Washington Administrative Code Title 226 - Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
Washington Administrative Code Title 226 — Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board
1. Overview and Purpose
The Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) is a state agency created to improve the movement of freight across Washington State. The primary goal of the FMSIB is to strategically invest in transportation projects that enhance freight mobility, improve the efficiency of the freight system, reduce congestion, and support economic growth.
WAC Title 226 contains the administrative rules that guide how the FMSIB operates, including how it selects projects for funding, manages investments, and collaborates with stakeholders.
2. Authority and Statutory Basis
The FMSIB is established under state law (specifically RCW 47.06A), which charges it with improving freight mobility through strategic investments. The rules in WAC Title 226 are created under this authority to define operational procedures and policies.
3. Core Functions of the Board
Project Prioritization: Evaluating and ranking freight mobility projects statewide to determine which investments will deliver the greatest benefit.
Funding Recommendations: Advising the Governor and Legislature on projects that should receive state funding.
Collaboration: Working with state, regional, and local agencies, as well as private industry, to align freight mobility efforts.
Performance Monitoring: Tracking progress and outcomes of funded projects to ensure they meet goals.
4. Structure of WAC Title 226
WAC Title 226 sets out detailed rules in the following areas:
a) Board Membership and Governance
Composition of the Board, including agency representatives and appointed members.
Roles and responsibilities of Board members.
Procedures for meetings, voting, and decision-making.
b) Project Selection Criteria
Criteria used to evaluate freight mobility projects, such as:
Impact on freight movement efficiency
Safety improvements
Economic benefits
Environmental considerations
Leveraging of other funding sources
Process for submitting, reviewing, and scoring project proposals.
c) Funding Policies and Procedures
Guidelines for awarding funds to approved projects.
Requirements for project sponsors, including reporting and accountability.
Procedures for adjusting funding allocations as necessary.
d) Coordination and Planning
Encouraging coordination between transportation agencies, ports, railroads, trucking industry, and local governments.
Integrating freight mobility investments with statewide and regional transportation plans.
5. Key Goals and Outcomes
The rules emphasize achieving:
Reduced congestion and delays for freight vehicles.
Enhanced safety for freight movement on highways, railways, and ports.
Economic competitiveness by improving freight reliability and access.
Environmental stewardship by reducing emissions through improved freight flow.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
WAC Title 226 encourages transparent processes and active involvement of freight stakeholders, including:
Transportation agencies (state and local)
Port authorities
Railroads and trucking industry representatives
Business and industry groups
Public and community organizations
This engagement helps ensure projects reflect real-world needs and priorities.
7. Accountability and Reporting
The rules establish requirements for the FMSIB to:
Publish annual reports on activities and funding.
Monitor funded projects for progress and effectiveness.
Adjust strategies based on performance data and evolving freight mobility challenges.
Summary
WAC Title 226 governs the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board’s operations and procedures, outlining how it prioritizes and funds projects that improve freight transportation in Washington State. The title focuses on strategic investment, collaboration, accountability, and achieving measurable improvements in the movement of goods, supporting the state’s economy and infrastructure goals.
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