Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutord2003-012AlIATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2002 -084R CLEARANCES Enron Date Date Received in Council 0 ice Agenda Dom Aoi course Introduction Originator Man IV. Alarm Z M Irr��- V "' SKYE 17 2002 z WHATCOM COUNT COUNCIL to /zz /oz rsn Ut vns Head Sylvia Coodwm 1 1 Pty Dept. Head: Hal Hart V Prosecutor: Karen brakes Pmehas;ngiBnegm: U� ll� Executive: Pete Kremen ' SUBJECT: Proposed amendments to the Transportation Chapter of the Whatcam County Comprehensive Plan. ATTACHMENTS: (I) Proposed ordinance reflecting the Planning Commission's recommendations. Now: Background materials are available or review at the Count Council o office. SEPA review required? ( an ) Yes ( ) NO SEPA review completed? ( x ) Yes ( ) NO Should Clerk schedule a hearing? ( ) Yes ( x') NO Requested Date: ' A hearing must be held if Council changes the Planning Commission commendation WCC2a.10.11q). SUMMARY STATEMENT: Stale law requires Counties to review their comprehensive plans to ensure continued compliance with the Growth Management Act. Whateom County has commenced this process and is bringing forward amendments to the Transportation Chapter for consideration by the County Council. Note: The subject proposal is one of a number of comprehensive plan amendments initiated this year. These amendments must be considered concurrently by the County Council so that the cumulative effect of the various proposals can be evaluated (RCW 36.70A.130). Additionally, pursuant to the review schedule established in WCC 20.10.120, final Council action on these amendments should occur by November 30. Distribution Request Indicate tno,e an ash rerem6a oopv after Council action. url spectic names to the right. ADS Facilities Management ADS Finance ADS H°'"°" Resources ADS Info Services Assessor Keith Willnaner Auditor cooperative extension District court Executive Health Hearing Examiner Jail COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: 2002 -84R 912412002 Introducetl 10/22/2002. Held in committee 11/1212002'. Moved toward to concurrency meeting 7 -0 1128/2003'. Adopted 6 -1, Brenner opposed, Nelson absent, Ord. #2003-012 Real, Related File Numbers: AB2002 -084 Juvenile Parks p /mining Halllart Prosecutor public Works Sheriff Superior Court Treasurer Omer Ordinance or Resn[utipa 2,�� (this item): D 1 2 Planning on oven Camp Plan Amendment nComp Plan 2002sCMP2002 -00007 (Transportation Chapter) - AR line 8 16 02 SPONSORED BY: Planning PROPOSED BY: Planning INTRODUCTION DATE: 9/24/02 ORDINANCE # 2003 -012 AMENDING THE TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, The Growth Management Act requires counties and cities to review and, if needed, revise comprehensive plans to ensure continued compliance with the GMA (RCW 36.70A. 130); and WHEREAS, It is also appropriate to review the comprehensive plan in light of new information and changed County priorities; and WHEREAS, Legal notice was published in the Bellingham Herald; and WHEREAS, The Planning Commission held public hearings on the proposal; and WHEREAS, The Planning Commission has evaluated the proposed amendments and made certain modifications; WHEREAS, The County Council has considered the Planning Commission's Findings of Fact & Reasons for Action, Conclusions, and Recommendations. The Council makes the following findings of fact and conclusions: FINDINGS OF FACT I. Notice of the Planning Commission hearing for the subject amendment was published in the Bellingham Herald on January 31, 2002 and February 16, 2002. 2. The Planning Commission held public hearings on the subject amendment on February 14, 2002 and February 28, 2002. 3. A determination of non - significance was issued under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) on August 5, 2002. 4. Growth Management Act (GMA) planning goal # 3 is to "Encourage efficient multimodal transportation systems that are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans." (RCW 36.70A.020(3)). RI 5. The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan contains goals and policies supporting multi - modal systems and measures to reduce vehicular traffic, including providing for bicycle and pedestrian travel (Goal 6M and related policies). Additional policies relating to non- motorized transportation have been recommended by the Whatcom County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee. 6. Regional transportation planning is coordinated through the Whatcom Transportation Plan — A Combined Metropolitan and Regional Plan (Oct. 2001), which was developed through the Council of Governments. This regional plan includes the Grandview -Pole Connector, which would be added to Comprehensive Plan map # 16 for study purposes. Additionally, the Grandview -Pole Connector study is in the County's six -year transportation improvement program. 7. GMA planning goal # 12 is to "Ensure that those public facilities and services necessary to support development shall be adequate to serve the development at the time the development is available for occupancy and use without decreasing current service levels below locally established minimum standards." (RCW 36.70A.020(12)). 8. Whatcom County Code 20.80.212 already contains provisions that prohibit development if the level of service would fall below adopted standards. 9. Under RCW 36.70A.070(6), the GMA requires a County to include a transportation element, which contains certain information, in it's comprehensive plan. Since the original adoption of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in 1997, there has been one amendment to RCW 36.70A.070(6), which was passed under House Bill 1487. House Bill 1487 required the incorporation of state transportation planning into the local comprehensive plan. 10. Whatcom County incorporated state transportation planning into the comprehensive plan, as required by House Bill 1487, in 2000 under ordinance 2000 -046. 11. County -Wide Planning Policies J -1 through J -6 address transportation facilities and strategies. The County -Wide Planning Policies have not changed since the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan was originally adopted in 1997. 12. No conflicts between the subject amendments to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan and the County -Wide Planning Policies have been identified. P. 2 CONCLUSIONS The subject amendments are consistent with Growth Management Act, County Wide Planning Policies, and Wbatcom County Comprehensive Plan. 2. The subject amendments are consistent with the public interest because they update the Comprehensive Plan to reflect new information and County priorities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Whatcom County Council that: Section L The Transportation Chapter of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan is hereby amended as shown on Exhibit A. Section 2. Adjudication of invalidity of any of the sections, clauses, or provisions of this ordinance shall not affect or impair the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any part thereof other than the part so declared to be invalid. ADOPTED this 28th ATTEST: day of January , 200. 3 Dana Brown- Davis, Council Clerk APP OVED as to form: Civil Deputy Prosecutor Date: 102�7� f P. 3 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON Dan Mcsh hairperson Approved dO,,.Deniied Pete Kremen, Executive Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation EXHIBIT A 11/12102 County Council Planning & Development Committee Version Note: Rationale statements are provided to aid in understanding the reason for proposed changes, but will not appear in the final version of the ordinance or in the Comp Plan when it is printed for public distribution. Chapter Six TRANSPORTATION 'Transportation planners and cardiologists face similar problems. Both are concerned about uninterrupted flow from the smaller collectors and through the major arterials to the destination. When blockages occur, the cardiologist does by -pass surgery (building a new arterial) or angioplastic surgery (widening of existing arterials). The onset of arteriosclerosis is hastened by a diet rich in cholesterol. The cholesterol of our transportation system is the single occupant vehicle (SOV), the proliferation of which leads to 'arterial SOVosis' (i.e. the clogging and blockage of arterials by our transportation diet predominant with the single occupant vehicle. (sov))." Bob Hughes CTAC INTRODUCTION Purpose The Growth Management Act provides for a systematic approach for estimating and planning for future transportation needs based on an analysis of existing conditions and a projection of future conditions. The purpose of this approach is to provide transportation facilities that meet the service standards desired and adequately serve the demand produced by the growth in land use in future years. Process This chapter was created in several steps. A consultant, JHK & Associates, was