H-1415

AN ACT Relating to transportation; amending RCW 43.17.020, 47.01.041, 47.01.051, 47.01.061, 47.01.071, 36.57A.070, 36.79.010, 36.79.120, 36.79.130, 46.44.080, 46.44.090, 46.44.092, 46.44.095, 46.61.450, 47.01.250, 47.01.280, 47.05.021, 47.05.030, 47.05.035, 47.05.040, 47.05.051, 47.05.070, 47.10.790, 47.10.791, 47.10.802, 47.12.200, 47.12.220, 47.24.010, 47.24.020, 47.26.400, 47.26.420, 47.26.440, 47.28.010, 47.28.170, 47.42.040, 47.42.045, 47.52.133, 47.52.145, 47.52.210, 47.56.030, 47.56.032, 47.56.070, 47.56.080, 47.56.110, 47.56.120, 47.56.240, 47.56.250, 47.56.380, 47.56.741, 47.56.742, 47.56.743, 47.56.745, 47.58.030, 47.60.150, 47.60.326, 47.60.330, 47.60.440, 47.60.450, 47.64.011, 47.64.170, 47.64.180, and 48.62.070; reenacting and amending RCW 47.01.101 and 47.10.801; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 43.17.020 and 1989 1st ex.s. c 9 s 811 are each amended to read as follows:

There shall be a chief executive officer of each department to be known as: (1) The secretary of social and health services, (2) the director of ecology, (3) the director of labor and industries, (4) the director of agriculture, (5) the director of fisheries, (6) the director of wildlife, (7) the secretary of transportation, (8) the director of licensing, (9) the director of general administration, (10) the director of trade and economic development, (11) the director of veterans affairs, (12) the director of revenue, (13) the director of retirement systems, (14) the secretary of corrections, (15) the director of community development, and (16) the secretary of health.

Such officers((~~, except the secretary of transportation,~~)) shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate, and hold office at the pleasure of the governor. The director of wildlife, however, shall be appointed according to the provisions of RCW 77.04.080. If a vacancy occurs while the senate is not in session, the governor shall make a temporary appointment until the next meeting of the senate. A temporary director of wildlife shall not serve more than one year. ((~~The secretary of transportation shall be appointed by the transportation commission as prescribed by RCW 47.01.041.~~))

Sec. 2. RCW 47.01.041 and 1983 1st ex.s. c 53 s 28 are each amended to read as follows:

The executive head of the department of transportation shall be the secretary of transportation, who shall be appointed by the ((~~transportation commission~~)) governor with the consent of the senate, and shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with the provisions of RCW 43.03.040. The secretary shall hold office at the pleasure of the governor.

The secretary shall be an ex officio member of the commission without a vote. The secretary shall be the chief executive officer of the commission ((and be responsible to it, and shall be guided by policies established by it. The secretary shall serve until removed by the commission, but only for incapacity, incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, or failure to carry out the commission's policies. Before a motion for dismissal shall be acted on by the commission, the secretary shall be granted a hearing on formal written charges before the full commission. An action by the commission to remove the secretary shall be final)).

Sec. 3. RCW 47.01.051 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

There is hereby created a transportation commission, which shall consist of seven members appointed by the governor((, with the consent of the senate. The present five members of the highway commission shall serve as five initial members of the transportation commission until their terms of office as highway commission members would have expired. The additional two members provided herein for the transportation commission shall be appointed for initial terms to expire on June 30, 1982, and June 30, 1983. Thereafter)). All terms shall be for six years. No elective state official or state officer or state employee shall be a member of the commission, and not more than four members of the commission shall at the time of appointment or thereafter during their respective terms of office be members of the same major political party. At the time of appointment or thereafter during their respective terms of office, four members of the commission shall reside in the western part of the state and three members shall reside in the eastern part of the state as divided north and south by the summit of the Cascade mountains. No more than two members of the commission shall reside in the same county. Commissioners shall not be removed from office by the governor before the expiration of their terms unless for a disqualifying change of residence or for cause based upon a determination of incapacity, incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office by the superior court of the state of Washington in and for Thurston county upon petition and show cause proceedings duly brought therefor in said court and directed to the commissioner in question. No member shall be appointed for more than two consecutive terms.

Sec. 4. RCW 47.01.061 and 1987 c 364 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the secretary and the department.

The commission shall meet at such times as it deems advisable but at least once every month. It may adopt its own rules and regulations and may establish its own procedure. It shall act collectively in harmony with recorded resolutions or motions adopted by majority vote of at least four members. The commission may appoint an administrative secretary, and shall elect one of its members chairman for a term of one year. The chairman shall be able to vote on all matters before the commission. ((~~The commission may from time to time retain planners, consultants, and other technical personnel to advise it in the performance of its duties.~~

The commission shall submit to each regular session of the legislature held in an odd-numbered year its own budget proposal necessary for the commission's operations separate from that proposed for the department.))

Each member of the commission ((~~shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250 and~~)) shall be reimbursed for actual necessary traveling and other expenses in going to, attending, and returning from meetings of the commission, and actual and necessary traveling and other expenses incurred in the discharge of such duties as may be requested by ((~~a majority vote of the commission or by~~)) the secretary of transportation((, but in no event shall a commissioner be compensated in any year for more than one hundred twenty days, except the chairman of the commission who may be paid compensation for not more than one hundred fifty days)). Service on the commission shall not be considered as service credit for the purposes of any public retirement system.

Sec. 5. RCW 47.01.071 and 1981 c 59 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall have the following functions, powers, and duties:

(1) To propose policies to be adopted by the legislature designed to assure the development and maintenance of a comprehensive and balanced state-wide transportation system which will meet the needs of the people of this state for safe and efficient transportation services. Wherever appropriate the policies shall provide for the use of integrated, intermodal transportation systems to implement the social, economic, and environmental policies, goals, and objectives of the people of the state, and especially to conserve nonrenewable natural resources including land and energy. To this end the ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall:

(a) Develop transportation policies which are based on the policies, goals, and objectives expressed and inherent in existing state laws;

(b) Inventory the adopted policies, goals, and objectives of the local and area-wide governmental bodies of the state and define the role of the state, regional, and local governments in determining transportation policies, in transportation planning, and in implementing the state transportation plan;

(c) ((Propose a transportation policy for the state, and after notice and public hearings, submit the proposal to the legislative transportation committee and the senate and house transportation committees by January 1, 1978, for consideration in the next legislative session;

