Snohomish County Public Works Director Steven Thomsen has been selected as the new chair for the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Regional Project Evaluation Committee, which prioritizes Puget Sound transportation projects for federal funding.

Thomsen was recently nominated and elected by the committee’s more than 30 members, made up of representatives from the Puget Sound’s cities and counties. Specifically, members include city engineers, public works directors, state transportation officials, regional transit officials and ports representatives from the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) four counties.

“Transportation needs don’t stop at county borders, and Steve knows this,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “Steve has an incredible understanding of the Puget Sound’s transportation needs and how we can get there. His appointment will serve Snohomish County residents as well as the region.”

The evaluation committee serves an important role in how regional transportation projects are prioritized for federal funding. The post also means Thomsen will serve on the PSRC’s Transportation Policy Board, another key step in funding transportation projects that keep Puget Sound commuters moving.

Thomsen was the committee’s vice chair prior to his new appointment.