2524-S AMH MOSC HAJE 043

SHB 2524 - H AMD 868

By Representative Moscoso

ADOPTED 02/25/2016

    On page 31, after line 32, insert the following:

    "(6) Within current resources, the transportation planning program, with assistance from the rail program and other programs as needed, shall prepare a report that outlines the state's options for addressing the removal of the Eastside Freight Railroad line, which runs from the county of Snohomish to the city of Woodinville, authorized under the rail banking provisions of federal law. This report must evaluate options by which the state may facilitate the preservation and maintenance of the Eastside Freight Railroad line, in consideration of what is currently permitted under federal law. The report must address, but is not limited to, what, if any, legal authority the state has to affect projects currently underway in or planned for the Eastside Freight Railroad line; whether state acquisition of specific property rights on the Eastside Freight Railroad line is permitted under federal law and, if so, whether it could be beneficial to or would be necessary for the preservation and maintenance of the Eastside Freight Railroad line; and the extent to which the state may otherwise encourage the preservation of the Eastside Freight Railroad line. The report must include sufficient details on each option presented to support its evaluation, as well as the potential benefits and estimated costs associated with options presented that are permissible under federal law. The evaluation of potential benefits must be conducted in the context of current state rail policy, including RCW 47.76.240. The department must submit the report to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2016."

EFFECT:   Requires the Department of Transportation's Planning Program to prepare a report, to be submitted to the transportation committees of the legislature, that evaluates state options for facilitating the preservation and maintenance of the Eastside Freight Railroad line, which runs from Snohomish County to the City of Woodinville, in the context of current state law and applicable federal rail banking regulations.

FISCAL IMPACT: No net change to appropriated levels.

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