~~(d)~~)) Establish a procedure for review and revision of the state transportation policy and for submission of proposed changes to the legislature;

((~~(e) To~~)) (d) Integrate the state-wide transportation plan with the needs of the elderly and handicapped, and ((to)) coordinate federal and state programs directed at assisting local governments to answer such needs;

(2) To establish the policy of the department ((~~to be followed by the secretary~~)) on each of the following items:

(a) To provide for the effective coordination of state transportation planning with national transportation policy, state and local land use policies, and local and regional transportation plans and programs;

(b) To provide for public involvement in transportation designed to elicit the public's views both with respect to adequate transportation services and appropriate means of minimizing adverse social, economic, environmental, and energy impact of transportation programs;

(c) To provide for the administration of grants in aid and other financial assistance to counties and municipal corporations for transportation purposes;

(d) To provide for the management, sale, and lease of property or property rights owned by the department which are not required for transportation purposes;

(3) To ((~~direct the secretary to~~)) prepare ((~~and submit to the commission~~)) a comprehensive and balanced state-wide transportation plan which shall be based on the transportation policy adopted by the legislature and applicable state and federal laws. After public notice and hearings, the ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall adopt the plan and submit it to the legislative transportation committee and to the house and senate standing committees on transportation before January 1, ((~~1980~~)) 1992, for consideration in the ((~~1980~~)) 1992 regular legislative session. The plan shall be reviewed and revised prior to each regular session of the legislature during an even-numbered year thereafter. ((~~A preliminary plan shall be submitted to such committees by January 1, 1979.~~))

The plan shall take into account federal law and regulations relating to the planning, construction, and operation of transportation facilities;

(4) To propose to the governor and the legislature prior to the convening of each regular session held in an odd-numbered year a recommended budget for the operations of the commission as required by RCW 47.01.061;

(5) To approve and propose to the governor and to the legislature prior to the convening of each regular session during an odd-numbered year a recommended budget for the operation of the department and for carrying out the program of the department for the ensuing biennium. The proposed budget shall separately state the appropriations to be made from the motor vehicle fund for highway purposes in accordance with constitutional limitations and appropriations and expenditures to be made from the general fund, or accounts thereof, and other available sources for other operations and programs of the department;

(6) To review and authorize all departmental requests for legislation;

(7) To approve the issuance and sale of all bonds authorized by the legislature for capital construction of state highways, toll facilities, Columbia Basin county roads (for which reimbursement to the motor vehicle fund has been provided), urban arterial projects, and aviation facilities;

(8) To adopt such rules((~~, regulations,~~)) and policy directives as may be necessary to carry out reasonably and properly those functions expressly vested in the ((~~commission~~)) secretary by statute;

(9) To delegate any of its powers to the secretary of transportation whenever it deems it desirable for the efficient administration of the department and consistent with the purposes of this title;

(10) To exercise such other specific powers and duties as may be vested in the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary by this or any other provision of law.

Sec. 6. RCW 47.01.101 and 1987 c 505 s 48 and 1987 c 179 s 1 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

The secretary shall have the authority and it shall be his or her duty((~~, subject to policy guidance from the commission~~)):

(1) To serve as chief executive officer of the department with full administrative authority to direct all its activities;

(2) To organize the department as he or she may deem necessary to carry out the work and responsibilities of the department effectively;

(3) To designate and establish such transportation district or branch offices as may be necessary or convenient, and to appoint assistants and delegate any powers, duties, and functions to them or any officer or employee of the department as deemed necessary to administer the department efficiently;

(4) To direct and coordinate the programs of the various divisions of the department to assure that they achieve the greatest possible mutual benefit, produce a balanced overall effort, and eliminate unnecessary duplication of activity;

(5) To adopt all department rules that are subject to the adoption procedures contained in the state administrative procedure act((~~, except rules subject to adoption by the commission pursuant to statute~~));

(6) To maintain and safeguard the official records of the department((~~, including the commission's recorded resolutions and orders~~));

(7) To provide full staff support to the commission to assist it in carrying out its functions((~~, powers, and duties and to execute the policy established by the commission pursuant to its legislative authority~~));

(8) To execute and implement the biennial operating budget for the operation of the department in accordance with chapter 43.88 RCW and with legislative appropriation and, in such manner as prescribed therein, to make and report to the commission and the chairs of the transportation committees of the senate and house of representatives, including one copy to the staff of each of the committees, deviations from the planned biennial category A and H highway construction programs necessary to adjust to unexpected delays or other unanticipated circumstances((.)); and

(9) To exercise all other powers and perform all other duties as are now or hereafter provided by law.

Sec. 7. RCW 36.57A.070 and 1985 c 6 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

The comprehensive transit plan adopted by the authority shall be reviewed by the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation to determine:

(1) The completeness of service to be offered and the economic viability of the transit system proposed in such comprehensive transit plan;

(2) Whether such plan integrates the proposed transportation system with existing transportation modes and systems that serve the benefit area;

(3) Whether such plan coordinates that area's system and service with nearby public transportation systems;

(4) Whether such plan is eligible for matching state or federal funds;

After reviewing the comprehensive transit plan, the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation shall have sixty days in which to approve such plan and to certify to the state treasurer that such public transportation benefit area shall be eligible to receive the motor vehicle excise tax proceeds authorized pursuant to RCW 35.58.273((~~, as now or hereafter amended~~)) in the manner prescribed by chapter 82.44 RCW((~~, as now or hereafter amended~~)). To be approved a plan shall provide for coordinated transportation planning, the integration of such proposed transportation program with other transportation systems operating in areas adjacent to, or in the vicinity of the proposed public transportation benefit area, and be consistent with the public transportation coordination criteria adopted pursuant to the urban mass transportation act of 1964 as amended as of July 1, 1975. In the event such comprehensive plan is disapproved and ruled ineligible to receive motor vehicle tax proceeds, the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation shall provide written notice to the authority within thirty days as to the reasons for such plan's disapproval and such ineligibility. The authority may resubmit such plan upon reconsideration and correction of such deficiencies in the plan cited in such notice of disapproval.

Sec. 8. RCW 36.79.010 and 1988 c 26 s 1 are each amended read as follows:

The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Rural arterial program" means improvement projects on those two systems of county roads in rural areas classified as major collectors and minor collectors in accordance with the federal functional classification system and the construction of replacement bridges funded by the federal bridge replacement program on access roads in rural areas.

