Turning Policy Into Action

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State Policy Goals Drive Our Future

To guide the development of Washington’s transportation system, state law outlines six statutory transportation policy goals that serve as the foundation for long-term planning and investment: Preservation, Safety, Environment, Mobility, and Economic Vitality. These goals serve as the framework for this plan, helping to align decisions and actions across agencies, jurisdictions, and partners.

As you read on, note that WTP Vision 2050 presents objectives and strategies that support our state’s six transportation policy goals. The objectives are set forth to bring specific focus to what we need to aim for to achieve the statutory policy goal. And the strategies are set forth to bring focus to how we can achieve the objectives and ultimately, the policy goals.

Aerial view of downtown Wenatchee

Washington State Policy Goals

Washington State’s six transportation policy goals are established in state law (RCW 47.04.280) and guide all transportation planning, operations, and investment decisions. These goals are statutory, meaning every state and regional transportation plan, including WTP Vision 2050, must reflect and advance them.

Preservation

Goal: To maintain, preserve, and extend the life and utility of prior investments in transportation systems and services, including the state ferry system. 

Maintain Critical Transportation Assets
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Stewardship

Goal: To continuously improve the quality, effectiveness, resilience, and efficiency of the transportation system. 

Maintain Critical Transportation Assets
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Safety

Goal: To provide for and improve the safety and security of transportation customers and the transportation system. 

Create Safe & Connected Communities
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Mobility

Goal: To improve the predictable movement of goods and people throughout Washington state, including congestion relief and improved freight mobility. 

Create Safe & Connected Communities

Environment

Goal: To enhance Washington’s quality of life through transportation investments that promote energy conservation, enhance healthy communities, and protect the environment.

Establish Resilient & Reliable Systems
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Economic Vitality

Goal: To promote and develop transportation systems that stimulate, support, and enhance the movement of people and goods to ensure a prosperous economy.

Establish Resilient & Reliable Systems

Policy Priority Areas

Three priority areas that emerged through the public input process bring focus to this plan by nesting the six statutory policy goals within them, as follows:

Maintain Critical Transportation Assets

Washington State must work to adequately fund the preservation and maintenance of our essential transportation infrastructure, including roadways, bridges, railways, and transit assets, to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term efficacy of the transportation system. 

Policy Goals: PreservationStewardship

Maintain Critical Assets

Develop Safe & Connected Communities

Washington State communities must be made safe and well-connected by prioritizing transportation infrastructure that enhances mobility, accessibility, and safety. We should work to build and maintain transportation systems that minimize collisions and provide equitable access to all Washingtonians. 

State Policy Goals: Safety & Mobility

Develop Safe & Connected Communities

Establish Resilient & Reliable Systems

Washington State’s transportation system must be capable of responding and adapting to frequent and severe weather events. We must employ strategies to avoid disruptions and maintain connectivity of travelers and freight, while at the same time ensuring the long-term sustainability of our transportation system and natural environment. 

State Policy Goals: Economic Vitality & Environment

Establish Resilient & Reliable Systems
WTP Vision 2050 report cover

Our Vision for 2050

By 2050, Washington’s transportation system is sustainably funded, seamlessly integrated, and built on strong partnerships across all jurisdictions. It supports economic growth while meeting the urgent demands of climate and resiliency—promoting innovation and improving public health and safety to enhance the quality of life for all Washingtonians, now and for generations to come.

Download the Plan