SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 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. |
As of February 13, 2009
Title: An act relating to the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account.
Brief Description: Modifying the use of funds from the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer and Franklin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/12/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: The Tacoma Narrows Toll Bridge Account houses all the revenues associated with the bridge, including toll revenue. Authorized expenditures from this account include any required costs to finance, operate, maintain, manage, and repair the facility.
Summary of Bill: The Tacoma Narrows Toll Bridge Account may only be used to pay required costs that contribute directly to the financing, operation, maintenance, management, and emergency repair of the facility.
The account may not be used for expenditures that do not contribute directly to the financing, operation, maintenance, management, and emergency repairs of the facility. This includes travel, subscriptions, commute trip reduction incentives, cell phones and service, employee recognition programs, and employee training.
The Washington State Department of Transportation will provide quarterly expenditure reports to the public on the department's website, using current resources.
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: PRO: The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has been looking at what types of expenditures come out of the account and agree that this is a policy decision that needs to be made by the Legislature. The current law is very vague about what is authorized and needs to be refined to make it clear to the agency what is allowed and what is not.
OTHER: By adding the word emergency to the bill it might not allow the agency to make nonemergency repairs to the bridge.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Robert Ryan, CAC; Randy Boss, Todd Iverson, Dan O'Neal, citizens.
OTHER: Craig Stone, Ted Trepanier, WSDOT.