Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2948
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. |
Brief Description: Concerning the responsibilities for state routes in cities or towns.
Sponsors: Representatives Graves, Sullivan, Haler, Hargrove, Pike and Senn.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/5/18
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
Certain city streets are designated as part of the state highway system, and the jurisdiction and control of these streets is defined in statute. In cities or towns with a population of 25,000 or less, the Department of Transportation is responsible and has authority for:
roadway surfaces and shoulders;
slope stability;
traffic control signals; and
snow plowing when necessary.
In 1991 a task force was created to study the maintenance responsibilities of cities and towns and to reexamine the population threshold. Following the completion of the task force's recommendations, the Legislature raised the population threshold from 15,000 to 22,500. In 2007 the population threshold was raised to 25,000.Once a city or town is determined to have exceeded the population threshold, the transfer of maintenance responsibilities takes effect three years from the date of the determination. During this time, cities and towns may plan for additional staffing, budgetary, and equipment requirements.
Summary of Bill:
The population threshold, at which a city or town must assume additional responsibility for streets within its boundaries that are also part of the state highway system, is raised from 25,000 to 35,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 31, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.