HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 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.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Fagan, Schmick, Armstrong, Clibborn, Liias, Frockt and Moeller).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

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

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/7/11, 92-0.

Passed Senate: 4/7/11, 49-0.

Passed Legislature.

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.

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; Hargrove, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Asay, Finn, Fitzgibbon, Jinkins, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Ladenburg, McCune, Moeller, Moscoso, Overstreet, Reykdal, Rivers, Rodne, Rolfes, Ryu, Shea, Takko, Upthegrove and Zeiger.

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.

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.

Effective Date: 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.