(2) "Rural area" means every area of the state outside of areas designated as urban areas by the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation with the approval of the secretary of the United States department of transportation in accordance with federal law.

(3) "Board" means the county road administration board created by RCW 36.78.030.

Sec. 9. RCW 36.79.120 and 1988 c 26 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

Counties receiving funds from the rural arterial trust account for construction of arterials and the construction of replacement bridges funded by the federal bridge replacement program on access roads in rural areas shall provide such matching funds as established by rules recommended by the board, subject to review, revision, and final approval by the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation. Matching requirements shall be established after appropriate studies by the board, taking into account financial resources available to counties to meet arterial needs.

Sec. 10. RCW 36.79.130 and 1983 1st ex.s. c 49 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

Not later than November 1st of each even-numbered year the board shall prepare and present to the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation a recommended budget for expenditures from the rural arterial trust account during the ensuing biennium. The budget shall contain an estimate of the revenues to be credited to the rural arterial trust account.

The ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation shall review the budget as recommended, revise the budget as ((it)) the secretary deems proper, and include the budget as revised as a separate section of the transportation budget which it shall submit to the governor pursuant to chapter 43.88 RCW.

Sec. 11. RCW 46.44.080 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 29 are each amended to read as follows:

Local authorities with respect to public highways under their jurisdiction may prohibit the operation thereon of motor trucks or other vehicles or may impose limits as to the weight thereof, or any other restrictions as may be deemed necessary, whenever any such public highway by reason of rain, snow, climatic or other conditions, will be seriously damaged or destroyed unless the operation of vehicles thereon be prohibited or restricted or the permissible weights thereof reduced: PROVIDED, That whenever a highway has been closed generally to vehicles or specified classes of vehicles, local authorities shall by general rule or by special permit authorize the operation thereon of school buses, emergency vehicles, and motor trucks transporting perishable commodities or commodities necessary for the health and welfare of local residents under such weight and speed restrictions as the local authorities deem necessary to protect the highway from undue damage: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the governing authorities of incorporated cities and towns shall not prohibit the use of any city street designated by the secretary of transportation ((~~commission~~)) as forming a part of the route of any primary state highway through any such incorporated city or town by vehicles or any class of vehicles or impose any restrictions or reductions in permissible weights unless such restriction, limitation, or prohibition, or reduction in permissible weights be first approved in writing by the department of transportation.

The local authorities imposing any such restrictions or limitations, or prohibiting any use or reducing the permissible weights shall do so by proper ordinance or resolution and shall erect or cause to be erected and maintained signs designating the provisions of the ordinance or resolution in each end of the portion of any public highway affected thereby, and no such ordinance or resolution shall be effective unless and until such signs are erected and maintained.

The department shall have the same authority as hereinabove granted to local authorities to prohibit or restrict the operation of vehicles upon state highways. The department shall give public notice of closure or restriction. The department may issue special permits for the operation of school buses and motor trucks transporting perishable commodities or commodities necessary for the health and welfare of local residents under specified weight and speed restrictions as may be necessary to protect any state highway from undue damage.

Sec. 12. RCW 46.44.090 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 30 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of transportation, pursuant to rules adopted by the secretary of transportation ((~~commission~~)) with respect to state highways and local authorities with respect to public highways under their jurisdiction may, upon application in writing and good cause being shown therefor, issue a special permit in writing authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size, weight of vehicle, or load exceeding the maximum specified in this chapter or otherwise not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter upon any public highway under the jurisdiction of the authority granting such permit and for the maintenance of which such authority is responsible.

Sec. 13. RCW 46.44.092 and 1989 c 398 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Special permits may not be issued for movements on any state highway outside the limits of any city or town in excess of the following widths:

On two-lane highways, fourteen feet;

On multiple-lane highways where a physical barrier serving as a median divider separates opposing traffic lanes, twenty feet;

On multiple-lane highways without a physical barrier serving as a median divider, thirty-two feet.

These limits apply except under the following conditions:

(1) In the case of buildings, the limitations referred to in this section for movement on any two-lane state highway other than the national system of interstate and defense highways may be exceeded under the following conditions: (a) Controlled vehicular traffic shall be maintained in one direction at all times; (b) the maximum distance of movement shall not exceed five miles; additional contiguous permits shall not be issued to exceed the five-mile limit: PROVIDED, That when the department of transportation, pursuant to general rules adopted by the secretary of transportation ((~~commission~~)), determines a hardship would result, this limitation may be exceeded upon approval of the department of transportation; (c) prior to issuing a permit a qualified transportation department employee shall make a visual inspection of the building and route involved determining that the conditions listed ((~~herein~~)) in this section shall be complied with and that structures or overhead obstructions may be cleared or moved in order to maintain a constant and uninterrupted movement of the building; (d) special escort or other precautions may be imposed to assure movement is made under the safest possible conditions, and the Washington state patrol shall be advised when and where the movement is to be made;

(2) Permits may be issued for widths of vehicles in excess of the preceding limitations on highways or sections of highways which have been designed and constructed for width in excess of such limitations;

(3) Permits may be issued for vehicles with a total outside width, including the load, of nine feet or less when the vehicle is equipped with a mechanism designed to cover the load pursuant to RCW 46.61.655;

(4) These limitations may be rescinded when certification is made by military officials, or by officials of public or private power facilities, or when in the opinion of the department of transportation the movement or action is a necessary movement or action: PROVIDED FURTHER, That in the judgment of the department of transportation the structures and highway surfaces on the routes involved are capable of sustaining widths in excess of such limitation;

(5) These limitations shall not apply to movement during daylight hours on any two-lane state highway where the gross weight, including load, does not exceed eighty thousand pounds and the overall width of load does not exceed sixteen feet: PROVIDED, That the minimum and maximum speed of such movements, prescribed routes of such movements, the times of such movements, limitation upon frequency of trips (which limitation shall be not less than one per week), and conditions to assure safety of traffic may be prescribed by the department of transportation or local authority issuing such special permit.

The applicant for any special permit shall specifically describe the vehicle or vehicles and load to be operated or moved and the particular state highways for which permit to operate is requested and whether such permit is requested for a single trip or for continuous operation.

