SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   EHJM 4011

           AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, APRIL 4, 1991

Brief Description:  Asking Congress for adoption of the new Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act by October 1, 1991.

SPONSORS:Representatives R. Fisher, R. Meyers, Wilson, Cooper, Schmidt, R. Johnson, Prentice, Wood, Mitchell, Heavey, Chandler, Forner, P. Johnson, Brough, Haugen, Zellinsky, Jones, Kremen, Cantwell, Holland and Anderson.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, Erwin, Madsen, McMullen, Oke, Sellar, Skratek, Snyder, Thorsness, and Vognild. 

Staff:  Robin Rettew (786‑7306)

Hearing Dates:April 4, 1991

BACKGROUND:

The federal Surface Transportation Act is essentially a multi-year planning document that establishes transportation policies and program directions, and sets spending priorities and levels.

When the 1987 act expires on September 20, 1991, the transportation programs currently funded under the 1987 act will come to an end.  The highway trust fund will also dissolve.

SUMMARY:

The House Joint Memorial requests the President of the United States, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and members of Congress to adopt a new federal Surface Transportation Act by October 1, 1991.  The memorial states that the Washington State Legislature endorses the principles developed by the Highway Users Federation and the Washington Transportation Policy Institute.

The principles include:  1) protecting the Interstate system; 2) creating a national arterial system; 3) restoring metropolitan mobility; 4) connecting rural America; 5) keeping all bridges safe; 6) improving traffic safety; 7) focusing on research; 8) developing scenic/recreational roads; and 9) assuring better planning.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one