandcoordinatedprocessinvolvinglocaljurisdictions,WSDOT,andC‐TRAN.RTCselectsandprioritizesprojectsprogrammedintheTIP.

RTCselectsandprioritizesprojectsprogrammedintheTIP.TheTIPdevelopmentprocesshasthreesteps:1)projectscreeningforeligibility,2)projectevaluationandrankingaccordingtoRTCBoardadoptedcriteria,and3)projectselectionandprogramming.MinoramendmentstotheTIPcanbemadeonamonthlybasis.

FormoreinformationseeRTC’swebsiteathttp://www.rtc.wa.gov/programs/tip/

RTP and TIP; Air Quality Conformity Determination Currently,forboththeRTPandTIPforClarkCounty,anairqualitydeterminationmustbemadetoassurethatnewprojects,programsandplansdonotimpedetheregionfrommeetingandmaintainingairqualitystandards.Thisrequirementissubjecttochange.



Congestion Management Process RTCisrequiredtohaveaCongestionManagementProcess(CMP)fortheClarkCountyregiontomeetfederalrequirementsin23CFR450.320(c)1.ACMPisasystematicprocessformanagingcongestion.TheCMPprovidesinformationonmultimodaltransportationsystemperformanceandonalternativestrategiestoalleviatecongestionandenhancethemobilityofpersonsandgoods.TheCongestionManagementProcessfocusesontransportationperformancewithincorridorsthroughmonitoringofvehiculartravel,autooccupancy,transit,traveldemandmanagementstrategies,systemmanagementstrategies,andtrafficoperationsinanefforttoidentifysolutionstoaddresscongestion.Bothexistingandfuturetrafficconditionsareaddressed.TheCMPinformsboththeRTPandTIP.RTCreportsontheCMPannually.

MoreinformationisavailableonRTC’swebsite:http://www.rtc.wa.gov/data/cmp/

1http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi‐bin/text‐idx?c=ecfr&rgn=div5&view=text&node=23:1.0.1.5.11&idno=23



Human Services Transportation Plan

Special Needs Transportation

Initiallyarequirementofthefederaltransportationact,SAFETEA‐LUpassedin2005,regularupdateofaCoordinatedHumanServicesTransportationPlan(HSTP)continuestobeafederalrequirement.TheintentoftheHumanServicesTransportationPlanistoidentifytransportationneedsandsolutionsandtherebyimprovetransportationservicesforpeoplewithdisabilities,seniors,andindividualswithlowerincomesaswellasthoseinrurallocationswhocannotprovidetransportationforthemselves.AnupdatetotheHumanServicesTransportationPlan(HSTP)isrequiredbyfederallawatleasteveryfouryears.

TheHumanServicesTransportationPlan(HSTP)forClark,SkamaniaandKlickitatCountiesisusedasthebasisforselectingspecialneedstransportationprojectstocompeteforWashingtonState’sConsolidatedPublicTransportationGrantProgram.DevelopmentoftheHumanServicesTransportationPlanbringstogetherserviceproviders,agenciesthatdistributefunds,riders,andthecommunityat‐largetoimprovespecialneedstransportationthroughouttheregion.

AdditionalinformationisavailableonRTC’swebsiteat:http://www.rtc.wa.gov/programs/hstp/.

Vancouver Area Smart Trek; Transportation Management and Operations TheVancouverAreaSmartTrek(VAST)programhasbeenmanagedbyRTCsince2001andisoneofRTC’songoingprograms.VASTprogramactivitiesincluderegionalcollaborationontransportationsystemmanagementandoperations(TSMO)andonintelligenttransportationsystems(ITS).

ThefocusofRTC’sTransportationSystemsManagementandOperationsprogramisonlow‐cost,quicklyimplementedtransportationoperationalprojectsthataimtooptimizetheexistingtransportationnetwork.TSMOstrategiesaimtobetterutilizeexistingtransportationfacilitieswithoutexpandingroadwaycapacity.Theoperationalprojectscoverawiderangeoftransportationsolutionssuchastravelerinformation,freewaymanagement,arterialmanagement,coordinatedincidentmanagement,andtransitsignal



priority.Theavailabilityoftravelerinformationsupportsimprovedtravelreliability,travelchoices,andmakesforinformedcommuters.

TheIntelligentTransportationSystemelementoftheVASTprogramprovidescoordinationandmanagementforthedeploymentofITSprojects,infrastructure,andequipmenttoensureintegrationandinteroperabilityofoperationalprojects.ITStechnologyisautomatingthecollectionofdata.Inaddition,theregionhasinitiatedatransportationdataarchivesystemcalledPORTALtoenhancedataavailability,easeitsretrieval,andassistwiththeanalysisoftransportationdatatosupportperformancemonitoring.

Transportation Data and Analysis (household travel survey, travel forecast modeling) RTCdevelops,maintainsandmanagesaregionaltransportationdatabaseandregionaltravelforecastmodeltosupporttheregionaltransportationplanningprogram.

Transportation Data

RTCprovidescoordinatedtransportationdatacollection,compilationandanalysiswithintheregion.Thedatabaseisusedtoassesstransportationsystemperformance,evaluatelevelofservicestandardsandtocalibratetheregionaltravelforecastingmodelandtosupporttransportationandengineeringworkofRTC”stransportationpartners.TrafficcountdataisavailableonRTC’swebsite.

Household Travel Survey

RTCconductshouseholdtravelsurveysperiodicallytocollectanddocumentstatisticallyvaliddemographic,travelandactivitybehaviorcharacteristicsofClarkCountyhouseholds.TheClarkCountyHouseholdTravelSurveycollectsinformationaboutwherepeoplego,howpeoplegetthere,andwhattheydothere.Thedataisusedtoinformtransportationplanningandpolicyanalysisandformsthefoundationforupdatingandcalibratingtheregionaltravelmodel.

Travel Forecast Modeling

RTCdevelopsandmaintainsaregionaltravelforecastmodel.TheforecastmodelimprovesourabilitytoidentifyfuturetransportationneedsandguidesinvestmentofpublicfundsfortransportationsolutionstohelpmaintainClarkCounty’squalityoflife.



Other Transportation Planning Activities OtherRTCtransportationplanningactivitiesincludeassessmentofthesafetyofthetransportationsystem,planningforfreighttransportationandworkingwithlocalplanningpartnersoncomprehensivelanduseplanningandplanningforpedestrianandbicycletransportationmodes.RTCalsoworkswithplanningpartnersonTransportationDemandManagement(TDM)programswhichfocusonreducingtraveldemand,particularlyatpeakcommutehoursthroughtechniquessuchasCommuteTripReduction(CTR).TDMstrategiescanmakemoreefficientuseofthecurrentroadwaysystemandcanreducevehicletrips.

