OLYMPIA - The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on its proposed outreach process for the Long-Range Statewide Transportation Plan and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, known as the STIP.

This proposed process will be available on WSDOT's website for public comment through Nov. 14, 2013. The process describes how WSDOT will involve the public when developing the long-range plan and the STIP. Public comment will help WSDOT determine effective public outreach methods.

The statewide long-range transportation plan outlines Washington's transportation goals and objectives for the entire state. It is designed to offer policy guidance for all jurisdictions throughout the state to further an integrated and efficient transportation system over the next 20 years.

The plan will be developed jointly by the Washington State Transportation Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation, and will include public participation. The STIP is a statewide financially constrained prioritized program of transportation-related projects for Washington.

It covers four years, and must be consistent with the long-range statewide transportation plan, metropolitan transportation plans, and regional transportation improvement programs. The STIP is required for projects to be authorized for federal funding.