SKAGIT COUNTYWIDE AIR, RAIL, WATER, AND PORT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM STUDY

Skagit County, a rural county approximately 96 km (60 mi) north of Seattle, Washington, and 120 km (75 mi) south of Vancouver, British Columbia, is experiencing strong growth in population and employment. Much of the increase is expected to occur in sectors that generate freight. Substantial growth in goods movement is expected at the county's intermodal facilities. Decision makers realized that a major factor contributing to the economic growth in the county was its relatively unconstrained access to major markets in the north and south. They also understood that the efficient movement of people and goods is dependent on an integrated multimodal transportation network. The main purpose of the Skagit Countywide Air, Rail, Water and Port Transportation System Study was to provide in-depth analysis of the movement of freight, according to mode of transportation (i.e., road, rail, water, air, and pipeline). The methodology used to estimate existing, and forecast future, freight traffic flows by mode and by location is presented.