Make a Public Comment on RTC’s Transportation Plans and Programs: Contact RTC at:

If you have comments on RTC’s Plans and Programs, contact RTC:

E‐mail: [email protected]

Telephone: Fax:

360‐397‐6067 360‐397‐6132


IV. PARTICIPATION, INVOLVEMENT, CONSULTATION AND COMMENT PROCEDURES 26


IV. PARTICIPATION, INVOLVEMENT, CONSULTATION AND COMMENT PROCEDURES

SectionIVofthePublicParticipationPlandescribeskeyparticipationelementsincludingaccesstothepublicparticipationprocess,consultationandpubliccommentprocedures.

Key Public Participation Elements

Procedures

RTCwillutilizeabroadrangeofpublicinformationandparticipationopportunitiesinplanningforregionaltransportationneedsandprogrammingofregionaltransportationprojects(seemenuinSectionV).RTCalsorecognizestheimportanceofpublicparticipationatthelocallevelandwillacknowledgeandconsiderpublicinputresultingfromtransportationplanningandprojectprogrammingatthelocaljurisdictionallevelaswellasthroughpublicparticipationconductedbytransportationagenciessuchasthepublictransitprovider,C‐TRAN,andWashingtonStateDepartmentofTransportation.RTC’spublicparticipationproceduresaredescribedbelow.

Public Meetings (forum for decision‐making)

PublicmeetingsaretheforumforRTC’sdecision‐makingwiththeRTCBoardofDirectorsbeingthebodythatadoptsregionaltransportationplansandprograms.

How to Access RTC Meetings and Related Information

Table6summarizeshowRTC’smaterialsandmeetingnoticescanbeaccessed.



Table 6: How to Access RTC’s Materials and Notices

How to Access RTC’s Materials and Notices

Materials What is Available Online? When is Information Posted?

Meeting agendas and packets

• RTC Board agenda and meeting packets

• Advisory committee information see www.rtc.wa.gov

One week prior to the meeting

Meeting Information • Board and advisory committee meeting dates and times

Calendar posted on rtc.wa.gov beginning each year. Meeting information pages updated monthly. Online calendar is posted and updated continuously throughout year, along with Board web pages

Web and audio stream • RTC Board meetings Listen or watch RTC Board meetings live on CVTV or in searchable archive available 24 hours after event. RTC Board meeting videos are also available on YouTube.

News Releases • News releases. News and media items, published or broadcast

All news releases are available on RTC’s website at rtc.wa.gov. Timing of the news release varies depending on the news item or event being publicized.

All RTC meeting schedules, meeting agendas and packets are available to anyone by calling (360) 397‐6067. Printing and mailing fees may apply.

Access for All ConsistentwithFederalrequirementsassociatedwiththetransportationplanningprocess,RTCiscommittedtonondiscriminationinallofitsprogramsandactivities.RTCstrivestoensurefairtreatmentandmeaningfulinvolvementofalloftheregion’sresidents,regardlessofrace,color,nationalorigin,gender,disabilityandincome.Effortswillbemadetoseekoutandconsidertheneedsandinterestsoftraditionallyunderservedpopulations.RTCwillmaintainacontactlistofrepresentativesofunderservedpopulationsandwillcommunicatewithgroupsandCommitteeswheretheserepresentativesmaymeet.SpecialaccommodationscanbearrangedinadvanceofanyRTCmeetingoreventbynotifyingRTCat(360)397‐[email protected].

Environmental Justice and Title VI

RTCmaintainsaTitleVIPlan,availableonRTC’swebsite,toensurethatnopersonintheregionshall,onthegroundsofrace,color,sex,ornationalorigin,beexcluded



fromtheparticipationin,bedeniedthebenefitsof,orbeotherwisesubjectedtodiscriminationunderanyprogramoractivityforwhichRTCreceivesfederalfinancialassistance.RTC’sTitleVIPlanisupdatedapproximatelyeveryfouryears.RTCalsosubmitsannualreportsonitsTitleVIprogramtotheWashingtonStateDepartmentofTransportationtoensureallfederalregulationsarebeingmet.

RTCseeksoutandconsiderstheneedsofpeopletraditionallyunderservedbytransportationsystems(e.g.,low‐incomeandminorityhouseholds).TointeractwiththesecommunitiesRTCwillparticipateincommunitymeetingsandwillcontinuetonurturerelationshipswithunderservedcommunityrepresentativesatmeetingssuchastheAccessibleTransportationCoalition,theSWWashingtonHealthyLivingCollaborative,C‐TRAN’sCitizensAdvisoryCommittee,ClarkCounty’sCommissiononAgingandRTC’sadhocHumanServicesTransportationPlanStakeholderGroup.

Tohelpinidentifyingtheunderservedpopulations,RTCpublishesanEnvironmentalJustice(EJ)DemographicProfileusingCensusandAmericanCommunitySurveydatatoidentifyandlocateminority,low‐income,elderlyandlimitedEnglishproficientpopulationsintheregion.AdemographicprofileidentifiesthelocationofEJpopulationstohelpdeterminethetypeofpublicoutreachandwhethertheeffectsofagencyactionswilldisproportionatelyimpactorbenefitthesepopulations.(Ref.FTAEJCircular,Chap.IIandIII.)RTCwillupdatetheDemographicProfileperiodically.RTCusestheProfiledataasthebasisforprovidinganEnvironmentalJusticeanalysisoftheimpactsofkeydecisionsontraditionallyunderservedpopulationsaspartoftheplanningprocess.TheProfilecontainsdatathatallowsforthecontinuingupdatingofinformationtotracktheperformanceoftheregionaltransportationsystemandimplementedstrategies.

MapstakenfromtheDemographicProfileareprovidedonthenexttwopages.Figures4and5showthelocationofClarkCountyminoritypopulationsin2014andClarkCountylow‐incomepopulations,2014.



Figure 4: Minority Population 2014, Clark County, Washington



Figure 5, Low Income Population 2014, Clark County, Washington



Limited English Proficiency and Alternative Formats

RTCmaintainsaLimitedEnglishProficiencyPlanavailableonRTC’swebsite.ThoserequiringalternativeformatsandlanguagetranslationshouldcontactRTCtorequesttheseservices.ForthosewithLimitedEnglishProficiency(LEP),translationofRTC’sonlineinformationandreportsiscurrentlyavailablethroughonlinetranslationservicessuchasGoogleTranslate,afreeonlinelanguagetranslationservicethatinstantlytranslatestextandwebpages.RTC’swebsiteoffersdirectlinkstoonlinetranslationservices.Inaddition,RTC’sreceptionstaffhasaposteratthereceptionareaofferinginterpreterservices.VisitorstoRTC’sofficeinthePublicServiceCenterareabletopointtothelanguageassistanceneeded.Thereceptionistwillidentifythelanguageneededandcanseektranslationhelp.RTCcanalsoprovideaccesstoTelelanguageinterpreterservices.

Consultation FixingAmerica'sSurfaceTransportationAct,knownastheFASTAct,continuedthepreviousfederaltransportationact’s(MAP‐21’s)commitmenttopublicparticipation.MetropolitantransportationagencieslikeRTCaredirectedtoconsultwithofficialsresponsibleforotherplanningactivitiesaffectedbytransportationinthearea.Thegoaloftheconsultationistoensureacoordinatedandopenexchangeofinformation,ideasandconcernsbetweenRTCandstakeholdersabouttheplanningprocess,potentialimpactsandappropriatemitigation.

