Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Per RCW 47.56.862, the Washington state transportation commission (WSTC), as the state tolling authority shall set a variable schedule of toll rates to maintain travel time, speed, and reliability on this facility and to generate the necessary revenue sufficient to meet the redemption of bonds, to meet the obligations of the tolling authority under RCW 47.56.850, and interest payments on bonds and for those costs that are eligible under RCW 47.56.820. Therefore, in order to meet these requirements in state law, WSTC will review and, as necessary, adjust SR 99 tunnel toll rates, fees and policies. Per RCW 47.56.795, WSTC is also authorized to assess system-wide administrative fees as appropriate for toll collection processes.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Other agencies that regulate this subject are the Washington state department of transportation as the operator of the tolled facilities, and the office of the state treasurer who oversees the financing of tolled facilities. WSTC works closely, and coordinates with both agencies in developing toll setting proposals and carrying out the rule-making process for making toll adjustments.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308, phone 360-705-7070, fax 360-705-6802, email transc@wstc.wa.gov, website http://www.wstc.wa.gov/ [http://www.wstc.wa.gov].