Brandy DeLange

The meeting featured a presentation from the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding the Local Bridge Program, which covered national bridge inspection standards, asset management, and critical safety findings. Additionally, the committee reviewed the 2026 project applications for the Six-Year Investment Program, noting the volume, eligibility criteria, and scoring methodology, while deferring the discussion on earmarked projects to a future meeting.

The board meeting agenda included an update from the Port of Everett and a presentation regarding the legislative landscape. Key discussions involved the 2026 Freight System Plan and the National Highway Freight Program project selection process, as well as an update on the WSDOT Freight and Goods Transportation System, which required approval for updated data. Additional agenda items covered an outreach and engagement plan update, reports on the Six-Year Investment Program, the Talley Way Corridor project, the WSDOT Northwest Region, and both operating and capital budget updates. The meeting also featured a feasibility study update on inland intermodal transport and the scheduling of the subsequent board meeting.

The committee meeting focused on the Six-Year Investment Program application, including a presentation by the County Road Administration Board on preservation and maintenance project definitions and delivery. Members discussed the strategic use of investment funds, specifically debating the merits of funding road versus bridge preservation. Key topics included the criteria for identifying bridges on strategic freight corridors, the potential for FMSIB to assist with local funding gaps for bridge-critical infrastructure, and the coordination between state and federal bridge funding programs.

The Six-Year Investment Program identifies and prioritizes the highest-priority freight mobility projects across freight modes, jurisdictions, and all regions of Washington state. Projects recommended for funding are reviewed by the FMSIB Board and approved by the Legislature, with program updates occurring biannually and annual reports submitted to the Legislature.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of past, present, and future infrastructure investment strategies. It details completed projects and ongoing investments from 2020 to the present, categorized by Bridge and Road Replacement, Expansion of Freight Corridors, and Grade Separations. Furthermore, it outlines future funding requests and recommended projects for fiscal years 2025-2027, 2027-2029, and 2029-2031, covering additional categories such as Improving Operations of Existing Systems, Innovative Freight Solutions, and Road Preservation.