(1) The transportation commission shall provide a public forum for the development of transportation policy in Washington state to include coordination with regional transportation planning organizations, transportation stakeholders, counties, cities, and citizens. At least every five years, the commission shall convene regional forums to gather citizen input on transportation issues. The commission shall consider the input gathered at the forums as it establishes the statewide transportation plan under RCW 47.01.071(4).

     (2) In fulfilling its responsibilities under this section, the commission may create ad hoc committees or other such committees of limited duration as necessary.

     (3) In order to promote a better transportation system, the commission may offer policy guidance and make recommendations to the governor and the legislature in key issue areas, including but not limited to:

     (a) Transportation finance;

     (b) Preserving, maintaining, and operating the statewide transportation system;

     (c) Transportation infrastructure needs;

     (d) Promoting best practices for adoption and use by transportation-related agencies and programs;

     (e) Transportation efficiencies that will improve service delivery and/or coordination;

     (f) Improved planning and coordination among transportation agencies and providers; and

     (g) Use of intelligent transportation systems and other technology-based solutions.

[2007 c 516 § 5; 2006 c 334 § 4; 2005 c 319 § 6.]

NOTES:

     Findings -- Intent -- 2007 c 516: See note following RCW 47.01.011.

     Effective date -- 2006 c 334: See note following RCW 47.01.051.

     Transfers--2005 c 319: "(1)(a) All reports, documents, surveys, books, records, files, papers, or written material relating to the conduct of performance reviews and audits in the possession of the legislative transportation committee must be delivered to the custody of the transportation commission. Any remaining documents, books, records, files, papers, and written materials must be delivered to the custody of the joint transportation committee. All funds, credits, or other assets held by the legislative transportation committee for the purposes of staffing the transportation performance audit board are assigned to the transportation commission. Any remaining funds, credits, or other assets held by the legislative transportation committee are assigned to the joint transportation committee.

     (b) If any question arises as to the transfer of any funds, books, documents, records, papers, files, equipment, or other tangible property used or held in the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions transferred, the director of financial management shall make a determination as to the proper allocation and certify the same to the state agencies concerned.

     (2) All employees of the legislative transportation committee are transferred to the jurisdiction of the transportation commission for the support of the transportation performance audit board. However, the commission may, if staffing needs warrant, assign the employees to other commission functions." [2005 c 319 § 15.]

     Findings--Intent--Part headings--Effective dates -- 2005 c 319: See notes following RCW 43.17.020.