Themosteffectivetimetoinvolvethepublic,localgovernments,Tribes,andagenciesintheplanningandprogrammingprocessisasearlyaspossible.

RTCconsiderstheagencyconsultationprocessasacontinuumstartingwithdevelopmentoftheregionaltransportationplan.Thedevelopmentoftheregionaltransportationplan,withitslong–rangetimeframe,istheearliestopportunityforconsultationandisakeydecisionpointfortheinteragencyconsultationprocess.Itisatthelong‐rangeplanningstagewhenpolicydirectionisformulated,fundingprioritiesandmajorprojects’planninglevelconceptsareintroduced,prioritizedandconsideredforimplementation.BecausetheRTPgovernstheselectionandprogrammingofprojectsintheTIP,theRTPisthekeydecisionpointforpolicydecisionsregardingprojectandprogramprioritiesthataddressmobility,congestion,airquality,andotherplanningfactors.

TheTransportationImprovementProgramisashort‐termprogrammingdocumentdetailingthefundingforthoseprojectsandinvestmentsfirstidentifiedasneededinanadoptedRegionalTransportationPlan.

RTCusesthefollowingapproachestocoordinateandconsultwithaffectedagenciesinthedevelopmentoftheRTPandtheTIP.Throughouttheprocess,consultationisbasedontheagency’sneedsandinterests.Ataminimum,allagencieswillbeprovidedanopportunitytocommentontheRTPandTIPupdates.RTCusesWashington’sStateEnvironmentalPolicyActasaguidetoinitiatingpublic



involvementandagencyconsultationandwillissueascopingnoticeatthebeginningoftheplanningprocessinordertobegintheinteragencyconsultationprocess.

Tribal Government Consultation

TheRTCregionishometoTribalgovernmentsincludingtheCowlitzandYakamaNation.AlltribeswithintheregionareencouragedandwelcomedtoparticipateinRTC’stransportationplanningprocesses.RTCencouragesfullinvolvementofTribesinallofitsactivities,includingthedevelopmentoftheRegionalTransportationPlan,theTransportationImprovementProgramandtheHumanServicesTransportationPlan.RTCnotifiesTribesofopportunitiestoparticipatethroughanumberofmethods,includingdirectoutreachtoTribalLeadersandstaffatTribaloffices,invitationletters,electroniccommunication,andagendapackets.RTCmayalsocoordinatewiththestatewideTribalTransportationPlanningOrganization(TTPO)whichmeetsquarterly.TheTTPOisastatewideplanningforumprovidingopportunityfortheTribestogaininformationandprovidefeedbackonTribalandgeneraltransportationissues.Inallofitswork,RTCworkstounderstandthediverseneedsofeachTribeandadaptscommunicationeffortsaccordingly.

Other Consultation/Partnerships

Resource Agencies; Air Quality, Land Management

RTCworksinconsultationwithresourceagencieswithinterestinRTC’stransportationplanningandprogrammingactivities.Theseincludeairquality,landmanagement,historicalandwildliferesourceagencies.IndeterminingairqualityconformityairqualityconsultationpartneragenciesincludetheUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency,theFederalHighwayAdministration,FederalTransitAdministration,theWashingtonStateDepartmentsofTransportationandEcology,andSouthwestCleanAirAgency.RTCcommunicateswithandconsultswithpartnerresourceagenciestoreviewthemethodologyandassumptionstobeusedpriortoeachmajortransportationplanningeffort,especiallyRegionalTransportationPlandevelopment.



Public Comment (how to offer comments)

Public Comment and Review Periods

Publiccommentonanytransportationtopicisalwaysencouraged.Whentheagencyisseekingpubliccommentonaparticularaction,RTCmayofferaspecificpubliccommentandreviewperiodandusethevarietyofnotificationmethodsdiscussedinthisplantoletthepublicknowhowtocomment.FederalandSEPArequirementsarealsotakenintoconsiderationwhendeterminingthelengthandnumberofpubliccommentandreviewperiods.TheTransportationImprovementProgramandRegionalTransportationPlanpubliccommentperiodswillbeforatleast30days.ThePublicParticipationPlanpubliccommentperiodwillbeatleast45days.

How Public Comments Are Addressed

RTCwelcomesandrespondstopubliccomments.Publiccommentsarereviewedandanalyzedbystaff,andareusedasinputforpotentialrevisionstooperations,plans,andprograms.PriortoRegionalTransportationPlanandTransportationImprovementProgrampublication,publiccommentsaredocumented,areincorporatedintothedecision‐making(whereappropriate)andtheirdispositionisrecorded.

If you have comments on RTC’s Plans and Programs, contact RTC:


Telephone: Fax:

360‐397‐6067 360‐397‐6132




Public Input

WhenwrittenandoralcommentsondraftsoftheRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)orTransportationImprovementProgram(TIP)arereceivedfromthepublic,asummary,analysisandreportonthecommentswillbemadeapartofthefinalPlanandTIP.WithintheMPOregionwheneverairqualityconformityanalysisisrequired,commentsresultingfromtheinteragencyconsultationprocessrequiredundertheUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’sairqualityconformityregulationswillalsobeincludedinthefinalPlanandTIP.

IfthefinaltransportationPlanorTIPdifferssignificantlyfromtheonemadeavailableforpubliccommentandraisesnewmaterialissueswhichinterestedpartiescouldnotreasonablyhaveforeseenfromthepublicinvolvementefforts,anadditionalopportunityforpubliccommentontherevisedPlanorTIPwillbemadeavailable.

V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION METHODS and TECHNIQUES 35


V. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION METHODS and TECHNIQUES

ThemethodsandpublicparticipationtechniquesusedbyRTCwillbetailoredtobestsuiteachparticularplanningeffortasitgetsunderway.Attheoutsetofeachplanningprocess,suchasRegionalTransportationPlandevelopment,corridorstudiesandregionaltransportationstudies,RTCwillreviewthemenuofparticipationmethodsandtechniquesandusethebestmixofpublicparticipationmethods.Thefollowingsectiondocumentsamenuofpublicoutreachmethods,toolsandtechniquesthatRTCmayusetogainpublicparticipationandinvolvementindevelopmentofRTC’splans,programsandactivities.

Menu of Public Participation Tools, Methods and Techniques ThefollowingisarangeofpublicparticipationtechniquesandstrategiesthatRTCmayusetosupportandenhancepublicparticipation.ThesetechniquesandstrategiesarewhatthepubliccantypicallyexpectRTCtouseintheregionaltransportationplanninganddecision‐makingprocessthoughtheirusewillbecustomizedforeachindividualplanorprogram.

