North Sound Connecting Communities
The Farmhouse Gang
The North Sound Connecting Communities project, also known as the "Farmhouse
Gang," is a loose coalition of elected, agency, and citizen representatives
from four northwest Washington counties: Whatcom, Skagit, Island and Snohomish. The goal of the Farmhouse Gang is to develop better ways to move people
through the region by using all available modes in an effective and smoothly
functioning network that does not rely solely on the automobile.
Realization of North Sound Connecting Communities (NSCC) goals will be accomplished by:
- identifying solutions to transportation challenges
- seeking innovative funding sources
- emplacing and improving transportation systems capable of supporting travel demand through regional partnerships.
The NSCC is not sanctioned by any political or other entity and carries no force of law, but rather is a consortium of interests focused on avoiding the pitfalls of inadequate planning for mobility as this region grows in population and productivity.
The NSCC membership includes state legislators, local lawmakers, and managers as well as transportation planning organizations and providers. The NSCC generally meets monthly.
Completed and in-progress work includes the following projects:
- Intermodal Connections and Commuter Study -The Intermodal Connections and Commuter Study examined existing and future demand for work-based and other commuter transportation in the five-county region. The study considered availability, feasibility and desirability of all potential modes of transportation for commuters. Cick here for more information.
- Traveler Information Kiosk System - This pilot project established ten traveler information kiosks at primary transportation crossroads around the region, including train stations, ferry terminals and airports. The kiosks were supplied with poster-sized Transportation Connections maps as well as individual brocures. This project was funded by a combination of local contributions and federal funds obtained through the statewide competitive Transportation Enhancement program. Although this project has been completed, WCOG continues to provide maps and update the posters. Click here for more information.
- Inter-County Transit Service - As a result of the Intermodal Connections and Commuter Study, funding was set aside by State Senator Mary Margaret Haugen for a joint transit project providing continuous transit service among Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties. Subsequently this project was made permanent and continues to provide transportation connections to schools, universities, and medical and other services. Later, additional connections were coordinated to allow transit travel from Whatcom County through Skagit and Island Counties to Everett in Snohomish County.
- Continuing Research - With federal funding provided by U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen, studies continue on ways to extend rail, passenger-only ferry and other services in the five county area and beyond. NSCC members meet quarterly to identify new and emerging technologies, opportunities and methodologies in the interest of striving for a better transportation system.