HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1024

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 Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title: An act relating to an addition to the scenic and recreational highway system.

Brief Description: Adding to the scenic and recreational highway system.

Sponsors: Representatives Fagan, Schmick, Armstrong, Clibborn, Liias, Frockt and Moeller.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 1/12/11, 1/19/11 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Extends a section of State Route 27 that is designated as a scenic and recreational highway by about 20 miles.

  • Designates a portion of State Route 278 as a scenic and recreational highway.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 26 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Billig, Vice Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Armstrong, Ranking Minority Member; Asay, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Hargrove, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Rolfes, Ryu, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322).

Background:

The Scenic and Recreational Highway System was created by statute in 1967. The process was modified in 1999 to improve Washington highways' competitiveness under the federal National Scenic Byways Program within the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. A highway does not become part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System unless approved by the Legislature.

Currently, two sections of State Route 27 are designated as a scenic and recreational highway; no sections of State Route 278 are so designated.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

One section of State Route 27 that is designated as a scenic and recreational highway is extended by approximately 20 miles. Currently, the designated section is from the junction of State Route 271 to the vicinity of Tekoa; this action extends the designation to the vicinity of Rockford. In addition, about five miles of State Route 278 are designated as a scenic and recreational highway.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill changes the description of State Route 278 that is designated as a scenic and recreational highway. The original bill described the extension as going to the Oregon state line; the substitute bill describes the extension as going to the Idaho state line.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This stretch of highway is similar to the existing scenic highway. This area is rural. The mayors of three cities have asked that this section of road be designated a scenic highway.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Fagan, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.