Sec. 14. RCW 46.44.095 and 1990 c 42 s 108 are each amended to read as follows:

When a combination of vehicles has been lawfully licensed to a total gross weight of eighty thousand pounds and when a three or more axle single unit vehicle has been lawfully licensed to a total gross weight of forty thousand pounds pursuant to provisions of RCW 46.44.041, a permit for additional gross weight may be issued by the department of transportation upon the payment of fifty-two dollars and fifty cents per year for each one thousand pounds or fraction thereof of such additional gross weight: PROVIDED, That the tire limits specified in RCW 46.44.042 shall apply, and the gross weight on any single axle shall not exceed twenty thousand pounds, and the gross load on any group of axles shall not exceed the limits set forth in RCW 46.44.041: PROVIDED FURTHER, That within the tire limits of RCW 46.44.042, and notwithstanding RCW 46.44.041 and 46.44.091, a permit for an additional six thousand pounds may be purchased for the rear axles of a two-axle garbage truck or eight thousand pounds for the tandem axle of a three-axle garbage truck at a rate not to exceed forty-two dollars per thousand. Such additional weight in the case of garbage trucks shall not be valid or permitted on any part of the federal interstate highway system.

The annual additional tonnage permits provided for in this section shall be issued upon such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the department pursuant to general rules adopted by the secretary of transportation ((~~commission~~)). Such permits shall entitle the permittee to carry such additional load in an amount and upon highways or sections of highways as may be determined by the department of transportation to be capable of withstanding increased gross load without undue injury to the highway: PROVIDED, That the permits are not valid on any highway where the use of such permits would deprive this state of federal funds for highway purposes.

For those vehicles registered under chapter 46.87 RCW, the annual additional tonnage permits provided for in this section may be issued to coincide with the registration year of the base jurisdiction. For those vehicles registered under chapter 46.16 RCW and whose registration has staggered renewal dates, the annual additional tonnage permits may be issued to coincide with the expiration date of the registration. The permits may be purchased at any time, and if they are purchased for less than a full year, the fee shall be one-twelfth of the full fee multiplied by the number of months, including any fraction thereof, covered by the permit. When the department issues a duplicate permit to replace a lost or destroyed permit and where the department transfers a permit from one vehicle to another a fee of fourteen dollars shall be charged for each duplicate issued or each transfer. The department of transportation shall issue permits on a temporary basis for periods not less than five days at two dollars and eighty cents per day for each two thousands pounds or fraction thereof.

The fees levied in RCW 46.44.0941 and this section shall not apply to any vehicles owned and operated by the state of Washington, any county within the state, ((or)) any city or town or metropolitan municipal corporation within the state, or by the federal government.

In the case of fleets prorating license fees under the provisions of chapter 46.87 RCW, the fees provided for in this section shall be computed by the department of transportation by applying the proportion of the Washington mileage of the fleet in question to the total mileage of the fleet as reported pursuant to chapter 46.87 RCW to the fees that would be required to purchase the additional weight allowance for all eligible vehicles or combinations of vehicles for which the extra weight allowance is requested.

When computing fees that result in an amount other than full dollars, the fee shall be increased to the next full dollar if fifty cents or over and shall be reduced to the next full dollar if forty-nine cents or under. The minimum fee for any prorated tonnage permit issued under this section shall be thirty-five dollars.

Sec. 15. RCW 46.61.450 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 39 are each amended to read as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle or any combination of vehicles over any bridge or other elevated structure or through any tunnel or underpass constituting a part of any public highway at a rate of speed or with a gross weight or of a size which is greater at any time than the maximum speed or maximum weight or size which can be maintained or carried with safety over any such bridge or structure or through any such tunnel or underpass when such bridge, structure, tunnel, or underpass is sign posted as hereinafter provided. The secretary of transportation, if it be a bridge, structure, tunnel, or underpass upon a state highway, or the governing body or authorities of any county, city, or town, if it be upon roads or streets under their jurisdiction, may restrict the speed which may be maintained or the gross weight or size which may be operated upon or over any such bridge or elevated structure or through any such tunnel or underpass with safety thereto. The secretary or the governing body or authorities of any county, city, or town having jurisdiction shall determine and declare the maximum speed or maximum gross weight or size which such bridge, elevated structure, tunnel, or underpass can withstand or accommodate and shall cause suitable signs stating such maximum speed or maximum gross weight, or size, or either, to be erected and maintained on the right hand side of such highway, road, or street and at a distance of not less than one hundred feet from each end of such bridge, structure, tunnel, or underpass and on the approach thereto: PROVIDED, That in the event that any such bridge, elevated structure, tunnel, or underpass is upon a city street designated by the secretary of transportation ((~~commission~~)) as forming a part of the route of any state highway through any such incorporated city or town the determination of any maximum speed or maximum gross weight or size which such bridge, elevated structure, tunnel, or underpass can withstand or accommodate shall not be enforceable at any speed, weight, or size less than the maximum allowed by law, unless with the approval in writing of the secretary. Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of either violation of maximum speed or maximum weight, or size, or either, and the distance and location of such signs as are required, shall constitute conclusive evidence of the maximum speed or maximum weight, or size, or either, which can be maintained or carried with safety over such bridge or elevated structure or through such tunnel or underpass.

Sec. 16. RCW 47.01.250 and 1990 c 266 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

The chief of the Washington state patrol, the director of the traffic safety commission, the executive director of the county road administration board, and the director of licensing are designated as official consultants to the department of transportation ((~~commission~~)) so that the goals and activities of their respective agencies which relate to transportation are fully coordinated with other related responsibilities of the department of transportation. In this capacity, the chief of the Washington state patrol, the director of the traffic safety commission, the executive director of the county road administration board, and the director of licensing shall consult with the ((~~transportation commission and the~~)) secretary of transportation on the implications and impacts on the transportation related functions and duties of their respective agencies of any proposed comprehensive transportation plan, program, or policy.

In order to develop fully integrated, balanced, and coordinated transportation plans, programs, and budgets the chief of the Washington state patrol, the director of the traffic safety commission, the executive director of the county road administration board, and the director of licensing shall consult with the secretary of transportation on the matter of relative priorities during the development of their respective agencies' plans, programs, and budgets as they pertain to transportation activities. The secretary of transportation shall provide written comments to the governor and the legislature on the extent to which the state patrol's, the traffic safety commission's, the county road administration board's, and the department of licensing's final plans, programs, and budgets are compatible with the priorities established in the department of transportation's final plans, programs, and budgets.

