SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2589

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 25, 1992

Brief Description:  Adjusting routes and methodology of scenic and recreational highways.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Fraser, R. Fisher, Betrozoff, Basich and Jacobsen)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Brian McMorrow (786‑7304)

Hearing Dates: February 26, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In 1990 the Legislature directed the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop a method for assessing the scenic, recreational and cultural characteristics of Washington State's highways, and to establish an appropriate threshold for the addition of highways to the scenic and recreational highways system.  During the following session the Legislature directed the DOT to complete its assessment of the state highway system and to identify highways eligible for the program.

Currently, 1,773 miles of the state's 7000-mile highway system are included in the Scenic and Recreational Highways Program.

The Scenic Vistas Act of 1971, also known as the Highway Advertising Control Act, restricts the use of billboards along state highways.

SUMMARY:

1,360 miles of state highways are added to the scenic and recreational highways system.  It removes 165 miles from the scenic and recreational highways system and places them under the control of the Scenic Vistas Act of 1971.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested