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Kittitas County Transportation Element 2018 2.2 0PPORTUNITIES AN.D CH,ALLENGES Kittitas County has several important challenges to face over the next 20 years to offer a functional transportation system that provides safe mobility and accommodates both local and regional growth . I NETWORK CONNECTIVITY Barriers to Mobility Kittitas County faces several barriers that increase congestion and can lead to chokepoints in the transportation network. These barriers include the low number of alternative routes across the county, limited railroad and stream crossings, and areas where terrain hinders the creation of new network connections. This plan seeks to support commerce and recreation through efficient connections . Projects that add route options, aid in emergency response and evacuation, and reduce chokepoints/barriers to mobility should be prioritized. Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure Sidewalks are generally available in Central Ellensburg, Cle Elum, and Roslyn, although there are some missing links and often no sidewalks in outlying areas . Ellensburg also has an existing bicycle network; however, the network does not provide much in the way of separation between modes and has missing links. The unincorporated towns and more rural areas are missing sidewalks and bicycle facilities, which can inhibit the mobility of citizens and lead to increased vehicle use when a walking or biking trip would otherwise be preferable. The project list should include projects that accommodate safe and enjoyable travel by those choosing to walk or bike, including recreational users. Transit Since population centers are distant from one another, enhanced bus service could provide significant mobility. The County coordinates with and encourages transit usage and service to help residents, employees, and visitors reach their destinations. The County is looking to integrate transit into the regional transportation network. Its goal is to accommodate and complement fixed route networks outside of the UGAs as opportunities 12 Kittitas County Road Safety Plan 2017 present themselves. Service that is coordinated amongst the cities, as well as more frequent service with a larger coverage area could increase usage of the transit system and improve mobility. I REGIONAL GROWTH Regional development will play a role in the growing demands on Kittitas County's transportation network by 2038. The County is expected to continue adding residents and jobs. This growth will add traffic to Kittitas County's roads and could impact quality of life for county residents. Limited water availability on buildable lands limits growth to areas that already have development, which further concentrates traffic in developed areas. To improve mobility and connectivity to the rest of the region, the County should facilitate active partnerships with regional partners and stakeholders, such as WSDOT, QUADCO, and the cities . This coordination will ensure that Kittitas County residents, employees, and visitors continue to have a good experience on the transportation network. [SAFETY Between 2011 and 201S, Kittitas County had five traffic collision fatalities and twenty-one serious injury collisions 12 . While this is comparable to injury rates on other public roads in the state, there is always room for improvement in safety. Ensuring that there are safe routes for evacuation and emergency response vehicles is also extremely important. This plan includes as its number one goal to provide safe connections for all users. Implementation of countermeasures should be considered, as appropriate, at locations with high incidence of more severe collisions, and at locations that improve emergency response . I FUNDING Kittitas County, as with all jurisdictions, faces issues with how to fund improvements to the transportation network. Alternative sources of funding, such as grants and private dollars, should be explored to augment system funds and increase investment in transportation infrastructure. Moreover, this plan includes a goal to reliably fund 35 IP age