Even though Washingtons airports play a vital role in moving people, goods and our states economythey have been historically under-maintained and under-funded. This problem continued to grow, in large part, because no policies were in place to help guide funding decisions, nor were systematic data available to make the case for additional funding. PRR facilitated a 36 member statewide policy review committee that included representatives of the Washington State Transportation Commission, representatives of each caucus of the State House and Senate, Metropolitan Planning Organizations, pilots and commercial aviation interests, small and large airports, and groups opposed to airport expansion to develop Washington State's first Aviation Policy. This policy framework provided the rationale for additional aviation funding and strategic planning.

PRR then worked with the Aviation Division to establish an Aviation Advisory Committee and managed development of Aviation's "2004 Strategic & Business Plan Highlights," by facilitating stakeholder working groups and obtaining feedback through a series online surveys of general aviation pilots, general aviation managers, local elected officials, local land use officials, business owners, and aviation businesses.

Today, we are working with the Division and a technical consultant to develop the States first Aviation Strategic Investment Plan, which will provide a blueprint for future aviation investments and system expansions.