Seattle – As the Puget Sound region prepares for tolling on the 520 bridge, the possibility of tolling on two lanes of I-405, and as our region’s roadways continue to hinder efficient freight mobility, Washington Policy Center’s 2011 Transportation Policy Conference will convene panels of local and national experts to discuss the challenges and solutions.

When: TOMORROW - Tuesday, May 10, 10am – 2pm
Where: The Westin Bellevue (600 Bellevue Way NE)
Cost: Complimentary for media (RSVP to John Barnes). General public registration information is available online.

Conference Agenda:

10am – 11am
Panel 1: Tolling in the Puget Sound region. The Puget Sound region is about to experience highway tolling like never before. With charges beginning on the 520 bridge across Lake Washington and the possibility of an express tollway along I-405 through Bellevue, motorists will face higher costs and new rules. On the other hand, tolls reduce traffic congestion and create revenue for new infrastructure. Panelists:

• Craig Stone, Director, Washington State Department of Transportation toll division
• Jim Tutton, Vice President, Washington Trucking Associations
• Hon. Kemper Freeman Jr., Kemper Development
• Bob Poole, Director of Transportation Policy, Reason Foundation
• Moderator: KING 5’s Allen Schauffler

11:15am – 12:15pm
Panel 2: Freight mobility in the Puget Sound region. Washington state has $200 billion of unmet infrastructure needs and the state faces an uncertain future. With growing traffic congestion, rising supply chain costs and global competition, our economy requires a better transportation system. Panelists will discuss how we can make our region more competitive.

• Bill Bryant, Commissioner, Port of Seattle
• Mark Anderson, CEO, Anderson Hay and Grain
• Stan Vander Pol, President, Washington Trucking Association and owner, Peninsula Truck Lines
• Moderator: KING 5’s Allen Schauffler

12:30pm – 2pm
Keynote Lunch: Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters. Ms. Peters will use her extensive experience in the transportation industry at both state and federal levels to expand on the challenges facing freight mobility and our region's infrastructure needs.

More information is available here.