SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6350

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Transportation, February 4, 2002

Title:  An act relating to county funding of state highway improvements.

Brief Description:  Allowing use of county road funds for state highway improvements.

Sponsors:  Senators Haugen, Horn, McAuliffe and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:   2/4/02 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6350 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Eide, Finkbeiner, Horn, Jacobsen, Johnson, Kastama, Keiser, McAuliffe, McDonald, Oke, Prentice, T. Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786‑7434)

Background:  With the approval of the state Department of Transportation, a county is authorized to improve or fund the improvement of any state highway within its boundaries.  A county that chooses to improve a state highway may utilize a county road improvement district (RID) under Chapter 36.88 RCW or a county service district under Chapter 36.83 RCW.  Funding for the project may be by any means authorized by law except that expenditure of funds from the county road fund for state highways is prohibited.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The prohibition against the use of county road funds for the improvement of state highways is eliminated.  The use of the county road fund on state projects is prohibited on maintenance projects or for operations.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The limitation on the uses of the county road fund was added by the substitute.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The bill would provide the counties with the same type of authority that is enjoyed by the cities.  The counties need new methods to solve their transportation problems.  The new authority would benefit county residents.

Testimony Against:  Concerns:  Recent changes in county authority to perform work by county employees have adversely effected private jobs.  It is unclear if the bill provides additional changes in contracting.

Testified:  Jackie White, Washington State Association of Counties; Ted Anderson, Skagit County; Jarry Archer, Operating Engineers.