SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6577

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 Passed Senate, February 12, 2010

Title: An act relating to modifying the transportation system policy goals.

Brief Description: Modifying the transportation system policy goals.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Kastama, Berkey, Swecker, Haugen, Kilmer and Shin).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/26/10, 1/27/10 [DPS].

Passed Senate: 2/12/10, 43-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6577 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Becker, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Hatfield, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King and Ranker.

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Current law identifies five statewide transportation system policy goals for the planning, operation, performance of, and investment in, the state's transportation system. The policy goals are identified as follows:

Summary of Substitute Bill: A sixth statewide transportation system policy goal is added as follows:

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 on Original Bill: PRO: Economic vitality is missing from the current statewide transportation goals, which seems to be an oversight. This version can hopefully be reconciled with the House version. Transportation and economic vitality are directly linked, including the movement of people and freight. Investments in the transportation system should recognize that fact. The transportation system is vital to both sides of the mountains.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kastama, prime sponsor; Amber Carter, Assoc. of WA Business; Carol Moser, WA State Transportation Commission; Leo Bowman, Benton County.