The Washington State Commute Trip Reduction Board submitted its 2009 report to the state Legislature, outlining the performance of the program that is designed to reduce congestion on the roads by implementing alternatives to peak-time transportation demands. The Kitsap Telework Project was included in the report as proof that telecommuting could be a viable option for not only reducing highway congestion but also providing other benefits like reducing pollution.

The Kitsap Telework Project was a $150,000 pilot funded by the Legislature that recruited local companies and employees to participate in a study, which resulted in a toolkit that can be used throughout the state by employers interested in implementing telework (work done remotely either from an employee’s home or another place such as a telework center).

According to the CTR report, The Kitsap Telework Pilot Project found that “Telework has real potential as a traffic mitigation strategy during highway and bridge construction, can make a significant contribution toward the state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals… help businesses and public agencies continue operations in the event of a disaster” as well as “helps strengthen the business community” and families and communities in general.

Ed Stern, Poulsbo city councilman who spearheaded the Kitsap telework concept, said having the benefits of telecommuting recognized in a report by a governor-appointed board reinforces to private employers its importance and potential. “The biggest (importance) right now is to recognize cost-savings not only for our state but also for private business,” he said. “…What better time to talk about this than in a recession?”

Stern said among the immediate opportunities is to allow CTR incentives to be given to employers who offer telework options (CTR incentives are given to companies with 100 or more workers), which could help during the traffic issues related to upcoming major projects like the 520 bridge in Seattle.

According to the CTR report, “The results of the Kitsap Telework Pilot project demonstrate that employees are very interested in telework opportunities and accelerating its adoption can support economic development, transportation efficiency and emissions reduction.”

To learn more about the Kitsap Telework Project or see the telework kit, go to www.teleworktoolkit.com.