Pierce Transit has received a 2012 VISION 2040 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council for Pierce Transit Tomorrow. The awards recognize innovative projects and programs that help ensure a sustainable future as the region grows.

“Pierce Transit Tomorrow’s long-range planning process for transit service in Pierce County was extensive and well vetted with its constituents,” said Bob Drewel, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Regional Council. “Pierce Transit’s model makes financial sustainability and transparency central to its provision of services.”

VISION 2040 is the region’s growth management, economic, and transportation strategy, designed to meet the needs of the 5 million people expected to be living in the region in 2040 (compared to the 3.7 million people living here today). It aims to be an integrated, long-range vision for the future that lays out a strategy for maintaining a healthy region — promoting the well-being of people and communities, economic vitality, and a healthy environment.

The Puget Sound Regional Council develops policies and coordinates decisions about regional growth, transportation and economic development planning within King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Council is composed of over 80 entities, including all four counties, cities and towns, ports, state and local transportation agencies and tribal governments within the region. In 2012, the Puget Sound Regional Council will select projects for the roughly $400 million in federal funds the region can expect to receive over the next few years. The Puget Sound Regional Council is also the lead regional economic development planning resource and home to the Prosperity Partnership.