RTC’s Website — rtc.wa.gov

SouthwestWashingtonRegionalTransportationCouncil(RTC)hasmaintainedawebsitesince1996.Thesiteunderwentsignificantre‐designin2013. ThewebsitehasinformationaboutRTCanditsactivities;regionalprograms,planningstudies,dataresources,finalreports,andupcomingmeetings. Thewebsiteincludesameetingcalendarandelectroniccopiesofagendas,publiccommentperiods,commentsreceived,dataproducts,publications,andotherrelevantinformation.Thewebsitealsoprovidesanopportunityforthepublic,onanongoingbasis,toprovideinputandformalcommentstoRTCusingafeedbackform.TitleVIandAmericanswithDisabilitiesActstatementsareincludedaswellaslanguagetranslationservices.ThewebsiteofferslinkstoarchivesofCVTVbroadcastsofRTCBoardmeetings.RTC’swebsiteaddressis:http://www.rtc.wa.gov



Public notification (agendas etc.)

ThepublicisnotifiedofRTCmeetingsandeventsprimarilythroughRTC’swebsiteande‐mailcommunicationaswellasU.S.mailservice.RTCBoardpacketsofinformationalmaterialsisalsomadeavailableonRTC’swebsite.

Meetings held at Convenient Times, Locations and Accessibility

RTCcommitstoholdmeetingsatconvenienttimes,andatlocationsthatareaccessibletopersonswithdisabilitiesand,whereverpossible,topeoplewhorelyonpublictransit.

RTCBoardmeetingsaretypicallyheldat4p.m.onthefirstTuesdayofeachmonthinthePublicServiceCenterat1300FranklinStreet,VancouverWA.Thepubliccanconfirmthemeetingdates,timesandlocationonRTC’sonlinecalendar.

View Meetings Online

RTCBoardmeetingsarerecordedbyCVTV.MeetingsarebroadcastliveonthedayofthemeetingandarearchivedforfutureplaybackwithlinksprovidedfromtheRTCwebsiteandarealsoavailableonYouTube.



Public Meetings/Open Houses

PublicmeetingsandopenhousesprovideasettingforthepublictoaccessinformationonRTC’splanningactivities.Informationismadeavailableeitherthroughpresentationsbytechnicalstaff(publicmeeting)orthroughdisplayexhibits(openhouse).

Workshops, and Forums

Informationworkshopsmaybeheldontopicsassociatedwiththeregionaltransportationplanningprocess.Suchworkshopsaredesignedtoeducateparticipantsonspecifictopicssuchasregionaltransportationmodeling,intelligenttransportationsystems,etc.Informationworkshopsareconductedonanas‐neededbasis.

Citizen Advisory Committees

CitizenAdvisoryCommitteesareadvisorycommitteestoRTCthatmaybeestablishedtoprovidebroadregionalcommunityinputduringcertainplanningprocessessuchascorridorstudies.CitizenAdvisoryCommitteesareusuallycomprisedofindividualsrepresentingacross‐sectionoftheregion’spopulationsincludingthosewithenvironmental,business,civicorganization,neighborhoodandotherinterests.

E‐Mail Distribution Lists and Databases

RTCmaintainsandcontinuouslyupdatesitsmailinglistsanddatabasessoRTCcaninitiatecontactwithinterestedparties,targetingthosetraditionallyunderservedand/orgapsinexistingdatabases.RTC’smailinglistsincludetribes,communitygroups,TitleVIrelevantpopulations,businesses,resourceagencies,membership,andlocalgovernments.

TojoinRTC’smailinglist,contactRTCAdministrationat360‐397‐[email protected]

Stakeholder Outreach

Astakeholderisdefinedasanypersonorgroupthatisaffectedbyatransportationplan,program,orproject,includingthosewhomaynotbeawaretheyareaffected.Stakeholdersincludethegeneralpublic;environmental,health,neighborhood,citizen,andcivicorganizations;traditionallyunderservedpopulationssuchaspeoplewithdisabilities,low‐income,andracialandethnicminorities,andaffectedpublicagencies.Stakeholdersareidentifiedandareincludedinpublicoutreachactivities.



Social Media

CVTVbroadcastsofthemonthlyRTCBoardmeetingsareprovidedonYouTubetoreachabroaderaudience.RTCwillcontinuetoevaluatesocialmediaopportunitiesandbeginuseofothersocialmediaoutletsifbeneficialtoRTC’splanningactivities.

Media Releases

KeymediashallbeprovidedwithperiodicupdatesofRTCactivitiesandprojects.MediareleasesshallbedisseminatedtoannouncepublicreviewandcommentperiodsforRTC’splans,programs,andotheractivities.RTCmaintainsalistofmediaoutletssuchasnewspapers,television,andradiostationsintheregion(refertoAppendixB).

Presentations and Speakers Bureau

Speakers’BureausshallconsistofRTCstaffandcitizenvolunteerswhocanspeaktocivicgroups,professionalorganizations,neighborhoodassociations,communitybasedorganizationswhorepresenttheneedsofthetraditionallyunderservedpopulationsandothergroupsabouttheregionaltransportationplanningprocessandactivities.

RTCcanprovidepresentationsonmetropolitantransportationplanningactivities.Oneofthemosteffectiveoutreachtoolsistopresentatmeetingswherepeopleroutinelygather,suchascommunitygroups,chambersofcommerce,councils,orclasses.WhenRTCisengagedinamajorplanningactivity,suchasdevelopmentoftheRegionalTransportationPlan,staffactivelyseeksoutinterestedgroupstopresentto.Toscheduleaspeaker,e‐[email protected]‐397‐6067.



Local Libraries

RTCdistributescopiesofpublicationstolibrariesintheregion.DraftandfinalpublicationsaresenttoalllibrariesinRTC’sregion.LibrariesalsooffercomputeraccesstoRTC’swebsitewithonlineinformationandpublications.

Visualization Techniques

Whereverpossible,RTCwillusevisualizationtechniquessuchasmaps,photos,graphics,flowchartsandPowerPointpresentations,tohelpexplaintransportationplansandprograms.

Newsletters

Projectnewsletterstokeepthepublicapprisedofspecificprojectsarepublishedonanas‐neededbasis.Newslettersmayincludeinformationaboutaprojectwritteninlanguageunderstoodbythegeneralpublic.Newslettersaredistributedtoidentifiedstakeholdersandinterestedparties.InareaswithidentifiedLimitedEnglishProficiencypopulations,newsletterscanbemadeavailableinotherlanguages.

Other Technologies

RTCiscommittedtoresearchingandreviewingnewtechnologiesanduseofinnovativetechniquesthatcouldbeused,asappropriate,toincreasetransparency,access,andunderstandingofregionalplanningefforts.Forexample,RTCaddedwebstreamingandbroadcastofmonthlyRTCBoardmeetingsonCVTVin2013.RTCmayestablishalargersocialmediapresenceinthefuture.

Surveys

Surveysareusedonanas‐neededbasisasatooltogatherinformationonpeoples’perceptions,preferences,andpractices.Surveyscanrangefrombeinginformalandinexpensivetoscientificandmorecostly.Theinformationbeingsoughtandtheuseofthatinformationintheregionaltransportationplanningprocesswillvary.In2009,RTCconductedasignificanttelephoneandwrittensurveyofhouseholdstohelpdeterminetravelbehaviorandpatterns.TelephonesurveypersonnelwereabletoadministerthehouseholdtravelsurveyinbothEnglishandSpanish.



