Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

SSB 5795

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: Modifying the use of funds from the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kilmer and Franklin).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Restricts use of the Tacoma Narrows Toll Bridge account so that it may be used only for costs that contribute directly to the financing, operation, maintenance, management, and necessary repairs of the tolled facility.

  • Delegates responsibility for determining whether charges are authorized to the Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission).

  • Requires that the Washington State Department of Transportation provide quarterly expenditure reports to the Commission and the public.

Hearing Date: 3/19/09

Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322)

Background:

The Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account holds Tacoma Narrows bridge revenues, including bond proceeds, toll revenues, interest, proceeds from surplus property sales, and liquidated damages collected as a result of bridge construction contracts. Funds from this account may be used to pay any costs for the financing, operation, maintenance, management, and necessary repairs of the facility. Funds may also be used to pay debt service costs at the direction of the State Treasurer.

Summary of Bill:

The Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account may be used only for costs that contribute directly to the financing, operation, maintenance, management, and repairs of the tolled bridge. Funds in this account may not be used to pay for costs that do not directly contribute to these functions. The Washington State Transportation Commission (Commission) determines whether charges are authorized. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) shall use existing resources to create and provide quarterly detailed expenditure reports. These reports are to be forwarded to the Commission. The expenditure reports will also be posted on the WSDOT website so that they will be accessible to the public.

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.