FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 5307
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. |
C 230 L 15
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Concerning deficit reimbursement agreements with counties owning and operating ferry systems.
Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Ranker and Dammeier.
Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Transportation
Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation is allowed to enter into agreements to reimburse Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties for up to 50 percent of any deficit incurred during the previous fiscal year in the operation and maintenance of a ferry system that is owned and operated by one of these three counties. The combined amount of ferry deficit reimbursement to Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties is capped at $1 million per biennium. The funding source for ferry deficit reimbursement is the portion of the motor vehicle fund that is distributed directly to counties.
Summary: The combined total amount of reimbursement to Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties for any deficit incurred in the operation and maintenance of a ferry system is increased by $800,000 to $1.8 million in the 2015-17 biennium. The amount of deficit reimbursement is indexed to the fiscal growth factor for future biennia.
The fares charged by the counties must be at least equal to the fares in place on January 1, 2015; however, fare surcharges are not part of this calculation.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 48 | 0 | |
House | 67 | 31 | (House amended) |
Senate | 43 | 2 | (Senate concurred) |
Effective: | July 24, 2015 |