Planning Partners: Coordinated Public Outreach Activities/Events

RTCstaffwillcoordinatewithmemberjurisdictionsandagenciestohelpoutreachtoalargernumberofpeople.CombiningresourcestopublicizeactivitiesandeventswillhelpRTCtoreachabroaderaudienceandwillhelptopromotebestpracticesbothforpublicoutreachandfortransportationplanningandprojectimplementation.Examplesofthiscoordinationincludecombinedpresentationswithotherlocal,regionalandstatetransportationjurisdictionsandagencies.

VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN RTC's REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN and TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: A GUIDE TO PROCEDURES 41


VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN RTC's REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN and TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM: A GUIDE TO PROCEDURES

TherearetwocoredutiesperformedbyRTCaspartofthefederalmetropolitantransportationplanningprocessthatarespeciallycalledoutinfederallawasneedingearlyandcontinuingopportunitiesforpublicparticipation.ThesetwocoredutiesaredevelopmentofaRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP)forClarkCountyandRegionalTransportationImprovementProgram(TIP)forClarkCounty.

BecausetheRegionalTransportationPlan,alsoknownastheMetropolitanTransportationPlan,includesacomprehensive,long‐termvisionforthefuturetransportationsystem,theRTP’sdevelopmentprocessprovidestheearliestandthebestopportunityforinterestedpersonsandpublicagenciestoinfluenceRTC’stransportationpoliciesandinvestmentpriorities.ItisatthisearlierRTPstagewhereinvestmentprioritiesandmajorplanning–levelprojectdesignconceptsareestablished,andbroad,regionalimpactsoftransportationontheenvironmentareaddressed.

Regional Transportation Plan for Clark County AsdescribedinSectionIIIofthePublicParticipationPlantheRegionalTransportationPlan(RTP),alsoknownastheMetropolitanTransportationPlan,isthelong‐range,twenty‐year,planfortheClarkCountyregion’stransportationsystemtoguidethearea’stransportationdevelopmentinthenexttwentyyears.TheRTPisthecomprehensiveblueprintfortransportationinvestment(transit,highway,localroads,bicycle,andpedestrianprojects),andestablishesthefinancialfoundationforhowtheregioninvestsinitssurfacetransportationsystem.Crucialdecisionsaboutwhetherornottosupportorfundatransportationprogramorprojectin



theregionfirstoccurinthedevelopmentofthelong‐rangetransportationplan.

FederalrequirementspertainingtotheRegionalTransportationPlanaddressedinCFR450.322alsoincludeprovisionsaddressingpublicoutreach[450.322(f)(7)and450.322(g)]asfollows:

Adiscussionoftypesofpotentialenvironmentalmitigationactivitiesandpotentialareastocarryouttheseactivities.ThediscussionshallbedevelopedinconsultationwithFederal,State,andTriballandmanagement,wildlife,andregulatoryagencies.

Consult,asappropriate,withStateandlocalagenciesresponsibleforlandusemanagement,naturalresources,environmentalprotection,conservation,andhistoricpreservationconcerningthedevelopmentoftheRTP.Theconsultationshallinvolve,asappropriate(1)comparisonofRTPswithStateconservationplansormaps,ifavailable,or(2)comparisonofRTPswithinventoriesofnaturalorhistoricresources,ifavailable.

TheRTPisrequiredtobeupdatedatleasteveryfouryearstoreflectnewplanningprioritiesandchangingprojectionsofgrowthandtraveldemand.ChangestotheRTPmayberequiredandcanbemadethroughPlanamendments.ThenextRTPupdateprocesswillbegininearly2014withadoptionrequiredbeforetheendof2015.

RTPupdatesincludeextensivepublicconsultationbyRTCandparticipationinvolvingarearesidents,publicagencyofficials,andstakeholdergroupsovermanymonths.Inaddition,RTCworksinpartnershipwithlocaljurisdictionsandagenciesinvolvedintransportationintheirComprehensivePlanningandCapitalFacilitiesPlanningprocessesforidentifyingprojectsforinclusionintheRTP.LocalagenciesdocumentpubliccommentsthathelpinformtheirprojectrecommendationsforRTPinclusion.

Transportation Improvement Program AsdescribedinSectionIIIofthePublicParticipationPlantheTransportationImprovementProgramforClarkCounty(TIP)isafour‐yearprioritylistoftransportationprojectswithinClarkCounty.TheTIPtranslatesrecommendationsfromthelong‐rangeRTPintoashort–termprogramofimprovements.TheTIPdefinesprojectbudgets,schedulesandphasingforthose



programsandprojectsthatarealreadypartoftheRegionalTransportationPlan.

FederalrequirementspertainingtotheTransportationImprovementProgramareaddressedinCFR450.324(b):

AllinterestedpartiesshallhaveareasonableopportunitytocommentontheproposedTIPasrequiredby450.316(a).Inaddition,innonattainmentTMAs,anopportunityforatleastoneformalpublicmeetingduringtheTIPdevelopmentprocess;thecircumstancesofthepublicmeetingshouldbeaddressedthroughtheparticipationplandescribedin450.316(a).

TheTIPisrequiredtobeupdatedeverytwoyearsbutitcanbedonemoreoftenifneeded.RTCroutinelyadoptsaTIPannually.OccasionallychangesneedtobemadetotheTIPfollowingitsadoption.ThesechangeswillbehandledasUpdates,AdministrativeModifications,andAmendments.UpdatesdonotsubstantiallychangeaprojectandcanbehandledadministrativelybyRTCStaff.AdministrativeModificationsareminorchangesthatrequireapprovalfromtheRTCTransportationDirector.AmendmentsaresubstantialchangestoprojectsthatrequireactionfromtheRTCBoardofDirectors.ProposedTIPamendmentandmodificationactionsaredocumentedinRegionalTransportationAdvisoryCommitteeandRTCBoardpacketmaterialsmadeavailableonlineorbyU.S.Mailforpublicreview,inputandcomment.

Federal Transit Administration Program of Projects: Public Participation Requirements

AProgramofProjects(POP)isalistofprojectsproposedtobefundedfromtheFederalTransitAdministration’s(FTA’s)Section5307fundingprogramapportionedtotheregion.C‐TRANistherecipientofFTASection5307fundswithintheregion.

RTChasresponsibilityfordevelopingtheregion’sTransportationImprovementProgram.FederaltransitlawandjointFederalHighwayAdministration(FHWA)/FederalTransitAdministration(FTA)planningregulationsgoverningthemetropolitanplanningprocessrequiresthataregionincludesthepublicandsolicitstheircommentswhenitsmetropolitanlong‐rangetransportationplananditsmetropolitanTransportationImprovementProgramaredeveloped.

