PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Department of Transportation is reinstating motorist information sign (MIS) program fees in order to resume operation of the program. The department is also considering other small changes to the rules governing the MIS program.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Section 218 of ESHB 2474, the Transportation Supplemental Budget Bill; chapter 229, Laws of 2004, P.V. and RCW 47.36.310 and 47.36.320.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The MIS program has been operating in a limited manner since May of 2002. Few businesses have been able to join the program and little day-to-day maintenance of the logos signs and back panels has occurred. Recent legislation directs the department to raise fees, resume the program, and recover all costs associated [with] the program. By instituting the new fees the department can resume the MIS program and begin servicing businesses prior to in time for the busy summer travel season.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mike Dornfeld, Washington State Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 47344, Olympia, WA 98504-7344, phone (360) 705-7288, fax (206) 705-6826.
April 12, 2004
John F. Conrad
Assistant Secretary