Community works to identify priorities

MOSES LAKE — Next week, those participating in the third transportation summit will have a name: TransCo.

And by meeting's end, they hope to have an idea of the area's top transportation issues.

The third summit, taking place at Big Bend Community College's ATEC Center from 10 a.m. to noon June 1, follows summits held March 27 and April 18.

The partnership is now called TransCo, explained Karen Bonaudi, who represents transportation issues for the Washington State Potato Commission and is acting as leader for the group.

"What's happened is there is a group of people in the community who want to get together to work on transportation issues," Bonaudi said. "By sharing information and agreeing on priorities, we are hoping that we can attract the funds that it will take to accomplish the projects and also make it happen more quickly."

Bonaudi said TransCo has been pleased with the people who have turned out for the previous two summits, and their input and response to the information that's been shared.

The purpose of the third summit will be to conduct a map and matrix that will assist in determining the region's transportation needs. Bonaudi asks that participants be prepared to provide the top three transportation projects or issues they feel are of highest importance for the area, with considerations including how a project would enhance safety or economic viability, when it should be built and the project's present stage.

"What we want to come out of this is identification of the projects people feel are really important, and then work sessions on establishing the actual descriptions of the projects, expectations and how to go about getting it to happen," Bonaudi said.

Those interested in attending should RSVP by contacting Melissa at the Grant County Economic Development Council at (509) 764-6579 or [email protected].