Sec. 17. RCW 47.01.280 and 1985 c 433 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Upon receiving an application for improvements to an existing state highway or highways pursuant to RCW 43.160.074 from the community economic revitalization board, the secretary of transportation ((~~commission~~)) shall, in a timely manner, determine whether or not the proposed state highway improvements:

(a) Meet the safety and design criteria of the department of transportation;

(b) Will impair the operational integrity of the existing highway system;

(d) Will be consistent with its policies developed pursuant to RCW 47.01.071.

(2) Upon completion of ((~~its~~)) the secretary's determination of the factors contained in subsection (1) of this section and any other factors ((it)) the secretary deems pertinent, the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall forward ((~~its~~)) the secretary's approval, as submitted or amended or disapproval of the proposed improvements to the board, along with any recommendation ((it)) the secretary may wish to make concerning the desirability and feasibility of the proposed development. If the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary disapproves any proposed improvements, ((it)) the secretary shall specify ((~~its~~)) the secretary's reasons for disapproval.

(3) Upon notification from the board of an application's approval pursuant to RCW 43.160.074, the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall ((~~direct the department of transportation to~~)) carry out the improvements in coordination with the applicant.

(4) The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall notify the legislative transportation committee of all state highway improvements to be carried out pursuant to RCW 43.160.074 and this section.

(5) All state highway improvements that are approved pursuant to RCW 43.160.074 and this section shall be charged to the economic development account of the motor vehicle fund created by RCW 47.10.803.

Sec. 18. RCW 47.05.021 and 1987 c 505 s 50 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The ((~~transportation commission is hereby directed to~~)) secretary shall conduct periodic analyses of the entire state highway system, report thereon to the chairs of the transportation committees of the senate and house of representatives, including one copy to the staff of each of the committees, biennially and based thereon, to subdivide, classify, and subclassify according to their function and importance all designated state highways and those added from time to time and periodically review and revise the classifications into the following three functional classes:

(a) The "principal arterial system" shall consist of a connected network of rural arterial routes with appropriate extensions into and through urban areas, including all routes designated as part of the interstate system, which serve corridor movements having travel characteristics indicative of substantial state-wide and interstate travel;

(b) The "minor arterial system" shall, in conjunction with the principal arterial system, form a rural network of arterial routes linking cities and other activity centers which generate long distance travel, and, with appropriate extensions into and through urban areas, form an integrated network providing interstate and interregional service; and

(c) The "collector system" shall consist of routes which primarily serve the more important intercounty, intracounty, and intraurban travel corridors, collect traffic from the system of local access roads and convey it to the arterial system, and on which, regardless of traffic volume, the predominant travel distances are shorter than on arterial routes.

(2) Those state highways which perform no arterial or collector function, which serve only local access functions, and which lack essential state highway characteristics shall be designated "local access" highways.

(3) In making the functional classification the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall adopt and give consideration to criteria consistent with this section and federal regulations relating to the functional classification of highways, including but not limited to the following:

(a) Urban population centers within and without the state stratified and ranked according to size;

(b) Important traffic generating economic activities, including but not limited to recreation, agriculture, government, business, and industry;

(d) Directness of travel and distance between points of economic importance;

(e) Length of trips;

(f) Character and volume of traffic;

(g) Preferential consideration for multiple service which shall include public transportation;

(h) Reasonable spacing depending upon population density; and

(i) System continuity.

Sec. 19. RCW 47.05.030 and 1987 c 179 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall adopt and periodically revise, after consultation with the legislative transportation committee, a comprehensive six-year program and financial plan for highway improvements specifying program objectives for each of the highway categories, "A," "B," "C," and "H," defined in this section, and within the framework of estimated funds for such period. The program and plan shall be based upon the improvement needs for state highways as determined by the department from time to time.

With such reasonable deviations as may be required to effectively utilize the estimated funds and to adjust to unanticipated delays in programmed projects, the ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall allocate the estimated funds among the following described categories of highway improvements, so as to carry out the commission's program objectives:

(1) Category A shall consist of those improvements necessary to sustain the structural, safety, and operational integrity of the existing state highway system (other than improvements to the interstate system to be funded with federal aid at the regular interstate rate under federal law and regulations, and improvements designated in subsections (2) through (4) of this section).

(2) Category B shall consist of improvements for the continued development of the interstate system to be funded with federal aid at the regular interstate rate under federal law and regulations.

(3) Category C shall consist of the development of major transportation improvements (other than improvements to the interstate system to be funded with federal aid at the regular interstate rate under federal law and regulations) including designated but unconstructed highways which are vital to the state-wide transportation network.

(4) Category H shall consist of those improvements necessary to sustain the structural and operational integrity of existing bridges on the highway system (other than bridges on the interstate system or bridge work included in another category because of its association with a highway project in such category).

Projects which are financed one hundred percent by federal funds or other agency funds shall, if the commission determines that such work will improve the state highway system, be managed separately from the above categories.

Sec. 20. RCW 47.05.035 and 1987 c 179 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, in preparing the comprehensive six-year program and financial plan for highway improvements, shall allocate the estimated funds among categories A, B, C, and H giving primary consideration to the following factors:

(a) The relative needs in each of the categories of improvements;

(b) The need to provide adequate funding for category A improvements to protect the state's investment in its existing highway system;

(d) The availability of special categories of federal funds for specific work.

(2) The ((~~commission~~)) secretary in preparing the comprehensive six-year program and financial plan shall establish program objectives for each of the highway categories, A, B, C, and H.

Sec. 21. RCW 47.05.040 and 1987 c 179 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Prior to October 1st of each even-numbered year, the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, as provided in subsections (2)((~~, (3), (4), and~~)) through (5) of this section, shall adopt and thereafter shall biennially revise, after consultation with the legislative transportation committee, the comprehensive six-year program and financial plan for highway improvements, including program objectives, as specified in RCW 47.05.030 ((~~as now or hereafter amended~~)).

(2) The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall first allocate to category A improvements as a whole the estimated construction funds as will be necessary to accomplish the ((~~commission's~~)) program objectives for category A highway improvements throughout the state. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall then apportion the allocated category A construction funds among the several transportation districts considering the improvement needs of each district in relation to such needs in all districts.

(3) The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall next allocate to category B improvements the estimated federal aid interstate funds and state matching funds as necessary to accomplish the ((~~commission's~~)) program objectives for category B highway improvements throughout the state.

(4) The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall next allocate to category H the federal bridge replacement funds and required state funds necessary to accomplish the ((~~commission's~~)) objectives for category H throughout the state.

(5) The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall then allocate to category C improvements the remaining estimated construction funds to accomplish the ((~~commission's~~)) program objectives for category C highway improvements throughout the state.