retained by the county to assist in preparation of the transportation element of the Comprehensive Plan. The first step was an assessment of existing traffic conditions and transportation services. The next step was a transportation plan built on forecasts of future land use, traffic patterns, and funding. It describes the level of service Whatcom County intends to maintain. The preferred road network alternative described in the transportation plan supports the goals and policies included in this chapter. Public participation has been instrumental in identifying the priorities of county residents. To help develop the transportation plan, Whatcom County established a community -based planning effort including a Citizens' Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC). The CTAC met regularly throughout the development of the plan and this chapter, and was active in formulating these documents'visions, improvement alternatives, goals and policies. The CTAC was instrumental in prioritizing the transportation needs in the county based on the cost - effectiveness and the projected benefits of the improvements. In the process, the CTAC drew on the expertise of the Technical Transportation Advisory Committee under the Whatcom County Council of Governments, a group of technical experts from throughout Whatcom County representing different agencies and jurisdictions. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -1 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation GMA Goals, County -Wide Planning Policies, and Visioning Community Value Statements By being designed to accommodate an urban concentration land use model for Whatcom County, this chapter addresses the GMA goals of encouraging development in urban areas where adequate facilities are provided and of reducing sprawl. The GMA goal encouraging efficient multi -modal transportation systems that are based on regional priorities and coordinated with county and city comprehensive plans is addressed through goals and policies in this chapter, through coordination with the Regional Transportation Planning Organization, and through urban growth area planning. (See Chapter 2: Land Use for other aspects of UGA planning.) Many other GMA goals are incidentally supported throughout this chapter. This chapter supports County -Wide Planning Policies by encouraging alternative modes of transportation through goals, policies, and actions. It includes policies on demand management strategies and considers inter -county and international transportation links. The Whatcom County. The Next Generations Visioning Community Value Statements are also supported by concentrating growth in urban areas and providing for an adequate system to support agriculture and economic development. The chapter recognizes the geographic differences among various parts of the county identified in Visioning features. This chapter emphasizes increasing the capacity of existing roads, encourages more public transit and bicycle facilities, prioritizes safety measures and makes provision for intermodal connections. Transportation improvement plans are within the county's financing capability. GMA Requirements The Growth Management Act requires jurisdictions to adopt a transportation element which includes land use assumptions, estimated traffic impacts to state -owned transportation facilities a facilities and services inventory, level of service standards for arterials and transit routes, actions to bring services below level of service standards into compliance, forecasts of traffic for ten years consistent with the land use plan, identification of system expansion needs and a management system to meet the needs. It also requires a financing analysis of funding capability, a multi -year financing plan and alternatives in case funding falls short. Demand management strategies are to be created. Rationale forproposed amendment: House Bill 1487 (HB 1487), passed by the State legislature in 1998, amended the Growth Management Act (GMA) by requiring incorporation of traffic impacts to state transportation facilities into local comprehensive plans. This comprehensive plan addresses the above requirements through this chapter, the six -year transportation improvement program, and the Whatcom County Transportation Plan (including the Whatcom County Transportation Plan Existing Conditions Report), incorporated herein by reference, and :n the Capital Fcc:!Wes Plan cccc= =t°"_ w th Chapter 4: Capital Facilities. Land use assumptions used for transportation planning, inventories, level of service standards, traffic projections and alternative system expansion needs are quantified in the Whatcom County Transportation Plan. Financing analysis and multi -year financing plans are in the six -year transportation improvement program. Goals, policies and actions, level of service standards, actions to take in case funding falls short, demand management strategies and specific recommended improvements are included in this chapter. Rationale for proposed amendment: (1) The six -year transportation improvement program should be cited, as it contains some of the information referenced above. (2) The Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -2 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Captial Facilities Plan (1996) contained road projects planned in the County over the six - year period from 1996 to 2001. An updated list of six -year road improvements for 2002 to 2007 is now included in the six -year transportation plan. BACKGROUND SUMMARY Traffic volume on roads in Whatcom County varies widely from less than a hundred vehicles per day to as many as 55 000 559,900 per day (on 1 -5) (2000 Annual Traffic Report Washington State Department of Transportation). Whatcom County facilities are less impacted by the issue of road congestion than they are by the issue of road condition. However, there are several county roads where congestion is also a problem. Congestion and inadequate road conditions both contribute to traffic accidents, which represent a significant (if mostly hidden) cost to the traveling public and potential tort liability to Whatcom County. Rationale for proposed amendment: (1) Traffic volumes have increased on 1 -5 since the Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1997. (2) The figures of 85 miles of County roads and 30 miles of state roads needing improvements come from the Whatcom County Transportation Plan Existing Conditions Report, 1994 (pp. 2 -14 & 2 -15 and Figure 2 -4). The Public Works Department Assistant DirectodCounty Road Engineer indicated on 10- 30-01 that some of these road projects have been completed in the last seven years. Additionally, some of the remaining projects no longer reflect County priorities. Rather, County priorities are set forth in the six -year transportation improvement program, which is approved by the County Council on an annual basis. Some of Whatcom County's traffic problems may be attributable to the increasing volume on roads which were designed and built for rural traffic. There are also several areas of development that have created unusual amounts and patterns of traffic. Some of these are the 6uFRmi Casino on the Lummi Reservation, Bellis Fair Mall, and the Mount Baker Recreation Area. Canadian border auto crossings decreased while truck border crossings also increased significantly in the 19g0s latter half �,a.. of the 4the 4999^ Map 14 indicates 1 -996 traffic volumes on county and state roads. Rationale forproposed amendment: (1) The Whatcom Council of Governments, in a letter of January 20, 2002, suggested modifying the reference to the " Lummi Casino" because there is now a new casino with a new name and location. (2) The Whatcom Transportation Plan A Combined Metropolitan and Regional Plan (2001, p. 47) indicates a decline in annual auto border crossings and an increase in annual truck border crossings from 1991 to 2000. (3) Map 14 has been updated to reflect new information. For the most part, land use and associated traffic volumes dictates the type of roadway to be provided. That traffic includes a variety of users. Along with cars and trucks, Whatcom County roads serve transit vehicles, school buses, farm vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. While these users currently represent only about ten percent of the total, their numbers are increasing. For them to share the road safely with other traffic they need facilities like paved shoulders and bus turnouts. Rationale for Proposed Amendment: In a memo of February 20, 2002 the Whatcom Council of Governments recommended inserting a reference to the land uses that are served by the transportation network. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Roads are only part of the transportation network. Whatcom County provides ferry service between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point - -the only public transportation link between the island and the mainland. It carries about 400,000 passengers per year. The Port of Bellingham operates the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, which serves the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries and commercial cruise ship lines. Other non -road transportation facilities within Whatcom County include off - street bikeways, harbor facilities, three airports, and two north -south freight rail lines. Passenger rail service, that was discontinued in 1981, resumed operation in 1995. infrequently but does offer certain options and advantages. Transfer points, where people or goods transfer from one mode of transportation to another, are vital linkages in the transportation system. In Whatcom County transfer points include air, rail, bus, and ferry terminals, plus a freight terminal near the US- Canadian border at Sumas where cargo is transferred between truck and rail modes, and several shipping terminals where cargo is moved among rail cars, barges, and ships. Map 15 indicates the location of intermodal sites in Whatcom County. Rationale for proposed amendment: The Whatcom Council of Governments, in an e- mail memo of February 25, 2002, recommended inserting additional language to provide additional detail relating to rail service. Staff has made minor modifications to the Council of Government's proposed language. ISSUES, GOALS, AND POLICIES Whatcom County's transportation system is a network of structures -- highways, arterial streets, rural roads, rail, marine, airport, bikeways, ferries, and many other facilities. At the same time, the transportation system is aR rota ng.ble link among land use patterns, population growth, economic opportunities, energy consumption, environmental stress, and other facets of Whatcom County growth. The Growth Management Act requires the county to plan for the future of both network and linkage aspects of the transportation system. To be sure of providing adequate facilities, Whatcom County must prepare to meet future demand. Population projections, land use plans, and traffic patterns suggest that the county will need to upgrade or expand some of its facilities, in addition to maintaining the current network. Since funding is limited, Whatcom County must prioritize the improvements it would like to make. The criteria for those choices include traffic congestion; safety; mobility; use by transit, bicycles, and pedestrians; and access to modes of transport such as airplanes, railways, and ferries. Rationale for proposed amendment., The Whatcom Council of Governments, in a memo of February 20, 2002, indicates the impacts of the Endangered Species Act on some transportation projects proposed near the shoreline. While the County adopted ESA amendments last year (including policies in the Transportation chapter), the impact of ESA should be referenced in the background information relating to transportation systems. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -4 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation To manage the ntaAg ble 28peGt G transportation systems, including their economic, social and environmental impacts, Whatcom County must be aware of the ways transportation influences- - and is influenced by- -other aspects of growth. Identifying the relationships allows the county to dovetail its plans for the various aspects so all the plans work toward compatible goals. Rationale for proposed amendment: (1) "Intangible" is defined as incapable of being perceived by the senses or incapable of being realized or defined. To some degree, it may be difficult to define environmental stresses or other issues. However, transportation systems and their impacts are essentially tangible features. (2) The Whatcom Council of Governments, in a memo of February 20, 2002, indicated that economic and social impacts of transportation decisions should be referenced. Overall County Transportation Over the next two decades Whatcom County will be shaping its transportation network with several fundamental goals in mind. The system must be cost - effective; it must be compatible with subarea, county and regional plans; it must be properly maintained and upgraded; it must provide access for transit and non - motorized travel; and it must offer acceptable levels of service and safety. A roadway's "level of service" is a measure of how full of traffic it is. It is the ratio of the actual volume of traffic to the maximum amount of traffic the road could hold. Levels of service range from completely unrestricted flow of traffic (level "A ") to stop- and -go traffic jams (level 7"). At level of service "C" the road is 70% to 80% full. The flow of traffic is generally stable, though individual users are significantly affected by the presence of other vehicles. GOAL 6A: Provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Policy 6A -1: Make safety and mobility the primary considerations in ranking transportation improvements. Policy 6A -2: Use the transportation planning process to identify transportation system needs throughout the county in order to provide adequate transportation facilities and services to meet current and future travel needs; identify and protect specific transportation corridors and alignments where transportation facilities including auto, commercial, bicycle, transit and rail are needed. Policy 6A -3: Establish level of service "C" with a volume -to- capacity ratio of .75 during p.m. peak hours for county arterials and collectors located outside of city urban growth areas. Policy 6A -4: Establish levels of service for roads located within city urban growth areas that offer a reasonable transition with those set by the city. Policy 6A -5: Establish level of service "C" for rural state routes in Whatcom County. Establish level of service "D" for urban state routes in Whatcom County. Policy 6A -6: Level of service for arterials and collectors adopted by the plan are adequate to accommodate efficient transit service. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -5 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Policy 6A -7: Consider including intersection function in level of service definitions. Policy 6A -8: Establish or maintain LOS "D' with a volume -to- capacity ratio of .8 for Policy 6B -1: arterials and collectors within county unincorporated urban growth areas. Financing The Growth Management Act is very specific in its requirement that transportation improvements must be based on financial capability. Furthermore the Act requires that improvements must occur concurrent with developments. It is therefore very important to coordinate funding and land- use - driven transportation improvements. The majority of county transportation dollars are spent on upkeep and maintenance of the existing road system with a much smaller amount available for major improvements and even less for actual capacity improvements. Potential additional revenue sources include a greater share of gas tax revenues and impact and /or mitigation fees. Gas tax revenues can only be imposed through a vote of the people. Impact and /or mitigation fees are enforced through a county ordinance and are intended to pay for improvements required as result of additional traffic generated by development. GOAL 613: Create a cost - effective transportation system that whisp optimizes public investment. Policy 6B -1: Funding of transportation programs and improvements should prioritize preservation and maintenance of the existing transportation system and upgrading of unsafe and /or structurally deficient facilities over new capital improvements. Exception to this policy should be allowed when a costlbenefit analysis indicates that the public interest is better served by new capital expenditures over rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. Policy 6B -2: Develop a fair and equitable formula to assess development for transportation improvements, including but not limited to transit, pedestrian facilities, bikeways and roadways that are considered reasonably necessary as a direct result of proposed developments in Whatcom County. Policy 613-3: Consider incorporating the impact of additional traffic on existing substandard roads as part of defining level of service for county roads, in order to better define and prioritize transportation improvements and assess new development for its share of impact on existing roads. Policy 6134: Adopt a prioritized bicycle capital facilities improvement plan. Policy 613-5: Identify and pursue funding sources for the proposed projects and improvements contained in the Whatcom County Comprehensive - FraaspeRatien Plan and the six -year transportation imorovement program. Rationale for proposed amendment: The Draft Whatcom County Transportation Plan (AKA the Rural Transportation Plan) was issued in 1994. It appears that a final version Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation was never issued, as the 1997 ordinance adopting the