C‐TRANreliesonRTC’sPublicParticipationProcesstosatisfyfederalrequirementsrelatedtopublicparticipationindeveloping,publicizingandsolicitingcommentsonC‐TRAN’sProgramofProjects(POP).RTCacknowledgesthisrelianceinmediareleasesprominentlydisplayedonRTC’swebsiteaswellasinadvertisedpublicnoticesforRTC’sTransportationImprovementProgram.ThisRTCPublicParticipationPlanandRTC’sTIPdevelopmentprocessfollowstheproceduresforpublicinvolvementassociatedwithTIPdevelopmentandthereforesatisfiespublicparticipationrequirementsforthePOP(FTACircular9030.1e,ChapterV,6c.).All



publicnoticesofpublicinvolvementactivitiesandtimesestablishedforpublicreviewandcommentontheTIPstatethattheysatisfythePOPrequirementsoftheSection5307Program.

RTC Document Review and Advertising Schedule for Clark County MPO Region Table7(overleaf)outlinestheDocumentReviewandAdvertisingScheduleforRTC’scoredocuments;theRegionalTransportationPlanandTransportationImprovementProgramforClarkCounty.ThesedocumentsthatRTCdevelopsarerequiredbytheFederalgovernmentorthestatetogothroughapublicinvolvementprocessandthereisanestablishedtimelineinvolvedinreviewing,adoptingandupdatingthem.



Table 7: RTC Document Review and Advertising Schedule for Clark County MPO Region

Document Process

Regional Transportation Plan for Clark County (also known as the Metropolitan Transportation Plan)

Reviewed annually and updated, at a minimum, every four years • RTC Board and Regional Transportation Advisory Committee review • Interagency Coordination, Consultation and Collaboration review • Draft RTP document posted on RTC’s website • News release published notifying public of comment and review period before RTP adoption; includes public meeting notice

• Comment period of at least 30‐days prior to adoption • Legal notice published including notice of public meeting • Notice of public comment period sent to e‐mail distribution list • Public meeting hosted during 30‐day comment period to solicit input • Draft document posted for review and comment on RTC website • Provide draft to Federal, State and member agencies for review and comment • Document approved or accepted by RTC Board • Distribute final adopted copies to member, Federal and State agencies • Post adopted document on the RTC website

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Clark County

Updated at a minimum every two years but routinely RTC updates annually.• Developed in accordance with RTC TIP Guidebook. • Reviewed by RTC Board and Regional Transportation Advisory Committee • Comment period of at least 30‐days prior to adoption of new TIP • Draft TIP posted on RTC’s website • News release published notifying public of comment and review period before TIP adoption; includes public meeting notice

• Notice of public comment period sent to email distribution list • Public meeting hosted during 30‐day comment period to solicit input on new TIP • Provide new TIP to Federal, State and member agencies for review • Document approved or accepted by RTC Board • Distribute final adopted copies to partner, Federal and State agencies • Post adopted document on the RTC website

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendments

• Reviewed by Regional Transportation Advisory Committee • Notice of proposed TIP amendment sent to RTC Board email distribution list • Notice of amendment posted for review and comment on RTC website as part of RTC Board meeting agenda

• Amendment approved or accepted by RTC Board • Amendments posted on RTC website

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Evaluation Criteria

• Updated at a minimum every two years• Reviewed by Regional Transportation Advisory Committee and RTC Board (usually in May/June of each year) • Approved by RTC Board • Updated criteria posted on the RTC website and sent to member agencies

Annual Listing of Federal Obligations

• Regional Transportation Advisory Committee and RTC Board review no later than March 30 each year • Posted on RTC website no later than March 30 each year

VII. EVALUATION AND UPDATE OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM 46


VII. EVALUATION AND UPDATE OF THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROGRAM

SectionVIIofthePublicParticipationPlandocumentshowthePPPwillbeperiodicallyevaluatedtoensurethePlanismeetingitspurposeandgoalsanddescribestheprocesstoupdatethePlan.

Public Participation evaluation of effectiveness ‐ matrix

RTC’sPublicParticipationPlanisnotastaticdocument,butanongoingstrategythatisannuallyreviewedforeffectivenessandupdatedbasedonexperiencesandthechangingcircumstancesofRTC,theregion,evolvingtechnologyandchangingpublicpreferencesregardingoutreachtechniques.Inaccordancewith23CFR450.316(a)(1)(x)oftheCodeofFederalRegulations,thisPublicParticipationPlanwillperiodicallybereviewedforeffectivenessoftheproceduresandstrategiescontainedinittoensureafullandopenparticipationprocess.AfterPublicParticipationPlanevaluation,RTCmaychoosetoupdatethePlan.ThePPPmayalsobesubjecttominorcorrections.



Aspartofeverypublicinvolvementperiodandpublicoutreacheffortforstudies,plans,documentsandotheractivities,RTCusesavarietyofmethodstoreachthepublic,solicitcommentandevaluatehoweffectiveeachmethodwas.Thefollowingmatrix(Table8)showsthetypeofevaluationthepubliccanreasonablyexpectRTCtoconductonanannualbasisinevaluatingtheeffectivenessofthePublicParticipationProcess:

Table 8: RTC’s Public Participation Plan, Evaluation Matrix

Involvement Tool What, How and When Monitored Evaluation

Website • Number of site visits tracked• Website analytics • Search terms • Comments from users • Website updated at least monthly

Used to better organize website information, improve the website’s interactivity, post information that people are searching for and determine what is prompting people to visit rtc.wa.gov (such as committee meeting agendas, news releases, etc.)

Board / Committee & Public Meetings

• Attendance• Comments made at and after meetings

• Results of discussion used to improve future meetings.

This information shows the effectiveness of meeting notice techniques, the level of interest in topics discussed at meetings and provides essential direction to plans and programs.

Television Broadcast and Webstreaming of RTC Board Meetings

• Number of people accessing the webstream

• Comments made by viewers/listeners.

This information is used to demonstrate the value of the broadcast and streaming service.

News and Media Releases

• Number of news articles/media pieces published

• Number of people accessing the news release on website

• Web usage on day after media coverage

• News coverage monitored by staff

This information is used to improve news releases to enhance media relations and communications and to determine the level of interest in agency activities. The connection between sending news releases and web traffic on rtc.wa.gov can also be tracked.

Public Comment Periods • Number of comments received• Substance of comments received • Summary of comments provided at the end of the comment period

This information is essential to developing quality plans and programs. It is also indicative of whether the overall public participation plan and tools were effective.

Social media

• Number of comments or replies• Number of visitors to sites • RTC uses YouTube to allow for greater access to broadcast RTC Board meetings.

• RTC will continue to evaluate whether further use of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, should be implemented.

• Number of ‘likes’ or ‘followers’

Information would demonstrate the value of using social media sites and would help to determine what information the public responds to.



Updating the Public Participation Plan ‐ amendment to procedures, adoption RTCstrivestoenhancepublicparticipationintheagency’sworkwhileputtinglimitedfundstobestuse.Assuch,ifupdateofthePublicParticipationPlaniswarranted,RTCwilltakestepstoupdatethePublicParticipationPlan.