Sec. 22. RCW 47.05.051 and 1987 c 179 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The comprehensive six-year program and financial plan for each category of highway improvements shall be based upon a priority selection system within the program objectives established for each category. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary, using the criteria set forth in RCW 47.05.030, ((~~as now or hereafter amended,~~)) shall determine the category of each highway improvement.

(2) Selection of specific category A and H projects for the six-year program shall take into account the criteria set forth in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) Selection of specific category B projects for the six-year program shall be based on ((~~commission~~)) established priorities for completion and preservation of the interstate system.

(4) In selecting each category A and H project as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the following criteria (not necessarily in order of importance) shall be taken into consideration:

(a) Its structural ability to carry loads imposed upon it;

(b) Its capacity to move traffic at reasonable speeds without undue congestion;

(d) Its accident experience; and

(e) Its fatal accident experience.

(5) ((The transportation commission in carrying out the provisions of this section may delegate to the department of transportation the authority to select category A, B, and H improvements to be included in the six-year program.

~~(6)~~)) Selection of specific category C projects for the six-year program shall be based on the priority of each highway section proposed to be improved in relation to other highway sections within the state with full regard to the structural, geometric, safety, and operational adequacy of the existing highway section taking into account the following:

(a) Continuity of development of the highway transportation network;

(b) Coordination with the development of other modes of transportation;

(d) Its potential social, economic, and environmental impacts;

(e) Public views concerning proposed improvements;

(f) The conservation of energy resources and the capacity of the transportation corridor to move people and goods safely and at reasonable speeds; and

(g) Feasibility of financing the full proposed improvement.

((~~(7)~~)) (6) The ((~~commission~~)) secretary, in selecting any project for improvement in categories A, B, C, or H, may depart from the priority of projects so established (a) to the extent that otherwise funds cannot be utilized feasibly within the program, (b) as may be required by a court judgment, legally binding agreement, or state and federal laws and regulations, (c) as may be required to coordinate with federal, local, or other state agency construction projects, (d) to take advantage of some substantial financial benefit that may be available, (e) for continuity of route development, or (f) because of changed financial or physical conditions of an unforeseen or emergent nature. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall maintain in ((~~its~~)) his or her files information sufficient to show the extent to which the ((~~commission~~)) secretary has departed from the established priority of projects.

((~~(8)~~)) (7) The comprehensive six-year program and financial plan for highway improvements shall be revised biennially pursuant to RCW 47.05.040 ((~~as now or hereafter amended~~)). The adopted program and plan shall be extended for an additional two years, to six years in the future, effective on July 1st of each odd-numbered year.

Sec. 23. RCW 47.05.070 and 1983 1st ex.s. c 53 s 31 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall approve and present to the governor and to the legislature prior to its convening, a recommended budget for the ensuing biennium. The biennial budget shall include details of proposed expenditures, and performance and public service criteria for construction, maintenance, and planning activities in consonance with the comprehensive six-year program and financial plan adopted under provisions of RCW 44.40.070 and 47.05.040.

Sec. 24. RCW 47.10.790 and 1985 c 406 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In order to provide funds for the location, design, right of way, and construction of selected interstate highway improvements, there shall be issued and sold upon the request of the Washington state transportation commission, a total of one hundred million dollars of general obligation bonds of the state of Washington to pay the state's share of costs for completion of state route 90 (state route 5 to state route 405) and other related state highway projects eligible for regular federal interstate funding and until December 31, 1989, to temporarily pay the regular federal share of construction of completion projects on state route 90 (state route 5 to state route 405) and other related state highway projects eligible for regular interstate funding in advance of federal-aid apportionments under the provisions of 23 U.S.C. Secs. 115 or 122: PROVIDED, That the total amount of bonds issued to temporarily pay the regular federal share of construction of federal-aid interstate highways in advance of federal-aid apportionments as authorized by this section and RCW 47.10.801 shall not exceed one hundred twenty million dollars: PROVIDED FURTHER, That after the effective date of this act, bonds may be issued and sold under this section only upon the request of the secretary of transportation: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall consult with the legislative transportation committee prior to the adoption of plans for the obligation of federal-aid apportionments received in federal fiscal year ((~~1985~~)) 1991 and subsequent years to pay the regular federal share of federal-aid interstate highway construction projects or to convert such apportionments under the provisions of 23 U.S.C. Secs. 115 or 122.

(2) The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, in consultation with the legislative transportation committee, may at any time after the effective date of this act find and determine that any amount of the bonds authorized in subsection (1) of this section, and not then sold, are no longer required to be issued and sold for the purposes described in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Any bonds authorized by subsection (1) of this section that the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary determines are no longer required for the purpose of paying the cost of the designated interstate highway improvements described therein shall be issued and sold, upon the request of the ((~~Washington state transportation commission~~)) secretary, to provide funds for the location, design, right of way, and construction of major transportation improvements throughout the state that are identified as category C improvements in RCW 47.05.030.

Sec. 25. RCW 47.10.791 and 1986 c 290 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:

Upon request being made by the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, the state finance committee shall supervise and provide for the issuance, sale, and retirement of the bonds authorized by RCW 47.10.790 in accordance with the provisions of chapter 39.42 RCW. The amount of such bonds issued and sold under the provisions of RCW 47.10.790 through 47.10.798 in any biennium may not exceed the amount of a specific appropriation therefor. Such bonds may be sold from time to time in such amounts as may be necessary for the orderly progress of the state highway improvements specified in RCW 47.10.790. The bonds shall be sold in such manner, at such time or times, in such amounts, and at such price or prices as the state finance committee shall determine. The state finance committee may obtain insurance, letters of credit, or other credit facility devices with respect to the bonds and may authorize the execution and delivery of agreements, promissory notes, and other obligations for the purpose of insuring the payment or enhancing the marketability of the bonds. Promissory notes or other obligations issued under this section shall not constitute a debt or the contracting of indebtedness under any constitutional or statutory indebtedness limitation if their payment is conditioned upon the failure of the state to pay the principal of or interest on the bonds with respect to which the promissory notes or other obligations relate. The state finance committee may authorize the issuance of short-term obligations in lieu of long-term obligations for the purposes of more favorable interest rates, lower total interest costs, and increased marketability and for the purposes of retiring the bonds during the life of the project for which they were issued.

