The Washington State Transportation Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will hold their first meeting with a newly formed citizen advisory committee that will advise the Commission on setting toll rates for the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which is slated to open in mid-2007.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee was created by the Legislature and appointed by the Governor to assist the Commission in setting a toll rate schedule for the new bridge. Citizen members were selected from throughout the area served by the bridge.

The Citizen Advisory Committee is expected to conclude its work and present recommendations to the Commission by fall 2006. The Commission, which also sets rates for the state ferry system, will make a final decision on bridge toll rates later this year.

The public is cordially invited to attend a two-part event that will include a public open house featuring the draft recommendations of the Commission’s comprehensive tolling study. The open house will provide an opportunity for the public to speak with transportation commissioners and to participate in the Commission’s study. The second event, immediately following, will be the introductory meeting between the Commission, WSDOT, and the new advisory committee members.

The open house will be held Weds., July 19 at 5pm at the Pierce Transit Building, Rainier Room, 3720 96th Street SW in Lakewood.