AdatedcopyofthisPlanwillalwaysbeavailabledirectlyfromRTCoronRTC’swebsite.AnymajorupdateswillincludeaprocessthatincludesreviewbyRTC’sRegionalTransportationAdvisoryCommittee(RTAC),apubliccommentperiodofatleast45days,withwidereleaseandpublicnotificationabouttheproposedchanges,andapprovalbytheRTCBoard.RTCwillextendthepubliccommentperiodbyanadditional45‐daysininstanceswheremajorrevisionsareproposedinresponsetocommentsreceived.

RTCwelcomespublicfeedbackonthisPlan,thepublicoutreachandparticipationtechniquesdescribedwithinitandonanyaspectoftheagency’spublicinvolvementprogram.

Adoption Process and Update Procedures ThepublicinvolvementprocessandprocedureswereoriginallyadoptedbytheRTCBoardofDirectorsonJuly5th,1994.UpdateswereadoptedinOctober2001,August2007andJanuary2014.TheupdatedPublicParticipationPlanisscheduledforadoptionbytheRTCBoardattheNovember1,2016RTCBoardmeetingfollowingapubliccommentperiodofatleast45days.

ThePublicParticipationPlanwillbereviewedperiodicallyandifupdatesarenecessary,thepublicwillbeconsultedonitsupdate,thedraftupdatewillbemadeavailableforpubliccommentforaperiodofatleast45daysandtheRTCBoardofDirectorswillberesponsibleforPlanadoption.LegalnoticeswillbeprovidedinlocalnewspapersinformingthepublicofthecommentperiodandthedraftPublicParticipationPlanwillbemadeavailableatlocallibrariesandonRTC’swebsite.

Amendment to Adopted Procedures ProposedamendmentstoadoptedpublicparticipationprocedureswillbeplacedontheRTCBoard’sagendafortheBoard’sconsiderationpriortotherequiredpubliccommentperiod.Therewillbeapubliccommentperiodofatleastforty‐five(45)daysbeforeanyamendmenttothepublicparticipationplanisadoptedbytheRTCBoard.



Comments on RTC’s Public Participation Plan Should be Communicated to RTC:


Telephone: Fax:

360‐397‐6067 360‐397‐6132




APPENDICES 51


APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: REQUIREMENTS FOR RTC’S PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS 52


APPENDIX A: REQUIREMENTS FOR RTC’S PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS

RTCoperatesunderthejurisdictionofseveralfederallaws,thebasicsofwhicharehighlightedbelow.

Federal Requirements for RTC’s Public Participation Process

Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act)

ThecurrentFederalTransportationAct,theFASTAct,wassignedintolawonDecember4,2015.TheActreauthorizestheFederal‐aidhighwayprogramthroughfiscalyear2020.TheFASTActisthesuccessorActtoMAP‐21,enactedin2012,whichincludedprovisionstomaketheFederalsurfacetransportationmorestreamlined,performance‐based,andmultimodal,andtoaddresschallengesfacingtheU.S.transportationsystem,suchasimprovingsafety,maintaininginfrastructurecondition,reducingtrafficcongestion,improvingefficiencyofthesystemandfreightmovement,protectingtheenvironment,andreducingdelaysinprojectdelivery.TheFASTActbuildsonthechangesmadebyMAP‐21andsetsthecoursefortransportationinvestmenttoimprovemobility,createjobs,supporteconomicdevelopment,accelerateprojectdeliveryandpromoteinnovation.

TheFASTActcontinuestheprevioustransportationact’scommitmenttopublicparticipation,directingMetropolitanPlanningOrganizations(MPO)tohaveapublicparticipationplanthatprovides“citizens,affectedpublicagencies,representativesofpublictransportationemployees,freightshippers,providersoffreighttransportationservices,privateprovidersoftransportation,representativesofusersofpublictransportation,representativesofusersofpedestrianwalkwaysandbicycletransportationfacilities,representativesofthedisabled,andotherinterestedpartieswithareasonableopportunitytocommentonthetransportationplan.”

TheFederalTransportationActdirectsMPOpublicparticipationplanstobedevelopedinconsultationwithallinterestedparties,andprovidethatallinterestedpartieshavereasonableopportunitiestocommentonthecontentsofthetransportationplan.ItfurtherdirectsMPOs,tothemaximumextentpracticable,to



holdanypublicmeetingsatconvenientandaccessiblelocationsandtimes,toemployvisualizationtechniquestodescribeplans,andtomakepublicinformationavailableinelectronicallyaccessibleformatandmeans,suchastheWorldWideWeb,asappropriatetoaffordreasonableopportunityforconsiderationofpublicinformation.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

TheTitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964requiresthattransportationplanningandprogrammingbenondiscriminatoryonthebasisofrace,color,nationaloriginordisability.ThefederalstatutewasfurtherclarifiedandsupplementedbytheCivilRightsRestorationActof1987andaseriesoffederalstatutesenactedinthe1990srelatingtotheconceptofenvironmentaljustice.Thefundamentalprinciplesofenvironmentaljusticeinclude:

Avoiding,minimizingormitigatingdisproportionatelyhighandadversehealthorenvironmentaleffectsonminorityandlow‐incomepopulations.

Ensuringfullandfairparticipationbyallpotentiallyaffectedcommunitiesinthetransportationdecision‐makingprocess.

Preventingthedenial,reductionorsignificantdelayinthereceiptofbenefitsbyminoritypopulationsandlow‐incomecommunities.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

TheADArequiresthatallfederallyfundedactivitiesbenondiscriminatoryonthebasisofphysicalormentaldisabilities.ThefundamentalprinciplesofcomplyingwithADAinclude:

Ensuringfullaccesstoinformationrelatedtoagencyactivitiesincludinganaccessiblewebsite,accessibleofficesandmeetingspaces,andavailabilityofalternativeformatsincludingaTTYRelayaccess.

Executive Orders

AnExecutiveOrderisanordergivenbythePresidenttofederalagencies.Asarecipientoffederalrevenues,RTCassistsfederaltransportationagenciesincomplyingwiththeseorders.

1.ExecutiveOrder12898:FederalActionstoAddressEnvironmentalJusticeinMinorityPopulationsandLow–IncomePopulations:InFebruary1994,PresidentWilliamClintonsignedExecutiveOrder12898,FederalActionstoAddressEnvironmentalJusticeforMinorityPopulationsandLow‐IncomePopulations,whichmandatesthatfederalagenciesmakeachievingenvironmentaljusticepartoftheirmissions.



2.ExecutiveOrder13166:ImprovingAccesstoServicesforPersonswithLimitedEnglishProficiency:ExecutiveOrder13166statesthatpeoplewhospeaklimitedEnglishshouldhavemeaningfulaccesstofederallyconductedandfederallyfundedprogramsandactivities.ItrequiresthatallfederalagenciesidentifyanyneedforservicestothosewithlimitedEnglishproficiencyanddevelopandimplementasystemtoprovidethoseservicessoallpersonscanhavemeaningfulaccesstoservices.

