摘要: |
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has traditionally been a leader in developing and applying a structured highway capital construction programming process. However, in 1990 it became clear that a new, emerging set of policy issues would confront WSDOT and the transportation commission, and changes to the capital programming process would be needed. Key objectives to be met included (a) a strong, clear connection between the programming process and the emerging policy concerns; (b) a strengthened ability to highlight and evaluate key tradeoffs in funding projects; and (c) incorporation of greater flexibility and accountability in recommending projects. A study sponsored by the state's Legislative Transportation Committee in 1991 reviewed the existing process from both a technical and a policy perspective and recommended changes. A revised capital programming process was recommended to achieve the following: (a) a more clearly defined capital program structure; (b) clearer relationship of the programming process to policy goals and objectives; (c) a more flexible process for allocating resources to competing requirements for funds, as well as greater coordination with other agencies and stakeholders; (d) application of rational methods in ranking projects by priority, including the use of benefit-cost measures as appropriate; (e) consideration of the full range of transportation solutions to a problem; and (f) more complete and timely communication of policy objectives, resulting programs and projects, and performance measures. Enabling legislation was enacted in 1993, and WSDOT and the transportation commission have since implemented this new process. |