Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Local Government & Housing Committee

HB 1943

Brief Description:  Expanding purposes of county rail districts.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mulliken, Grant, G. Chandler and Dunshee.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Expands county authority to establish rail districts to include providing and funding of rail passenger services.

Hearing Date:  2/22/01

Staff:  Serena Dolly (786‑7093).

Background: 

Counties may establish one or more county rail districts to provide and fund improved rail freight service.  The county legislative authority or property owners may initiate a county rail district.  A district is governed by the county legislative authority and may levy excess taxes and issue bonds.  A district boundary must include any area next to the rail service from which agricultural or other goods can be shipped by rail and may not include an area that does not or is not expected to produce goods shipped by the rail service.

Summary of Bill: 

In addition to establishing a district for rail freight service, counties may establish county rail districts to provide and fund improved passenger rail service.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.