FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 2524

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 Clibborn, Orcutt, Fey and McBride; by request of Office of Financial Management).

Background:

The state government operates on a fiscal biennium that begins on July of each odd-numbered year. Supplemental budgets frequently are enacted in each of the following two years after adoption of the biennial budget. Appropriations are made in the biennial and supplemental transportation budgets for the operation and capital expenses of state transportation agencies and programs.

The 2015-17 State Transportation Appropriations Act appropriated $7.6 billion from a combination of accounts. The Connecting Washington additive spending bill (Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5988) also made transportation-related appropriations for 2015-17. The 2015-17 Omnibus Operating Appropriations Act contained appropriations for transportation-related compensation increases.

Summary:

The bill increases appropriations for the 2015-17 fiscal biennium from transportation accounts by $474 million and incorporated $33 million for compensation increases that was previously provided in the 2015-17 Omnibus Operating Appropriations Act. Fund transfers and other changes to the 2015-17 State Transportation Appropriations Act are also made.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	84	13
Senate	44	5	(Senate amended)
House	86	10	(House concurred)

Partial Veto Summary: The Governor vetoed subsections related to a Tacoma Narrows Bridge private partnership study, a rotary auger ditch cleaning and reshaping technology pilot project, a study of removal of the Eastside Freight railroad line, and funding for a shelter at the Whiskey Ridge communications site.