Sec. 26. RCW 47.10.801 and 1985 c 433 s 7 and 1985 c 406 s 2 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(1) In order to provide funds necessary for the location, design, right of way, and construction of selected interstate and other state highway improvements, there shall be issued and sold, subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, upon the request of the Washington state transportation commission a total of four hundred sixty million dollars of general obligation bonds of the state of Washington for the following purposes and specified sums: PROVIDED, That after the effective date of this act, bonds may be issued and sold under this section only upon the request of the secretary of transportation:

(a) Not to exceed two hundred twenty-five million dollars to pay the state's share of costs for federal-aid interstate highway improvements and until December 31, 1989, to temporarily pay the regular federal share of construction of federal-aid interstate highway improvements to complete state routes 82, 90, 182, and 705 in advance of federal-aid apportionments under the provisions of 23 U.S.C. Secs. 115 or 122: PROVIDED, That the total amount of bonds issued to temporarily pay the regular federal share of construction of federal-aid interstate highways in advance of federal-aid apportionments as authorized by this section and RCW 47.10.790 shall not exceed one hundred twenty million dollars: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall consult with the legislative transportation committee prior to the adoption of plans for the obligation of federal-aid apportionments received in federal fiscal year ((~~1985~~)) 1991 and subsequent years to pay the regular federal share of federal-aid interstate highway construction projects or to convert such apportionments under the provisions of 23 U.S.C. Secs. 115 or 122;

(b) Two hundred twenty-five million dollars for major transportation improvements throughout the state that are identified as category C improvements and for selected major non-interstate construction and reconstruction projects that are included as Category A Improvements in RCW 47.05.030;

(c) Ten million dollars for state highway improvements necessitated by planned economic development, as determined through the procedures set forth in RCW 43.160.074 and 47.01.280.

(2) The amount of bonds authorized in subsection (1)(a) of this section shall be reduced if the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, in consultation with the legislative transportation committee, determines that any of the bonds that have not been sold are no longer required.

(3) The amount of bonds authorized in subsection (1)(b) of this section shall be increased by an amount not to exceed, and concurrent with, any reduction of bonds authorized under subsection (1)(a) of this section in the manner prescribed in subsection (2) of this section.

Sec. 27. RCW 47.10.802 and 1986 c 290 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

Upon request being made by the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, the state finance committee shall supervise and provide for the issuance, sale, and retirement of the bonds authorized by RCW 47.10.801 in accordance with chapter 39.42 RCW. The amount of such bonds issued and sold under RCW 47.10.801 through 47.10.809 in any biennium may not exceed the amount of a specific appropriation therefor. Such bonds may be sold from time to time in such amounts as may be necessary for the orderly progress of the state highway improvements specified in RCW 47.10.801. The amount of bonds issued and sold under RCW 47.10.801(1)(a) in any biennium shall not, except as provided in that section, exceed the amount required to match federal-aid interstate funds available to the state of Washington. The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall give notice of ((~~its~~)) intent to sell bonds to the legislative transportation committee before requesting the state finance committee to issue and sell bonds authorized by RCW 47.10.801(1)(a). The bonds shall be sold in such manner, at such time or times, in such amounts, and at such price or prices as the state finance committee shall determine. The state finance committee may obtain insurance, letters of credit, or other credit facility devices with respect to the bonds and may authorize the execution and delivery of agreements, promissory notes, and other obligations for the purpose of insuring the payment or enhancing the marketability of the bonds. Promissory notes or other obligations issued under this section shall not constitute a debt or the contracting of indebtedness under any constitutional or statutory indebtedness limitation if their payment is conditioned upon the failure of the state to pay the principal of or interest on the bonds with respect to which the promissory notes or other obligations relate. The state finance committee may authorize the issuance of short-term obligations in lieu of long-term obligations for the purposes of more favorable interest rates, lower total interest costs, and increased marketability and for the purposes of retiring the bonds during the life of the project for which they were issued.

Sec. 28. RCW 47.12.200 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 55 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary may enter into agreements with the state finance committee for financing the acquisition, by purchase or condemnation, of real property together with engineering costs that the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary deems will be necessary for the improvement of the state highway system. Such agreements may provide for the acquisition of an individual parcel or for the acquisition of any number of parcels within the limits of a contemplated highway project.

Sec. 29. RCW 47.12.220 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 56 are each amended to read as follows:

Each such agreement shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:

(1) A provision stating the term of the agreement which shall not extend more than seven years from the effective date of the agreement;

(2) A designation of the specific fund or funds to be used to carry out such agreement;

(3) A provision that the department of transportation may redeem warrants purchased by the state finance committee at any time prior to the letting of a highway improvement contract utilizing the property; and further, during the effective period of each such agreement the department of transportation shall redeem such warrants whenever such a highway improvement contract is let, or upon the expiration of such agreement, whichever date is earlier;

(4) A provision stating the rate of interest such warrants shall bear commencing at the time of purchase by the state finance committee;

(5) Any additional provisions agreed upon by the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary and the state finance committee which are necessary to carry out the purposes of such agreement as indicated by RCW 47.12.180 through 47.12.240((~~, as now or hereafter amended~~)).

Sec. 30. RCW 47.24.010 and 1979 ex.s. c 86 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall determine what streets, together with bridges thereon and wharves necessary for use for ferriage of motor vehicle traffic in connection with such streets, if any, in any incorporated cities and towns shall form a part of the route of state highways, and between the first and fifteenth days of July of any year the department of transportation shall certify to the clerk of each city or town, by brief description, the streets, together with the bridges thereon and wharves, if any, in such city or town which are designated as forming a part of the route of any state highway; and all such streets, including curbs and gutters and street intersections and such bridges and wharves, shall thereafter be a part of the state highway system and as such shall be constructed and maintained by the department of transportation from any state funds available therefor: PROVIDED, That the responsibility for the construction and maintenance of any such street together with its appurtenances may be returned to a city or a town upon certification by the department of transportation to the clerk of any city or town that such street, or portion thereof, is no longer required as a part of the state highway system: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any such certification that a street, or portion thereof, is no longer required as a part of the state highway system shall be made between the first and fifteenth of July following the determination by the department that such street or portion thereof is no longer required as a part of the state highway system, but this shall not prevent the department and any city or town from entering into an agreement that a city or town will accept responsibility for such a street or portion thereof at some time other than between the first and fifteenth of July of any year.

