SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5521

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 February 7, 2019

Title: An act relating to the distribution of connecting Washington funds to local and state transportation agencies.

Brief Description: Concerning the distribution of connecting Washington funds to local and state transportation agencies.

Sponsors: Senators Takko, Zeiger, Padden, Hunt and Saldaña.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/06/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Codifies certain components of the 2015 Connecting Washington transportation package regarding specified local transportation programs.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)

Background: The 16-year transportation financial plan enacted by the Legislature in 2015, often referred to as the Connecting Washington transportation package, includes certain assumed ongoing budgetary transfers to support planned expenditures in a variety of transportation areas. In some cases, these were new programs or grants. In other cases, these were expanding or enhancing existing programs or grants.

The Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) provides grants and funding for programs aimed at urban and small city transportation projects.

The Complete Streets grant program was created in 2015 to provide funding to local jurisdictions that have adopted a complete streets ordinance. Complete Streets is an approach used to provide a transportation network addressing the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders. 

The County Road Administration Board (CRAB) was created by the Legislature to provide statutory oversight of Washington's 39 county road departments. CRAB manages three grant programs to help counties meet their transportation needs.

The Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) is tasked with providing coordination of state programs and funding to facilitate freight movement.

Summary of Bill: Certain planned future transfers of the 2015 Connecting Washington financial plan are codified. Specifically, the amounts for TIB, the Complete Streets grant program, CRAB, and FMSIB are codified as statutory distributions or allocations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2019.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This helps provide certainty for the cities and counties, and fulfills the commitment of the Connecting Washington transportation package.  This supports long range planning and allows the leveraging of dollars for transportation projects.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Dean Takko, Prime Sponsor; Chris Herman, Washington Public Ports Association; Brian Ziegler, Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board; John Koster, County Road Administration Board.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.