Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2929
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Clarifying the use of revenue generated from tolling the state route number 520 corridor.
Sponsors: Representatives Eddy, Hunter, Springer, White, Rolfes, Liias, Flannigan, Upthegrove, Williams, Clibborn, Maxwell and Kenney.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/10
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
The State Route (SR) 520 Evergreen Point Bridge is a 1.5 mile, 47-year-old bridge crossing Lake Washington in King County. The bridge is scheduled for replacement due to its vulnerability to seismic activity and storm events. In addition to the deteriorating physical condition, the bridge lacks shoulders for disabled and emergency vehicles and experiences considerable amounts of congestion.
Since 2008 the project design for any SR 520 replacement facility has been required to have six total lanes, with four general purpose lanes and two lanes that are for high occupancy vehicle travel (HOV) and transit. The design must also accommodate effective connections for transit, including high capacity transit, to the light rail station at the University of Washington.
During the 2009 Legislative Session, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2211 was enacted, authorizing the initial imposition of tolls on the SR 520 corridor (defined as the area between Interstate 5 and SR 202) to be charged only for travel on the floating bridge portion of the corridor. The use of toll-backed bond proceeds was limited to the construction of the replacement floating bridge and necessary landings.
Summary of Bill:
The proceeds from bonds backed by revenue generated from tolls on the SR 520 corridor may be used for the construction of any project within the SR 520 bridge replacement and HOV program.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.