Regional Planning Isn't Dead After the Funding Ends

The normal sequence of planning events goes something like this: A jurisdiction (and in this case a region) seeks funding, develops projects, obtains funding, does the work, the grant period ends, the plan goes on the shelf and all work stops.  

Here in the Central Puget Sound there has been a six-year effort at Regional Catastrophic Planning Team. There was a great deal of good work done. One of the planning projects was a regional transportation disaster recovery planning effort. That project is done, the Federal Emergency Management Agency grant is closed out and the plan is on the shelf, but wait, there is more.

Due to the leadership from King County, Wash., Department of Transportation Director Harold Taniguchi and the help of the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), work will continue.

I was at a meeting yesterday with a broad representation of people and transportation-oriented organizations in attendance. I was heartened to see that this regional effort will not just die on the vine, but be kept active. Charlie Howard, director of integrated planning for the PSRC, will work with the region to keep disaster recovery planning on the stove and moving forward.  

While this will not be the No. 1 priority for the PSRC or any of the organizations present, it does mean that the coalition will stay together and keep working on the challenges that will come some day when a large earthquake or other disaster impacts our transportation systems.

A small victory! And the type that keeps us coming back into work the next day.