SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1988

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 of April 22, 2013

Title: An act relating to right-sizing transportation projects.

Brief Description: Concerning the application of right-sizing to transportation projects.

Sponsors: Representatives Rodne, Magendanz, Zeiger, Kristiansen, Hayes and O'Ban.

Brief History: Passed House: 4/18/13, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Transportation:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Clint McCarthy (786-7319)

Background: Right-sizing is a term used to describe a lean, metric-based approach to determining project investments.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently began to apply the concept of right-sizing utilizing software called SafetyAnalyst, which automates statistical approaches to improve the identification and programming of site-specific highway safety improvements. A complete root-causes analysis and evaluation is conducted, options and countermeasures are assessed, and solution options are identified according to cost and benefit.

Summary of Bill: Intent language is included indicating the Legislature's support for the right-sizing concept.

WSDOT must work with the Washington State Transportation Commission to submit a report to the transportation committees of the Legislature on right-sizing by January 1, 2014. The report must include when and where the concept has been applied within WSDOT and must also include an assessment of the feasibility of extending the concept to all capital programs.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.