Comprehensive Plan cites the draft plan (and staff has searched for a final version, but been unable to locate one). This draft plan contains several alternatives with different improvements for each alternative. In contrast, the updated Comprehensive Plan and annually approved six -year transportation improvement program contain current, adopted lists of road projects that are being pursued by the County. Policy 6B -6: Identify and pursue funding sources for activities and improvements which encourage the use of transportation modes other than the single- occupant vehicle. Policy 613-7: Use the financial resources available for transportation improvements to support a program of capital facilities needed for a multi -modal transportation system. The priority ranking system should balance the overall system and individual improvement needs. Policy 6B -8: Consider and address any major fluctuations between expected revenues and needed improvement costs during the annual review process of the comprehensive plan. Such resolution could result in a reassessment of land use allocation, level of service standards and /or revenue availability. Policy 6B -9: Implement a methodology for public - private partnerships when it would result in a more efficient use of public resources. Policy 6B -10: Explore the Possibility of encouraging cooperative funding for bicycle trails. Intergovernmental Coordination and Implementation Responsibility for planning and providing transportation facilities in Whatcom County is spread among a variety of governments and agencies. Consider a few examples: the federal government is in charge of the facilities at the Canadian border; state highways are the responsibility of Washington State; the Port of Bellingham manages air, shipping and the Alaska ferry connection; and Whatcom County and its cities operate local roads, ferries, and bikeways. These and many other pieces have to be integrated. In addition, transportation facilities which cross Whatcom County's boundaries must mesh with the facilities of neighboring counties and Canada. Cooperation among jurisdictions is necessary in transportation planning. The Growth Management Act reflects this need; it calls for a regional transportation plan, and all the local jurisdictions' plans must be consistent with it. Working collaboratively can also lead to more effective use of the available funding. "Collaboration" with users to reduce traffic congestion - -by getting more people to use alternative modes of transportation - -is a useful strategy as well. GOAL 6C: Coordinate with international, federal, state, regional (including Skagit and Okanogan Counties), and local transportation laws, policies, and plans that relate to the Whatcom County Transportation Plan — A Combined Metropolitan and Regional Plan, in order to be consistent and compatible with regional priorities. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -7 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Rationale for proposed amendment., The Whatcom Council of Governments adopted a new regional transportation plan in the fall of 2001. This regional plan coordinates County and city transportation plans. Therefore, Goal 6C should reference this updated plan. Policy 6C -1: Support the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) to coordinate transportation planning that affects Whatcom County. Policy 6C -2: Support federal government efforts to improve border crossing facilities to minimize traffic congestion and safety hazards. Policy 6C -3: Coordinate Whatcom County transportation planning with the Washington State Department of Transportation. Policy 6C -4: Work with state and other jurisdictions to identify bridge deficiencies and to address bridge maintenance and reconstruction requirements. Policy 6C -5: Coordinate with neighboring counties' and Canada's transportation planners to ensure compatible transportation recommendations. Policy 6C -6: Participate in the Whatcom County Council of Governments (WCCOG) Transportation Technical Advisory Committee as a mechanism to coordinate with the cities of Whatcom County, the Whatoom Transportation Authority, as well as other jurisdictions. Policy 6C -7: Work with the Whatcom County Council of Governments to develop effective, ongoing mechanisms for city and county public works engineers and planners to coordinate with transit and bicycle planning. Policy 6C -8: Coordinate county efforts with state activities toward compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Policy 6C -9: Consistent with county land use planning, coordinate identification of new arterial routes with adjacent city jurisdictions. Policy 6C -10: Develop a policy and agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation to implement a locally managed improvement program for state highways based on local impacts. Policy 6C -11: Identify areas and mechanisms for potentially collaborative projects so that multiple jurisdictions can share costs and efficiencies. Coordination with Land Use The way land is developed affects the need for transportation facilities; conversely, the availability of transportation can influence development. This two -way relationship needs to be taken into account in both land -use and transportation planning. The Growth Management Act requires Whatcom County to link the two processes. GOAL 6D: Support land use planning efforts in Whatcom County which include land use types and densities that reduce reliance on single- occupant vehicles. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -8 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Policy 6D -1: Allow densities and mixed uses in land use planning to reduce the number and length of vehicle trips, increase opportunity to use public transportation, and encourage pedestrian and bicycle trips. Policy 6D -2: Discourage transportation improvements that would trigger development that is premature or not consistent with applicable comprehensive plans, policies, or zoning. Policy 6D -3: Support continual education of the public regarding the relationship between transportation and land use issues and ways to reduce traffic congestion. Policy 6D -4: Direct transportation planners to evaluate positive and negative impacts to the productivity of resource based industries when creating new, or expanding existing, transportation corridors. Transportation improvements in areas designated "Resource Lands" should be constructed to facilitate the operations of those affected areas and industries. Policy 61D-5� Ensure that new develooments provide safe and efficient infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists. Policy 6D -6: Encourage new housing developments to be located in urban growth areas and small towns _ to help provide a sense of community and safe, non - motorized transportation to community facilities and public transit nodes. Rationale forproposed amendment: The Whatcom County Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended addition of policies 6D -5 and 6D -6. This committee has indicated that., The US Center for Disease Control has now recognized that sedentary lifestyles are causing serious health problems for Americans. Lack of safe pedestrian infrastructure for walking to local markets and schools greatly exacerbate this problem. The economically optimum time to provide this infrastructure is early in the design of housing developments. Staff concurs with the recommendations, with the amendments shown in bold above that would tie the recommendations to specific comprehensive plan designations in order to ensure coordination with the land use chapter. Environment and Energy The transportation network is a benefit to the community, but it can have unwanted side effects. Vehicles on the roads are noisy, and they contribute to air pollution and con - taminated water run- off. They also use up irreplaceable fossil fuel. Road construction can damage fragile wildlife habitats or intrude on scenic views. These effects can be mitigated through careful siting and design. Even more fundamentally, the effects can be minimized by reducing the amount of travel on the roads. Such "demand management" can include expanded public transit, ride - sharing, bicycling, and telecommuting, to reduce the number of trips people make in single- occupant vehicles. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation GOAL 6E: Provide a transportation system that which minimizes environmental and social impacts, reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Policy 6E -1: Promote designs to preserve mature trees, unique wildlife habitats, water quality and other elements of the natural environment, including environmentally sensitive areas and shorelines, during the design and construction of road improvement projects. Policy 6E -2: Support the use of natural noise reduction techniques and visual screens between high - volume transportation routes and other facilities adjacent to residential uses, wherever possible. Policy 6E -3: Minimize the amount of impervious surface whenever practicable by using natural engineering design methods such as the use of open, shallow, grassed street swales instead of curbs and gutters and, where feasible, encouraging alternate surfacing options. Policy 6E -4: Engineer, construct, and maintain road improvements to control pollutants affecting water quality and reduce run -off entering surface or groundwater consistent with water quality standards. GOAL 6F: Promote energy conservation by implementing demand management policies and encouraging the reduction of single- occupant vehicles on county roads and highways. Policy 6F -1: Develop programs that reduce single- occupant vehicle use and vehicle miles traveled, minimizing trip length and reducing travel during peak periods. State Highway Improvements A number of state highways cross Whatcom County, forming an important part of the transportation network for county residents. Although state highways are not Whatcom County's direct responsibility, the county can be a voice for its citizens' interests with regard to those highways, working cooperatively with the Whatcom 6eaaty Council of Governments and the Washington State Department of Transportation. GOAL 6G: Ensure an efficient regional system of state highways that is functional and safe, and is consistent with regional priorities and city and county comprehensive plans. Policy 6G -1: In cooperation with the Whatcom County Council of Governments, identify a regional transportation network. Policy 6G -2: Recommend access management classifications for all the state highways in the county in order to minimize the number of access points and maximize public safety and highway capacity. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -10 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Policy 6G -3: In cooperation with the Washington State Department of Transportation and other jurisdictions, adopt access management classes and designations for state highways. Policy 6G -4: In cooperation with the Washington State Department of Transportation, investigate the feasibility of frontage roads along the Guide Meridian (SR 539) and other facilities, where appropriate, to consolidate and minimize necessary access points as development proposals are made. Local Arterial Improvements The Citizens' Transportation Advisory Committee and Technical Transportation Advisory Committee worked out a list of criteria for judging the effectiveness of a transportation network. The elements include uncongested traffic flow; sound engineering and construction; safety; mobility; facilities for public transit, bicycles, and pedestrians; access to air, rail, and other forms of transportation; and cost effectiveness. Whatcom County's program of local arterial improvements has to address all these aspects. GOAL 6H: Ensure an efficient regional system of arterials that is functional, safe, and consistent with regional priorities and city and county comprehensive plans. Policy 6H -1: Develop access control plans, which may include joint driveways, for classifications higher than neighborhood collector roads; and require new developments to minimize the number of access points to road classifications higher than neighborhood collector roads. Policy 6H -2: Where new arterials are necessary, such routes should follow topographic or land use patterns which minimize disruption to residential neighborhoods and the environment. Policy 6H -3: Support the use of shared access roads from commercial and residential developments to limit intersections with arterials. Policy 6H -4: Review design and maintenance standards for arterials for consistency between jurisdictions and develop continuity where appropriate. Policy 6H -5: Identify a regional system of all- weather roads and develop emergency maintenance plans for adverse weather conditions. Policy 6H -6: Work towards making all county- designated arterials all- weather roads. Policy 6H -7: Set proper speed limits. Policy 6H -8: Minimize delay at all intersections by timely provision of warranted traffic controls and other improvements. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -11 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation East/West Mobility The rectangular shape of Whatcom County, the Nooksack River and Interstate -5 create a problem with access between the eastern and western parts of the county. Suggestions for correcting this problem are expensive including such options as freeway interchanges and overpasses and major bridge crossings. GOAL 6J: Improve mobility between the eastern and western regions of Whatcom County. Policy 6J -1: Prioritize for improvements the east/west routes that have been identified in the preferred alternative for improvements and weatherization. Policy 6J -2: Support the possibility of transit and /or other alternative modes for east/west mobility. Non - Motorized and Public Transportation Improvements Whatcom County's transportation network serves other users besides automobiles and trucks. Railways, public transit, carpools, bicycles, and pedestrians place lower demands on the transportation system, so encouraging these kinds of uses — "demand management " - -can reduce the need for new or expanded facilities. Demand management can also help minimize transportation's negative side effects. The Growth Management Act requires Whatcom County to include demand management strategies in its comprehensive plan. GOAL 6K: Support the development and use of new technologies (e.g., fiber optics, other communication improvements) and approaches to planning in Whatcom County, so as to minimize the reliance on vehicular travel. Policy 6K -1: Monitor new technologies and approaches and incorporate changes into transportation planning efforts. Policy 6K -2: Incorporate alternatives to conventional petroleum -based technology systems into transportation planning. Policy 6K -3: Support multi -modal use by encouraging, for example, provision of secure bicycle storage facilities at park- and -ride lots and other transit facilities, and allowing for the transporting of bicycles on public transit vehicles. Policy 6K -4: Support a regional public transit system with various modes of transportation including auto, bicycle, and pedestrian travel and with the intercity bus, rail, ferries and airline facilities. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -12 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation GOAL 6L: Support commuter use and employer promotion of alternative modes of transportation (i.e., carpools, vanpools, transit, bicycles and pedestrian travel) where feasible and discourage reliance on the single- occupant vehicle. Policy 6L -1: Facilitate the implementation of the Commute Trip Reduction Program. Policy 6L -2: Assess the need and feasibility for preferential treatment for transit vehicles, vanpools, and carpools to improve competitive transit time with the single- occupant vehicle. Policy 6L -3: Support educational efforts that emphasize non - motorized transportation alternatives. Policy 6L -4: Support passenger rail service. GOAL 6M: Promote bicycle and pedestrian travel by systematically providing safe and convenient routes and facilities where feasible. Policy 6M -1: Encourage safe and efficient bikeways that link populated areas of the county with travel destinations. Policy 6M -2: Recognize public safety, education and law enforcement as integral to the development of bicycle transportation opportunities in Whatcom County. Policy 6M -3: Where practical, identify site - specific on- street/road improvements needed for bicycle /pedestrian facilities along arterials and provide for regular shoulder sweeping and other maintenance as needed. Policy 6M -4: Identify needed rights -of -way for bicycles. Policy 6M -5: Include internal pedestrian circulation systems as well as links to external systems in development projects. Policy 6M -6: Develop a system of off -road trail networks for non - motorized transportation to link population centers employment centers and recreation areas. Policy 6M -7: Implement a policy of providing safe pedestrian and bicycle access on county roads that have significant pedestrian and bicycle traffic as these roads are reconstructed refurbished, preferably by adding separated facilities oratected footDath ^s aq on the r° aide ^r drainage- dkshes or alternately by providing 4 foot minimum shoulders. Specifically, safe pedestrian facilities should be provided Significant Pedestrian traffiG� within a one mile radius of community places such as schools, markets and libraries in-the if there is residential or other development that would generate significant foot - traffic within the one mile radius. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -13 Draft 2002 Uodate Chapter Six - Transportation Rationale for proposed amendment: The Whatcom County Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended addition of policies 6M -6 and 610-7. This committee has indicated that: As the county population increases, automobile congestion also increases, causing increasingly hazardous conditions for pedestrians on non - shouldered roads. Soon thousands of county residents may be faced with no safe, local places to walk to from their homes and be forced to drive cars for every local trip, resulting in more auto congestion and health problems from lack of routine physical activity opportunities. Staff concurs with the recommendations, with the staff amendments shown in bold above. The Whatcom County Public Works Department requested that the "separated facility" language replace the language relating to facilities "on the far side of drainage ditches," as separated paths are not always on the back side of a ditch (i.e. where there is no ditch). Additionally, this language would give more flexibility, such as separating sidewalks from the roadway by a curb in urban areas. GOAL 6N: Support Whatcom Transportation Authority in providing high - quality, safe, convenient, accessible public transportation, where cost effective, for the public as an attractive alternative to single-occupant vehicles. Policy 6N -1: Support public transit system design that encourages frequent and convenient access points, and that integrates various transportation modes into the transit services, such as bus systems, park- and -ride lots for cars and bicycles, and bus, railroad and airline terminal facilities. Policy 6N -2: Assist Whatcom Transportation Authority in developing transportation plans that meet the specific operational and personnel needs of individual employers. Policy 6N -3: Incorporate adopted plans and policies for non - motorized and public transportation in the permitting process for all development or land use proposals, including provisions for efficient access and mobility, and convenient links between pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities. Policy 6N -4: Participate in investigating the potential for expanding express bus service and other forms of high- capacity transit. Policy 6N -5: Coordinate with Whatcom Transportation Authority to establish rural transit service in unincorporated areas, including Small Towns and Crossroads Commercial areas, consistent with county land use plans, based on cost effectiveness, location of major trip generators, distance between generators, and the needs of transit - dependent individuals. Policy 6N -6: Encourage Whatcom Transportation Authority to work with major employers to coordinate bus service with shift changes. Policy 6N -7: Establish development regulations which offer incentives for projects which are transit compatible, considering density of development, location relative to transit stops, design of project, and circulation to accommodate transit. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -14 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Policy 6N -8: In cooperation with Whatcom Transportation Authority and Washington State Department of Transportation, provide park- and -ride lots along major corridors and provide necessary services to encourage their use. Policy 6N -9: Encourage provision of transit from the Canadian border to retail facilities in Whatcom County. Policy 6N -10: Consider, where needed, bus pull -outs on streellroad improvements. Commercial Transportation In addition to the commercial traffic that serves Whatcom County industries and residents themselves, the county's transportation system carries heavy cross - border truck traffic between the United States and Canada. Freight vehicles' access to industrial and commercial areas, safety on roads shared with private vehicles, efficient long- distance movement of goods, and coordination of commercial transportation with rural land uses are all issues for Whatcom County. Trucks make up the bulk of the commercial traffic, but rail, air, and ship transportation are involved as well. GOAL 6P: Provide for safe, efficient movement of commercial vehicles in Whatcom County. Policy 6P -1: Support and participate in studies to evaluate freight movement which supports economic development. Policy 6P -2: Investigate an easb'west rail freight corridor. Policy 6P -3: Develop and implement a program of incentives such as fast -track permitting for truck/rail transfer facilities when they contribute to achievement of other transportation goals in this chapter and it can be shown that negative impacts from the facilities can be mitigated. Policy 6P -4: Support commercial and industrial development adjacent to existing transportation corridors, including 1 -5 and rail and air facilities. Policy 6P -5: To better facilitate dispersal of commercial truck traffic, support the Lynden border crossing to open 24 hours a day. GOAL 6Q: Support intermodal connections (i.e., trucktrail facilities) that promote use of air, water, and /or rail freight where feasible. Policy 6Q -1: Encourage education of the general public as to the value of intermodal facilities. Policy 6Q -2: Encourage the location and design of intermodal facilities for efficient freight transfer and access to the state and interstate highway, rail and ferry systems. Policy 6Q -3: Recognize the Custer area as a potential intermodal transportation site. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -15 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Policy 6Q -4: Support convenient access to ports, airports, other intermodal freight facilities, and international border crossings to enhance freight mobility. Policy 6Q -5: Incorporate needs for access to ports and other intermodal freight facilities into capital facilities planning. GOAL 6R: Emphasize the importance of economically competitive and high - quality inland transportation services; foster the preservation, development and full implementation of freight rail; and plan intermodal linkage for long- distance movement of goods. Policy 613-1: Support efficient movement and access of freight vehicles within and through the county. Policy 6R -2: Support efficient movement of goods and people with regard to land use regulation and environmental and community impacts. Policy 6R -3: Identify a recognized route system for trucks giving access to major commercial and industrial land uses which will minimize disruption of existing /projected rural land use patterns. Policy 6R -4: Facilitate the movement of trucks between industrial /commercial areas and 1 -5 and through the county by providing all- weather roads, adequate turning radii and signage. Agricultural Vehicles Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Whatcom County. Agricultural vehicles need to use county roads, but slow- moving equipment can become a safety problem when it shares the road with other vehicles. GOAL 6S: Allow for safe movement of farm equipment on county roads where necessary, and reduce conflicts with other vehicles. Policy 65 -1: Provide signage, where appropriate, warning of slow- moving agricultural equipment. Policy 65 -2: Provide for marked access points, wider shoulders and /or slow vehicle turnouts on routes where warranted to allow passenger vehicles to safely pass wide agricultural vehicles. Threatened and Endangered Species Goal 6T: Transportation systems, including roads, should avoid adverse impacts to habitat of threatened and endangered fish and wildlife species, and restore such habitat when possible. For County transportation projects, the County Council will determine when such restoration is financially feasible through adoption of the six -year transportation improvement program, the annual road construction program and the County budget. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -16 Draft 2002 Uodate Chapter Six - Transportation Policy 6T -1 Maintain and restore fish passage when constructing new transportation systems. Where existing transportation systems have fragmented habitat, such as where culverts prevent fish from migrating upstream, strive to restore fish passage at every opportunity. For County transportation projects, the County Council will determine when such restoration is financially feasible through adoption of the six -year transportation improvement program, the annual road construction program and the County budget. Policy 6T -2 When constructing new transportation systems, ensure that stormwater generated by the transportation system is treated prior to discharge to waterways utilized by salmonid fish populations or which flow directly into such waterways. Provide for regular, systematic maintenance of transportation system related stormwater control and treatment facilities. Policy 6T -3 Avoid or mitigate future wetland impacts from transportation system construction and maintenance. Policy 6T -4 When constructing new or maintaining existing transportation systems, retain or restore native riparian vegetation along streams and rivers to the greatest extent possible. Policy 6T -5 Avoid or mitigate future impacts to feeder bluffs, accretion shoreforms, driftways, eelgrass, kelp beds and other elements of marine shoreline habitat when constructing or maintaining transportation systems. Policy 6T -6 Allow natural stream processes to continue by minimizing bank hardening and streambed disturbances to the greatest extent possible, while meeting transportation objectives. Policy 6T -7 Implement best management practices for erosion control to prevent sedimentation during transportation system construction or maintenance. Maintain such erosion control devices until no longer necessary to protect water quality. TRANSPORTATION - ACTION PLAN Capital Facilities Planning, Funding, and Impact Fees 1. Adopt a twenty -year capital improvement plan and six -year transportation read improvement plan consistent with the recommendations and priorities in the Whatcom County Transportation Plan and Comprehensive Plan. Make safety and mobility the primary considerations in ranking transportation improvements. Rationale for proposed amendment: To utilize consistent terminology throughout the plan. 2. Develop an annual program of review for maintenance and upgrade of county facilities providing access to commercial and industrial areas. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -17 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Include bicycle facilities in the six -year capital improvement program (for trails that will be utilized by bikes) or the six -year transportation improvement program (for shoulder widening projects that will accommodate bikes) tmnsport ^t'^^ fection of the Capita J= aeilities-Plan. Rationale for proposed amendment: The Capital Facilities Plan (1996) was a six -year plan for capital facilities and roads covering the time frame of 1996 -2001. It has now been replaced by the six -year capital improvement program and the six - year transportation improvement program, which are both adopted an on regular basis. 4. Create a system for level of service measurements which allows the county to assess the impact of growth - related additional vehicle trips on existing substandard roads. Use this measurement in identifying needed improvements in capital facilities planning, and in establishing impact and /or mitigation fees, or in determining the desirability of the area to be serviced for additional growth. 5. Rationale for proposed amendment: The Whatcom County Division of Engineering indicated that the assessment should be for all roads, not just substandard roads. RtenanGe and FepaF, MaJ9F FRadRt@RaRG9, and captal f__ '° Emphasize maintenance of the existing transportation system, upgrading unsafe and /or structurally deficient facilities, east/west connections, provision of all- weather roads, and support of a multi -modal transportation system. Rationale for proposed amendment: The prioritization referenced in this action item is accomplished every year in the six -year transportation improvement program. Therefore, this portion of the action item would be deleted from this chapter and placed in Appendix H. Adeptne Review levels of service and a Fav6ed concurrency management as needed process .. A A Rationale for proposed amendment: The 1" sentence was addressed in 1998, when WCC 20.80.212 was adopted (Ordinance 98 -083). This section of the zoning code, entitled "Concurrency, " indicates that new development can not reduce the level of service for County facilities (i.e. roads) below applicable standards. Therefore, the V' sentence would be moved to Appendix H as a completed action item. The 2'1 sentenced would be modified to reflect the fact that the County does not plan, at the current time, to change level of service standards. However, level of service and concurrency should be reconsidered from time to time, as new information becomes available. Within 12 months of adoption of the plan by the County Council, dDevelop an impact and /or mitigation fee ordinance based on actual impacts. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Comprehensive Planning and Regulatory Review 6. As the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan is updated, ensure affected elements, transportation policies, and programs are also updated. 9. Review subarea plans and this chapter to ensure consistency of policies and programs when implementing this plan. 10. Identify and protect specific transportation corridors and alignments through purchase, developer contribution, and land use regulation. 11. . Update the map of the regional system of all- weather roads on an annual basis. Rationale for proposed amendment: The map and maintenance plans were developed in the 1990s. Therefore, the existing action item will be moved to Appendix H as a completed task. However, the map will need to be updated as additional roads are improved to all- weather status. 12. Complete the Guide Meridian Study to ensure appropriate land use and transportation improvements on Guide Meridian. 13. Review and update Washington State Access Management Plans consistent with the Land Use chapter and the Transportation chapter. 14. Develop a Whatcom County "Access Management Plan ". - "-'-'I-- " ---- 'I' ----- —.- ---- followiny Easy trans t aGGe6s elements of the natuFal PRY P9RFRAR Rationale forproposed amendment: The Technical Advisory Committee has dra road standards and approval is pending. Therefore, assuming the standards approved prior to adoption of the comp plan amendments, this action item will moved to Appendix H. 16. Amend existing regulations to support designs which address internal and exter pedestrian circulation and transit access, and encourage the use of shared access roa Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -19 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Incentives 17. Amend current regulations to offer incentives for projects which are transit compatible. 18. Develop incentives in Whatcom County to provide designs that encourage usage of high- occupancy vehicles. 19 Develop incentives in Whatcom County to encourage safe, non - motorized transportation such as scenic and efficient off -road transportation corridors. Rationale for proposed amendment., The Whatcom County Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended this action plan item to encourage people to utilize alternative modes of transportation. Staff supports the addition of this item. Transit 2049. - Initiate a program in conjunction with Whatcom Transportation Authority to identify and satisfy rural transportation needs. 2128. Work with the Whatcom Transportation Authority to identify rights -of -way and property needed for park- and -ride lots and intersection improvements. Education 2224. Work with Whatcom Transportation Authority to increase public knowledge of public transit options. Monitoring 2322. Gather additional information on passenger and commodity transportation to and from Canada. 2423. Monitor fluctuations in Canadian commercial and passenger vehicle traffic and review recommendations in this plan based on changes in trends. Inter - Jurisdiction Coordination 2524. Formulate a recommendation to the Regional Transportation Planning Organization to explore new transportation funding sources and innovative solutions to transportation problems. Rationale forproposed amendment: Interlocal agreements that address these issues have now been developed with each city in Whatcom County. Therefore, this action item will be moved to Appendix H as a completed task. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -20 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation RECOMMENDED TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS In addition to the above - recommended actions, a preferred road improvement network is recommended. Map 16 identifies necessary major road improvements over the next twenty years to accommodate future desired growth patterns. The plan is based on future projections of revenues balanced with needs to maintain desired levels of service and correct existing deficiencies. Recommended transportation improvements are based on the premise that the City of Bellingham will complete its project improvements. Within six years, they are as follows: Rationale for proposed amendment: Whatcom County Engineering confirmed that these projects have been completed. • Yew Street Rd/ Add a street connecting Yew Street (San Juan Boulevard) and Samish Connector Samish Way. Rationale for proposed amendment: The City of Bellingham's Six -Year Capital Improvement Plan (2002 -2007) indicates that this connecting street, which is slated for completion in 2005, is now called San Juan Boulevard. • Sunset Drive From Woburn St. 9rleans to City limits, widen to five lanes. Rationale for proposed amendment: The City of Bellingham's Six -Year Capital Improvement Plan (2002 -2007) indicates that the improvement of Sunset Dr. from Orleans to Woburn is slated for construction in 2002. Therefore, if all goes according to plan, this section of the road will be completed (or near completion) by the time the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. Major twenty -year County and State improvements described in the preferred alternative are the following: • Guide Meridian From Bellingham City Limits to Pole Road, widen Guide Meridian to five lanes. From Pole Road to the Canadian Border, widen Guide Meridian to four lanes, two lanes in each direction. • Mt. Baker Highway From Bellingham City Limits to the intersection with SR9 north, improve to two lanes in each direction. • E. Badger Road From Garrison Road to Guide Meridian, widen existing lanes improve shoulders. • Hannegan Road From Bellingham City Limits to Smith vaa- 14tyek Road, widen to four lanes. From Bellingham to Lvnden add turn lanes at intersections as needed. