A May 8 meeting will give people a chance to voice their suggestions or learn about future transportation projects in Bellevue.

The Bellevue Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing on the city’s proposed 2009-2014 Transportation Improvement Program at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 8, in Room 1E-113 on the first floor of City Hall, located at 450 110th Ave. N.E.

The TIP is a work plan for the development of local transportation systems. Its primary importance is that, in most instances, projects must be included to be eligible for state and federal grant programs.

Unlike fully-funded projects listed in the city’s 2007-2013 Capital Investment Program Plan, the TIP also includes projects deemed important, but without a source of secured funding.

The public hearing is an opportunity for those attending to tell commissioners what projects should be implemented if funding does become available.

The TIP also serves as a planning tool required by the state Growth Management Act. It’s used by the state Department of Transportation, and by the Puget Sound Regional Council to coordinate the transportation programs of local jurisdictions and to track regional air quality.

Following the public hearing, the Transportation Commission will forward its recommendations on the TIP update to the City Council, which is scheduled to review and approve the plan by early June.

To see a copy of the proposed TIP, visit the city website at www.bellevuewa.gov/transportation_improvement_program.htm.