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WSDOT letter prompts La Center council discussion on C-TRAN board proportionality and potential loss of seat
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Summary
Council member reported a Washington State Department of Transportation notice that certain public-transportation benefit areas (PTBAs) must certify proportional board representation by Oct. 1, 2025; analysis by the state says C‑TRAN is out of compliance, which could change board seats and regional representation.
La Center — Council members were advised July 9 that the Washington State Department of Transportation is requiring public-transportation benefit areas serving populations of 400,000 or more to certify board representation proportional to population by Oct. 1, 2025, and that C‑TRAN’s current board composition appears out of compliance.
Councilmember Boyle, La Center’s representative on the C‑TRAN board, said the city received written notice that the PTBA is “underrepresented by the city of Vancouver and the unincorporated portions of Clark County” and overrepresented by smaller cities, and that the state expects the PTBA to correct proportional representation to continue receiving grant funding.
Boyle read portions of the WSDOT notification, including references to the legislative change enacted in Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5801 and the requirement to certify compliance with RCW 36.57A.050 as a condition for receiving certain state grant programs listed in RCW 47.66. Boyle said the notice arrived at an awkward time and that a board-composition review committee meeting will be scheduled in August; he asked for public input and said he would report back after the committee meets.
Janine, the city attorney, said she had requested a copy of the WSDOT letter and would evaluate the statutes cited and advise the council about legal options and next steps.
Why this matters If the PTBA is found noncompliant and does not remedy board proportionality, it could affect regional grant eligibility and representation on the C‑TRAN board — potentially reducing seats for smaller jurisdictions and altering local influence over regional transit decisions.
What’s next Boyle said the board-composition review committee will meet in August to consider remedies; the city attorney will analyze statutory options and report back to the council.
