Regional Transportation Planning, Research, Investment Strategies, and Funding.

Public Comment Opportunity on RTC Planning Process October 2024
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) invite public review and comments on how RTC implements the federal metropolitan transportation planning process. An online open house and comment period will be available from November 1 through December 13, 2024. Online Open House
Background: Every four years, the FHWA and FTA conduct a Certification Review, which includes feedback meetings with the RTC. The upcoming review is scheduled for February 2025.
RTC Board Awards $14.7 million for Transportation ProjectsOctober 2024
On October 1, 2024 the RTC Board awarded funds across 16 regionally significant transportation projects and programs within Clark County. Each of these projects will improve regional transportation networks and advances progress of the Clark County Regional Transportation Plan.
Board Approves 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement ProgramOctober 2024
The 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) was adopted by the RTC Board of Directors on October 1, 2024. The TIP provides a summary of upcoming regionally significant transportation projects within Clark County, Washington. The 2025-2028 TIP programs $705 million over the next four years for transportation improvements.
2024 VAST Annual ReportOctober 2024
RTC files FFY2024 VAST Annual Report, highlighting regional efforts to improve traffic operations and agency coordination within Clark County. 2024 VAST Annual Report
RTC Encourages Public Comment on the Interstate Bridge Replacement EISSeptember 2024
A Draft Supplemental EIS (DSEIS) will be published by the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) program on September 20, and a 60-day comment period will be opened (Sept. 20 to Nov 18). As a Project Sponsor, RTC is encouraging community stakeholders to review the DSEIS documents and provide comment. The IBR DSEIS materials and information about public open house and comments options will be available at the following IBR website: IBR DSEIS Notice and Public Comment Forms here...
RTC Region Secures $3.76 million for Transportation Projects September 2024
The RTC region has secured redistributed grant award authority of $3.76 million to advance four critical projects across the RTC region. Three grant awards ($2.2 million) have been approved for regionally significant projects in Clark County; and one grant award ($1.56 million) was approved for Klickitat County. A Summary Report of the additional grant awards was presented to the RTC Board of Directors at their September meeting.
RTC Board Awards $7.88 million for Transportation ProjectsJune 2024
On June 4, 2024 the RTC Board awarded one-time grant funds to 11 regionally significant transportation improvement projects. The Board also programmed the funds for release as part of a 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program amendment. The grant awards are accelerated, allowing recipient agencies to commit the funds immediately, which advances RTC’s 2024 Federal Grant Obligation and Delivery Strategy.
RTC Adopts 2024 Regional Transportation PlanFebruary 2024
The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) Board of Directors adopted the 2024 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties on February 6, 2024 via resolutions 02-24-03, 02-24-04, and 02-24-05. The three RTPs are the foundational document for transportation infrastructure, policy, and planning and identifies future regional transportation system needs and outlines transportation plans and improvements necessary to preserve mobility within and throughout the region, as well as access to land uses within the region.
Board Endorses YR 2024 State Legislative StatementDecember 2023
The RTC Board of Directors joined with dozens of government agencies and regional stakeholders by endorsing the Clark County Transportation Alliance 2024 Policy Statement. The 2024 Policy Statement advocates for new state funding for projects and ongoing programs, and a commitment to support legislative leaders in pursuing those outcomes.
2023 Annual ReportDecember 2023
RTC published its annual report of key program activities and outcomes for year 2023. Key highlights of 2022 included the awarding of nearly $7 million in regional grant funding to twelve RTC Board selected projects, securing an additional $13.5 Million for one-time awards, and and adopting a four-year investment program to advance over $760 million in regional multi-modal investments.
RTC Secures additional $13.5 million for Transportation ProjectsSeptember 2023
The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has secured an additional $13.5 million in federal transportation funding to construct four transportation projects within Clark County. Full Press Release Info Here
RTC Board Awards $3.1 million for Bike and Pedestrian ProjectsJune 2023
On June 6, 2023, the RTC Board of Directors selected eight bike and pedestrian projects within Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat Counties to receive approximately $3.1 million in federal Transportation Alternatives funding. All were community-based projects that expand travel choices, improve the travel experience, and enhance mobility and safety. The projects are located in the cities of Bingen, La Center, Vancouver, Stevenson, Washougal, White Salmon, and in unincorporated Clark County.
Regional Traffic Volumes Rise and AM Congestion Remains ModerateMay 2023
YR 2022 traffic volumes throughout Clark County show volumes have nearly returned to pre-COVID pandemic levels. Preliminary findings from RTC’s annual Congestion Management Process (CMP) highlight persistent trends in work from home and shifting AM travel trends. First look data indicate traffic volumes on key Clark County freeway segments are comparable to pre-pandemic conditions. Changes in travel patterns and behaviors, combined with regional investments in active traffic management and ramp-meter systems, led to reduced travel times and congestion in the AM commute period.
Demographic Profile and Population Forecast Reported to BoardMarch 2023
Clark County population grew by 18%; between 2010 and 2020, and, YR 2045 population forecast may reach nearly 700,000 persons. This top-line data, including comprehensive demographic assessments of population, housing, employment and transportation characteristics, were reported to the Board of Directors in March. Reports were delivered as part of the Clark County Regional Transportation Plan update, which is now underway. Individual report presentations can be found here: Clark Co. Demographic Profile; 2045 Growth Projection.