About the Plan
The Transportation Plan provides the framework to guide the growth and development of the City’s transportation infrastructure. It also integrates land use and the transportation network by ensuring that all existing and future developments are adequately served by the system. While the automobile-related transportation network needs provide the core of the system, the Plan also addresses the development of a balanced, multi-modal transportation network for the City, and adjacent Urban Growth Area (UGA). The Plan also recognizes the regional nature of the transportation network and the need for continuing interagency coordination to improve the system.
The Transportation Plan establishes the City’s goals and policies for developing the transportation system within the City and UGA. The Plan is based on a 2014 study of Stanwood’s existing transportation network, combined with projections of future growth and transportation needs. The Plan includes five sections:
- Goals and Policies
- Inventory of Existing Transportation Facilities and Conditions
- Travel Forecasts Evaluation
- Transportation Systems Plan
- Financing Program
The Transportation Plan is intended to serve as a guide for making transportation decisions to address both short and long term needs. To meet Growth Management Act requirements, the Transportation Plan must identify existing transportation system characteristics, establish standards for levels of service, and identify existing and future deficiencies based on land use growth projections. The Transportation Plan also discusses roadway mobility and accessibility needs, identifies improvements necessary to enhance safety, bicycle and pedestrian travel, and public transit. Consistent with the other elements of the Comprehensive Plan, the Transportation Plan establishes a flexible policy framework for making decisions consistent with this vision, and describes a strategy for accomplishing the vision over the 20 year planning horizon.