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6.1 REGIONAL 'GOLL,ABORA l110~ <br />As stated earlier, the County's priority in this plan is <br />to coordinate with a broad range of groups to <br />develop and operate the transportation system. A <br />key element of this will be partnering with the city <br />governments, WSDOT, and USFS to ensure regional <br />travel patterns do not impact quality of life in Kittitas <br />County. <br />l c1T1Es <br />There are city projects outside of Kittitas County's <br />purview that will affect travel in and around the <br />County. Ellensburg recently updated their <br />comprehensive plan and identified transportation <br />projects within the city limits that are needed to <br />accommodate future growth. The County should <br />balance its land use and roadway network with <br />adopted city plans. Coordination with Ellensburg as <br />well as the other cities within the County will be <br />necessary to determine the best allocation of <br />resources for transportation improvements. <br />I TRANSIT FACILITIES <br />On the transit side, Ellensburg is working to improve <br />Central Transit service and facilities within the City <br />that will connect with regional transit options. <br />Envisioned improvements include: <br />• Adding a northeast route stretching east to <br />Pfenning Road and north to Bender Road <br />• Adding a west route traveling out to <br />Dolarway Road and University Way <br />• Development of a transit center <br />Greater Kittitas County currently only has on <br />demand transit service within the region but a more <br />integrated Central Transit network would support <br />the County transit and any future expansions . <br />Increased Central Transit service will also connect <br />residents to the intercity Yakima Commuter route <br />that travels between Ellensburg and Yakima during <br />the week. <br />[wsDOT <br />WSDOT supports multi modal integration into <br />projects and planning multi-agency and community <br />network interconnectivity. The state system provides <br />access to key destinations within the County, so <br />WSDOT will partner with Kittitas County to ensure <br />that both agencies' needs and concerns are <br />addressed. <br />One of the biggest projects that will impact travel in <br />the region is the WSDOT 1-90 Snoqualmie Pass East <br />widening. The first two phases of the project will <br />complete widening, paving, and safety <br />improvements along seven miles of 1-90 and are <br />projected to be finished in 2019. Completion of this <br />roadway is expected to improve safety and mobility <br />within Kittitas County . <br />I U.S. FOREST SERVICE <br />The USFS owns and maintains roads throughout <br />Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which covers <br />a large portion of Kittitas County. Maintenance and <br />repairs are necessary to provide access to popular <br />recreation destinations . Collaboration with the USFS <br />is necessary to ensure these facilities are maintained <br />and accessible to Kittitas County residents and <br />visitors. <br />I FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION <br />The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) <br />partners with local agencies to oversee <br />maintenance, capital projects, and preservation of <br />the country's roads and bridges. It regulates road <br />operations, provides research and guidance on <br />transportation best practices, and is a potential <br />source of funds for improvement projects <br />throughout the County. <br />56 IP age