The Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is a vital four-year planning document that prioritizes a wide array of transportation projects across a state. This comprehensive program encompasses state, local, tribal, and public transportation initiatives, addressing various modes such as highways, streets, roads, rail systems, transit hubs, park and ride facilities, bridges, pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, recreational trails, and safety enhancements. It serves as a blueprint for transportation development and improvement, ensuring a coordinated and efficient approach to infrastructure investment.
Developed annually on a calendar year basis, the STIP undergoes a thorough process of review and approval. A draft version of the STIP is made available for public examination and feedback in November each year, encouraging community involvement and transparency in transportation planning. Following public input and revisions, the finalized STIP is submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in December. Upon federal review, the STIP typically receives approval in January, enabling the implementation of prioritized transportation projects. Throughout the year, from January to October, amendments to the STIP can be proposed and are also submitted to the FHWA and FTA for approval. These proposed amendments are concurrently available for public review and comment for a period of 10 calendar days, ensuring ongoing public engagement in the adaptation of the transportation program.
The 2025-2028 STIP: Investing in Washington’s Transportation Future
The 2025-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) secured its approval in January 2025, adhering to the stipulations of the Federal Transportation Act. This approved STIP outlines approximately 1,180 key statewide transportation improvement projects, representing Washington State’s highest priority transportation needs. These projects are supported by a significant investment of $4.6 billion in federal funds, demonstrating a substantial commitment to enhancing the state’s transportation infrastructure.
Navigating STIP Amendments and Timelines
To maintain a structured and predictable process for project inclusion and modifications, the STIP operates with a defined amendment schedule. STIP amendment due dates are set for the third Friday of each month, providing consistency for WSDOT regions and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to submit project proposals. Local agencies and regional WSDOT Program Management personnel are advised to coordinate with MPO timelines where applicable to ensure adherence to critical submission deadlines.
Key Amendment Dates for 2025-2028
- January: 1/17/25
- February: 2/21/25
- March: 3/21/25
- April: 4/18/25
- May: 5/16/25
- June: 6/20/25
- July: 7/18/25
- August: 8/15/25
- September: 9/19/25
- October: 10/17/25
It is crucial to ensure all project submissions are directed to Nancy Huntley ([email protected]) by the specified due date to be considered within the monthly amendment cycle. For rural projects, information can be submitted directly to Nancy Huntley, following an agreed-upon procedure with the relevant Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO).
Streamlining Project Input with the Web-Based STIP System
The implementation of a web-based STIP system marks a significant advancement in efficiency and accessibility for project management. This online platform enables local agencies to input project details just once for both the 6-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the STIP. Following data entry, local agencies can electronically submit their projects to their designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) or Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO), simplifying the submission process and reducing administrative burden.
For agencies seeking guidance on utilizing the web-based STIP system, training resources are readily available. An April 2023 STIP Training session is accessible as an online video, offering comprehensive instructions and demonstrations.
Accessing Previous STIPs for Historical Data
For those interested in reviewing past transportation plans, previous STIP documents are available for reference, providing a historical perspective on transportation development and investment trends. These archives can be valuable resources for research, planning, and understanding the evolution of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