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -21 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Rationale for proposed amendment: At a meeting of 10 -5 -01, the Whatcom County Division of Engineering indicated that, within the 20 -year planning period, Hannegan would need to be widened out to Smith Rd., with the addition of turn lanes along Hannegan at certain locations between Smith Rd. and Lynden. • SR9 From Siper Road to Mt. Baker Highway, improvement for safety purposes, recognizing the residential character. • SR9 From Canadian border to Badger, realign. • Slater Road From Northwest to Hannegan, extend two lanes. For long -range planning and future right -of -way use, monitor the need for retain the following improvements: Rationale for the proposed amendment., It is unclear what the phrase "retain the following" means. • Lincoln Widen te- feur'aaes and extend to Blaine Road. Rationale for proposed amendment: The extension of Lincoln Rd. to Blaine Rd. is already on the six -year transportation improvement program and slated for construction in 2003. However, it would not be expanded to a four -lane road at this time. Additionally, the Public Works Assistant Director /County Road Engineer did not necessarily see a need for a four -lane road over the 20 -year planning period and, therefore, recommended this amendment. • Blaine Road From Birch Bay - Lynden Road to 1 -5, widen to four lanes. • SR9 From Badger to Nugent's Corner, improve alignment. • Slater From Hannegan to Mt. Baker Highway, connect with two lanes. • Lake Louise Road Improve in conjunction with installation of Water District #10 sewer line. Rationale for proposed amendments: The Whatcom Council of Governments recommended this modification in their letter of February 20, 2002. It would tie the Comprehensive Plan to other 20 -year proposed modifications, such as road reconstruction and signalization projects, that are not listed as "major" improvements in the Comprehensive Plan but that are planned over the next 20 years. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -22 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation Revisions to the Growth Management Act, adopted under House Bill 1487 in 1998, indicate that the County's Comprehensive Plan must incorporate planning for state highways, consistent with state and regional transportation planning efforts. The Washington State Highway System Plan 2003 - 2022 3989 -281 -8 was adopted by the state in February of 2002 daauaq-ef -1998. This plan includes improvements-te strategies for the state highway system over a 20 -year planning period. Specific state highway improvement strategies prejeetS in this plan include: • Widening 1 -5 from the Skagit County line to Blaine 'R the Be 'R9haM and Ferndale apeaG, to six lanes, improving interchanges along 1 -5, and constructing park and ride lots along I -5. • Widening State Route 9 from the Skagit County line to Sumas (GaFFiseA Read and a portion of BadqeF Read) from SR 546 (at the Rt8F88Gt GRof Badger Read and NGGksaGlk Road) to Barbe Read Ow6t west of Sumas) to four lanes. • Widening State Route 539 (Guide Meridian) from Horton Road to the border to f^ r'^ • Widening State Route 542 (Mt. Baker Highway) from Britton Rd. to Kendall. • Widening State Route 544 (Pole Rd./Everson-Goshen Rd.) from the Guide Meridian to Nooksack. • Widening State Route 546 (Badger Rd.) from Guide Meridian to State Route 9. • Widening State Route 548 (Grandview Rd. /Blaine Rd.) from 1 -5 to Blaine. • Improving stormwater runoff and eliminating fish barriers along state highways. Rationale for proposed amendments: The Planning Commission considered amendments to the Transportation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan on February 14 and February 28, 2002. The State Transportation Commission approved the Washington State Highway System Plan 2003 -2022 on February 20, 2002. Whatcom County received a copy of this plan on June 21, 2002. The above amendments reflect the transportation planning strategies outlined in the new State Highway System Plan without specifying that a certain number of lanes would be constructed. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -23 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation noncan SWAG °RECOMMENDED NON - MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES Map 17 displays a proposed system of bicycle routes and facilities in Whatcom County. 1 Install dedicated c4iss-6 bicycle lanes in accordance with WSDOT standards on the following roadways: • Hwv 542 from Bellinaham Citv limits to Hwv 9 southbound. • Bakerview Rd. • Hannegan Rd. • Birch Bay /Lvnden Rd • Portal Way. 2 Pursue implementation of the following off -road transportation corridors: with land owners develecers. • Hertz North Lake Whatcom Shefe Trail Extension — Between eastern terminus of existing trail and Blue Canyon Road. Also install a safe non - motorized route, including a separated path where physically and financially feasible, along North Shore road between Bellingham City limits and the North Shore trailhead. • Bay to Baker Trail — Between Bellingham City limits and Maple Falls. • Nooksack River Trail — between Ferndale and Glacier. • Galbraith Connectors — Between Yew street and Lake Louise Boulevard. • Stewart Mt. Connectors — Between east end of Smith road and Van Zandt and between Y road Northshore trailhead and the South Fork Nooksack Valley. Rationale for proposed amendment: The Whatcom County Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended the above language. This committee has indicated that: Over - reliance on single- occupancy motor vehicles is now recognized by planning professionals as leading to increasing traffic congestion, unsafe roadway conditions, decreasing air and water quality, and a major health epidemic from sedentary lifestyles which is leading to alarming increases in obesity, particularly among youth. The thousands of county residents that want to bicycle and walk as a primary or secondary mode of transportation for Commute Trip Reduction, personal health and /or environmental concerns deserve safe bikeways and walkways. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan 6 -24 Draft 2002 Update Chapter Six - Transportation The Whatcom Transportation Summit in May 2001 concluded that providing a safe infrastructure for non - motorized transportation was critical to encourage non - motorized transportation and reverse the current trend toward unhealthy, automobile dependent transportation in our community. In addition, Whatcom County could be leveraging the beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities to attract additional tourist dollars and offer high quality lifestyles for businesses considering relocation to this area. Staff would note that, according the May 2001 edition of AirLines (a Department of Ecology publication), 57% percent of the air pollution in Washington State was from motor vehicles in 1999. This was up from 43% in 1991. Staff agrees that facilitating non- motorized transportation should be one strategy to reduce air pollution and other impacts created by vehicular traffic. Therefore, staff concurs with the recommendations of the Bicycle /Pedestrian Advisory Committee, with the staff amendments shown in bold above. Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan r �� ���... � � ,•• � sgS'f � ,i � � d P , J.. ,.,,,"ter'. '� r �r........ �� ,�. . �$ �' I � r. ���� � C�� � j' f- N � j l r N � �t V/e4 0� 'i ( ��� ��� `� � . _ �_ m t /` d � �/�/ __ e __ _ - - - - -�i _ _ 3 �. r $ � f r,,� � t i % !!//€ �i .• is ;a;il,�° � 3 � ;(� a � '�(�f(� f 44f1, � ii', �� e � S N d �. p �I {''1 i _�J A i \ \ \ {\ K �E \ | \ � �y. Mkol HIM- ■ }} \ \ | \ � �y. Mkol HIM- ■ F! — / r y^ • , . w / ■ � y \§ r a ) za Z | 14 & ( / ) E ■ ,. \�\ { |q : IN F! — / r y^ • , . w / ■ � y \§ r a ) za Z | 14 & ( / ) E ■ ,. \�\ { F! — / r y^ • , . w / ■ � y \§ r a ) za Z | 14 & ( / ) E ■ ,. � � ko \ | 77 0 ■� � Z � z_ �.{ A L p so �/- a�a,`) k , _ > as ` |i. 0 4�� y.5. . . /OOD.� .%. &so so �w \�� - \/( . . .. \y. .... .� . . ! . . % ) ]a \{ J |•