SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5589

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.

Background: The Department of Transportation (DOT), with respect to state highways maintained within port district property, may at the request of a port commission, make and enter into agreements with port districts and adjacent jurisdictions or agencies of the districts, for the purpose of managing short heavy haul industrial corridors within port district property for the movement of overweight sealed containers used in international trade.

Currently, DOT must designate the portion of State Route 97 from the Canadian border to milepost 331.22 as a heavy haul industrial corridor for the movement of overweight vehicles to and from the Oroville railhead.

Additionally, DOT may issue special permits to vehicles operating in the heavy haul industrial corridor to carry weight in excess of weight limits established in law, but not to exceed a gross vehicle weight of 137,788 pounds.

Summary of Bill: DOT must designate the portion of State Route 97 from the Canadian border to milepost 331.12 as a heavy haul industrial corridor for the movement of overweight vehicles to and from the Oroville railhead.

Further, DOT may issue special permits to vehicles operating in the heavy haul industrial corridor to carry weight in excess of weight limits established in current law, but the weight carried may not exceed a gross vehicle weight of 139,994 pounds.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: OTHER: Washington State Department of Transportation issues special permits for vehicles operating in the heavy haul industrial corridor, which carry weight in excess of limits established in current Washington State law but less than 139,994 pounds.