Background
Developing a Human Services Transportation Plan (HSTP) has been required since the 2005 federal transportation act, SAFETEA-LU. The HSTP helps regions to identify transportation needs and develop solutions to improve access for seniors, youth, people with disabilities, people with lower incomes, limited English speakers, and those without access to a private vehicle. The most current Plan, which identifies needs and solutions in the Skagit region, was adopted by the Transportation Policy Board on December 16, 2022.
In January 2026, an Ad-Hoc Mobility Committee was formed to guide the 2026 update of the CPT-HSTP.
Funding and Implementing HSTP Solutions
Development of an HSTP allows regional partners to become eligible for state and federal funding through the competitive WSDOT Consolidated Grant Program. Applicants for Consolidated Grant funding must participate in the regional HSTP planning process.
SCOG, as the state-designated Regional Transportation Planning Organization for the Skagit region, coordinates stakeholders and partners in identifying and prioritizing transportation improvement projects for funding consideration as part of the consolidated grant process.
In 2026 the Ad Hoc Mobility Committee was formed. This committee is made up of community non-profit organizations that represent special needs populations, including public transit, social service providers, tribal governments, and organizations that work with Veterans. This committee will advise on the 2026 CTP-HSTP update and provide project rankings on the Consolidated Grant applications. This committee is also working on an updated resource guide that includes transportation, this resource guide is a partnership between Community Action and Skagit Council of Governments.
A separate sub-committee, of the Ad Hoc Mobility Committee, will work specifically on developing a template for how to plan for evacuation needs for special needs populations. This emergency management sub-committee includes participation from the main ad hoc mobility committee members and in addition, the participation from the department of emergency management staff from Skagit County and occasionally the participation of emergency response professionals.