3.ExecutiveOrder12372:IntergovernmentalReviewofFederalPrograms:ExecutiveOrder12372callsforintergovernmentalreviewofprojectstoensurethatfederallyfundedorassistedprojectsdonotinadvertentlyinterferewithstateandlocalplansandpriorities.TheExecutiveOrderdoesnotreplacepublicparticipation,comment,orreviewrequirementsofotherfederallaws,suchastheNationalEnvironmentalPolicyAct(NEPA),butgivesthestatesanadditionalmechanismtoensurefederalagencyresponsivenesstostateandlocalconcerns.

Federal Clean Air Act

Underfederalregulations,RTCisrequiredtodemonstratethatthelong‐rangeRegionalTransportationPlanandtheTransportationImprovementProgramconformtotheStateImplementationPlan(SIP)forAirQuality.RequiredunderthefederalCleanAirActtheSIPprovidesablueprintofhowmaintenanceandnonattainmentareas,suchastheClarkCountyregion,willmeetormaintaintheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandards(NAAQS).PositiveconformitydeterminationsthattheRegionalTransportationPlanandTransportationImprovementProgramdonotcontributetoviolationsofozoneorcarbonemissionstandardsallowtheregiontoproceedwithimplementationoftransportationprojectsinatimelymanner.

Federal Regulatory Guidance

Federalregulatoryguidanceforpublicinvolvementisaddressedprimarilyin23CFR450SubpartCandinFederalTransitAdministration(FTA)Circulars,especiallythosepertainingtoTitleVI(FTACircular4702.1B,TitleVIRequirementsandGuidelinesforFederalTransitAdministrationRecipients),LimitedEnglishProficiencyandEnvironmentalJustice(FTACircular4703.1,EnvironmentalJusticePolicyGuidanceforFederalTransitAdministrationRecipients).

Washington State Laws

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), RCW 43.21C

RTCcanuseSEPAtoguideitsenvironmentalreviewforkeydecision‐making.



State Growth Management Act (GMA), RCW 36.70A and RCW 47.80.030

ClarkCountydevelopscounty‐wideplanningpoliciesundertheGMApursuanttoGMAprocedures[RCW36.70A.210(2)(e)]withappropriatepublicnotificationandparticipation.

Washington State Open Public Meetings Act, RCW 42.30

AllRTCcommitteeandBoardmeetingsareopentothepublic,andpubliccommentperiodsareprovidedduringeachregularmeeting.Boardchairsmaylimitcommentperiodsasneeded.MonthlymeetingsoftheRTCBoardarebroadcastonCVTVandarchived.

Public Records Act, RCW 42.56

RTCconductsitsbusinessinanopenandtransparentmanner,butpeoplemaywanttorequestspecificinformationundertheStatePublicRecordsAct.AnyonemayrequesttoviewRTCrecordsforanyreason(althoughWashingtonstateplacessomelimitsonhowcertainrecordsmaybeused,includingbutnotlimitedtoprohibitingusinglistsofindividualsforcommercialpurposes[RCW42.56.070(9)]andprohibitingusinglistsofpersonstopromoteelectionofpersonsorforpromotionoroppositionofballotmeasures[RCW42.17.130]).PublicrecordsrequestsareaddressedonRTC’swebsite(rtc.wa.gov),phone(360‐397‐6067)oremailinfo@rtc.wa.gov.RTCwillrespondtopublicrecordsrequestswithinfivebusinessdaysorrequestreceipt.

Washington Clean Air Act, RCW 70.94

TheWashingtonStateLegislatureadoptedtheCleanAirActin1967.Understateregulations,RTCisrequiredtodemonstratethatthelong‐rangeRegionalTransportationPlanandtheTransportationImprovementProgramconformtotheStateImplementationPlan(SIP)forAirQuality.

Other Requirements RTChasitsownbylawsandinterlocalagreementsamongstitsmembersandmaytakeonadditionalresponsibilitiesthroughgrantopportunitiesorbytherequestofitsmembership.

Bylaws and Interlocal Agreement

RTCisamembershiporganizationformedbyinterlocalagreement.Assuch,RTCmembersestablishedBylawsforgoverningtheagency.Thebylawsoutlineexpectationsforthegoverningstructure,dutiesofofficers,meetingsoftheRTC



Boardandoperatingprocedures.ThesedocumentsdeterminetheallocationofvotingseatsontheBoard.RTCBylawsareavailableonRTC’swebsiteatwww.rtc.wa.gov.

Appendix B 57


Appendix B

Media Outlets RTCmayselecttosendnewsreleases,noticesandothermaterialstonewspapers,websites,radioandtelevisionchannelsselected,asappropriate,fromthefollowinglist:

TheColumbian,dailynewspaper

TheOregonian,newspaper

TheCamasPostRecord,weeklynewspaper

TheBattleGroundReflector,weeklynewspaper

TheDailyInsider,weekdayonlinenewsforClarkCountyarea

TheVancouverBusinessJournal

ThePortlandBusinessJournal

TheSkannernewspaper

TheElHispanicNewsnewspaper

TheAsianReporter,newspaper

WhiteSalmonEnterprise,weeklynewspaper

TheGoldendaleSentinel,weeklynewspaper

SkamaniaCountyPioneer,newspaper

CityofVancouverOfficeofNeighborhoodsWeeklyUpdate,anelectronicnewsletterforneighborhoods:

Note:RTC’sregion,includingClark,SkamaniaandKlickitatcounties,reliesonbroadcastnewsandradiostationsbasedinPortland,Oregon.ClarkCountydoeshaveacabletelevisionstationthatbroadcastsClarkCountymeetingsandinformationalitems:

Clark‐VancouverTelevision,CVTV,communitycableTVchannel

Appendix B 58


Appendix C 59


Appendix C

Public Comments on 2016 Public Participation Plan Citizens,stakeholdersandinterestedpartieswereprovidedreasonableopportunitiestocommentonthedraftPublicParticipationPlanupdateasdescribedonpages11‐12ofthisPlan.

AppendixCreservesspacetodocumentpubliccommentsreceivedandRTC’sresponsetothecomments.

Followingpublicparticipationandinvolvementinthe2016PublicParticipationPlanupdateanda45‐daypubliccommentperiod,onlyonecommentwasreceivedbyRTCpertainingtothe2016PublicParticipationPlanupdate.

Public/Stakeholder Comment RTCResponse/ActionTaken

C‐TRANstaff,RogerHanson,atFebruary19,2016RegionalTransportationAdvisoryCommitteemeetingcommentedonC‐TRAN’ssupportfortheupdatetoRTC’sPublicParticipationPlanwhichwilldescribeC‐TRAN’srelianceonRTC’spublicparticipationprocessforpublicizingC‐TRAN’sProgramofProjects(POP)includedinRTC’sregionalTransportationImprovementProgram.

RTCacknowledgedC‐TRAN’scommentsandincludedthedescriptionofthePOPinthe2016PublicParticipationPlanupdateonpage43.

Documents

Public Participation Plan, Southwest Washington Regional ...Public Participation Plan Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council Adopted: November 1, 2016 Southwest Washington