Transportation Commission to meet in Longview 

The Washington State Transportation Commission will meet in Longview to discuss local and regional transportation needs in Cowlitz County and Southwest Washington.

The meeting starts at 9 a.m. on March 19 and will be held at the Cowlitz County Expo Center, at 1900 7th Avenue. The public is invited to attend the meeting and will have an opportunity to address commission members during a public comment period scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

The meeting will consist of a series of panel discussions and short presentations about current activities, future plans and needs for transportation at the local, regional and state level. Transportation issues will be covered by Longview Mayor Dennis Weber and City Manager Bob Gregory. Rosemary Siipola, representing the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments will describe regional transportation needs. On the state level, Region Administrator Don Wagner from the Washington State Department of Transportation's Southwest region will lead the discussion on current and future transportation projects and plans.

County commissioners from both Cowlitz and Wahkiakum will share information with the Transportation Commission regarding the impacts of the current State Route 4 slide closure and discuss potential plans for a bypass.

In addition, representatives of the ports and private industry will speak with transportation commissioners about marine shipping and rail issues and their role in the region's economy and transportation system.