SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5682
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. |
As of February 17, 2009
Title: An act relating to the realignment of transportation regions.
Brief Description: Requiring the secretary of transportation to realign the transportation regions.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen and Marr.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/16/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is organized administratively into six regions that are generally separated along county boundaries. In addition to the six regions, there is a seventh office that functions similarly to a region office. This office is responsible for delivering major urban transportation projects in the Central Puget Sound area.
The boundaries of these regions are determined by WSDOT.
Summary of Bill: The WSDOT regions are realigned from six to five regions. The newly aligned regions include:
the Olympic Region, containing Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Pacific, Lewis, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, and Kitsap counties and the portion of Thurston County west of Interstate 5;
the Northwest Region, containing San Juan, Island, Whatcom, and Skagit counties and the portion of Snohomish County that includes and is north of Smokey Point;
the Puget Sound Region, containing King and Pierce counties and the portion of Thurston County that includes and is east of Interstate 5 and the portion of Snohomish County that is south of Smokey Point;
the Central Region, containing Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat counties; and
the Eastern Region, containing Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Franklin, Benton, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin counties.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: Inefficiencies are created in the way the regional planning council reports to the regions by splitting Thurston County.
OTHER: WSDOT presented suggestions for how a regional consolidation could be better aligned.
Persons Testifying: CON: Lon Wyrick, Thurston Regional Planning Council.
OTHER: David Dye, WSDOT.