BILL REQ. #:  S-0001.1 

Read first time 01/25/11.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to the use of toll revenue from eligible toll facilities; and amending RCW 47.56.820.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 47.56.820 and 2008 c 122 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Unless otherwise delegated, only the legislature may authorize the imposition of tolls on eligible toll facilities.
     (2) All revenue from an eligible toll facility must be used only to construct, improve, preserve, maintain, manage, or operate the eligible toll facility on or in which the revenue is collected; however, the toll revenue must be used exclusively for "highway purposes" as that term is construed in Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution. Expenditures of toll revenues are subject to appropriation and must be made only:
     (a) To cover the operating costs of the eligible toll facility, including necessary maintenance, preservation, administration, and toll enforcement by public law enforcement within the boundaries of the facility;
     (b) To meet obligations for the repayment of debt and interest on the eligible toll facilities, and any other associated financing costs including, but not limited to, required reserves and insurance;
     (c) To meet any other obligations to provide funding contributions for any projects or operations on the eligible toll facilities;
     (d) To provide for the operations of conveyances of people or goods; or
     (e) For any other improvements to the eligible toll facilities.