2848-S AMS TR S4347.1

 

 

 

SHB 2848 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Transportation

 

                                                                   

 

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

 

    "NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 47.05 RCW to read as follows:

    Recognizing the importance of maintaining the quality of life in Washington state, the citizens of this state demand protection and preservation of our scarce natural resources.  Citizens also demand an efficient and effective transportation system.  The departments of transportation and ecology have worked jointly to develop a reasonable approach to assessing environmental impacts of significant transportation projects.  Nevertheless, many transportation projects are costing more than was budgeted, due to unanticipated and extensive environmental considerations.  It is the intent of the legislature to find a process for assessing, budgeting, and accounting for environmental costs related to significant transportation projects.  In evaluating the environmental elements of significant transportation projects, the department shall consider a broad array of alternatives including new technologies.

    Therefore, the department of transportation shall undertake a pilot program in at least one transportation district that will serve as a case study for the department.  The purpose of the pilot program is to define those discrete environmental elements of all significant transportation projects within the selected pilot transportation district that can be isolated and priced.  The department of transportation shall at a minimum include estimates for wetlands, storm water, air, hazardous waste, and fish barriers.

    It is the intent of the legislature that the environmental cost estimates be developed during a detailed scoping process that will include preliminary engineering and design.  The public shall have an opportunity to review all significant transportation projects within the designated pilot district, through the public hearing process during the scoping process.  After the detailed scoping process, project-specific recommendations and cost estimates shall be submitted by January 1, 1994, to the office of financial management, the legislative transportation committee, and the transportation commission for review.

    In addition, the departments of transportation and ecology shall perform a joint study, which shall be overseen by a steering committee consisting of members of the house and senate transportation committees to be appointed by the legislative transportation committee.  The study shall (1) provide a comprehensive review of all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations that affect state highway improvements; (2) provide an analysis of the increased costs and delays directly attributable to local environmental ordinances; and (3) provide an analysis of the potential liability property owners incur for pollution on their property regardless of the origin of the pollution.

    The study shall include recommendations on how to address the delays and increased costs due to environmental laws and regulations, simplification of permitting processes, and other methods for expediting the delivery of projects in a cost-efficient manner.  The study shall also address the issue of apportioning financial responsibility for pollution caused by storm water runoff on state highways.  Estimates of state liabilities for treating contaminated waters and sediments caused by state highway construction and maintenance activities shall be provided.

    The departments of transportation and ecology shall report to the steering committee by June 1, 1992, on the status of the project and shall complete their findings by December 31, 1992."

 

 

 

SHB 2848 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Transportation

 

                                                                   

 

    In line 2 of the title, after "planning;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "and adding a new section to chapter 47.05 RCW."