Sec. 31. RCW 47.24.020 and 1987 c 68 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The jurisdiction, control, and duty of the state and city or town with respect to such streets shall be as follows:

(1) The department has no authority to change or establish any grade of any such street without approval of the governing body of such city or town, except with respect to limited access facilities established by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary;

(2) The city or town shall exercise full responsibility for and control over any such street beyond the curbs and if no curb is installed, beyond that portion of the highway used for highway purposes. However, within incorporated cities and towns the title to a state limited access highway vests in the state, and, notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department shall exercise full jurisdiction, responsibility, and control to and over such facility as provided in chapter 47.52 RCW;

(3) The department has authority to prohibit the suspension of signs, banners, or decorations above the portion of such street between the curbs or portion used for highway purposes up to a vertical height of twenty feet above the surface of the roadway;

(4) The city or town shall at its own expense maintain all underground facilities in such streets, and has the right to construct such additional underground facilities as may be necessary in such streets;

(5) The city or town has the right to grant the privilege to open the surface of any such street, but all damage occasioned thereby shall promptly be repaired either by the city or town itself or at its direction;

(6) The city or town at its own expense shall provide street illumination and shall clean all such streets, including storm sewer inlets and catch basins, and remove all snow, except that the state shall when necessary plow the snow on the roadway. In cities and towns having a population of fifteen thousand or less according to the latest determination of population by the office of financial management, the state, when necessary for public safety, shall assume, at its expense, responsibility for the stability of the slopes of cuts and fills and the embankments within the right of way to protect the roadway itself. The state shall install, maintain, and operate all illuminating facilities on any limited access facility, together with its interchanges, located within the corporate limits of any city or town, and shall assume and pay the costs of all such installation, maintenance, and operation incurred after November 1, 1954;

(7) The department has the right to use all storm sewers on such highways without cost; and if new storm sewer facilities are necessary in construction of new streets by the department, the cost of the facilities shall be borne by the state ((~~and/~~))or city, or both, as may be mutually agreed upon between the department and the governing body of the city or town;

(8) Cities and towns have exclusive right to grant franchises not in conflict with state laws, over, beneath, and upon such streets, but the department is authorized to enforce in an action brought in the name of the state any condition of any franchise which a city or town has granted on such street. No franchise for transportation of passengers in motor vehicles may be granted on such streets without the approval of the department, but the department shall not refuse to approve such franchise unless another street conveniently located and of strength of construction to sustain travel of such vehicles is accessible;

(9) Every franchise or permit granted any person by a city or town for use of any portion of such street by a public utility shall require the grantee or permittee to restore, repair, and replace to its original condition any portion of the street damaged or injured by it;

(10) The city or town has the right to issue overload or overwidth permits for vehicles to operate on such streets or roads subject to regulations printed and distributed to the cities and towns by the department;

(11) Cities and towns shall regulate and enforce all traffic and parking restrictions on such streets, but all regulations adopted by a city or town relating to speed, parking, and traffic control devices on such streets not identical to state law relating thereto are subject to the approval of the department before becoming effective. All regulations pertaining to speed, parking, and traffic control devices relating to such streets heretofore adopted by a city or town not identical with state laws shall become null and void unless approved by the department heretofore or within one year after March 21, 1963;

(12) The department shall erect, control, and maintain at state expense all route markers and directional signs, except street signs, on such streets;

(13) The department shall install, operate, maintain, and control at state expense all traffic control signals, signs, and traffic control devices for the purpose of regulating both pedestrian and motor vehicular traffic on, entering upon, or leaving state highways in cities and towns having a population of fifteen thousand or less according to the latest determination of population by the office of financial management. Such cities and towns may submit to the department a plan for traffic control signals, signs, and traffic control devices desired by them, indicating the location, nature of installation, or type thereof, or a proposed amendment to such an existing plan or installation, and the department shall consult with the cities or towns concerning the plan before installing such signals, signs, or devices. Cities and towns having a population in excess of fifteen thousand according to the latest determination of population by the office of financial management shall install, maintain, operate, and control such signals, signs, and devices at their own expense, subject to approval of the department for the installation and type only. For the purpose of this subsection, striping, lane marking, and channelization are considered traffic control devices;

(14) All revenue from parking meters placed on such streets belongs to the city or town;

(15) Rights of way for such streets shall be acquired by either the city or town or by the state as shall be mutually agreed upon. Costs of acquiring rights of way may be at the sole expense of the state or at the expense of the city or town or at the expense of the state and the city or town as may be mutually agreed upon. Title to all such rights of way so acquired shall vest in the city or town: PROVIDED, That no vacation, sale, rental, or any other nontransportation use of any unused portion of any such street may be made by the city or town without the prior written approval of the department; and all revenue derived from sale, vacation, rental, or any nontransportation use of such rights of way shall be shared by the city or town and the state in the same proportion as the purchase costs were shared;

(16) If any city or town fails to perform any of its obligations as set forth in this section or in any cooperative agreement entered into with the department for the maintenance of a city or town street forming part of the route of a state highway, the department may notify the mayor of the city or town to perform the necessary maintenance within thirty days. If the city or town within the thirty days fails to perform the maintenance or fails to authorize the department to perform the maintenance as provided by RCW 47.24.050, the department may perform the maintenance, the cost of which is to be deducted from any sums in the motor vehicle fund credited or to be credited to the city or town.

Sec. 32. RCW 47.26.400 and 1984 c 7 s 161 are each amended to read as follows:

In order to provide funds necessary to meet the urgent needs for highway construction on state highways within urban areas, there shall be issued and sold general obligation bonds of the state of Washington in the sum of two hundred million dollars or such amount thereof and at such times as determined to be necessary by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary. The amount of the bonds issued and sold under the provisions of RCW 47.26.400 through 47.26.407 in any biennium shall not exceed the amount of a specific appropriation therefor from the proceeds of such bonds, for the construction of state highways in urban areas. The issuance, sale, and retirement of the bonds shall be under the supervision and control of the state finance committee which, upon request being made by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary, shall provide for the issuance, sale, and retirement of coupon or registered bonds to be dated, issued, and sold from time to time in such amounts as shall be requested by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary.

Sec. 33. RCW 47.26.420 and 1981 c 315 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

In order to provide funds necessary to meet the urgent construction needs on county and city arterial within urban areas, there are hereby authorized for issuance general obligation bonds of the state of Washington, the first authorization of which shall be in the sum of two hundred million dollars, and the second authorization of which, to be known as series II bonds, shall be in the sum of sixty million dollars, and the third authorization of which, to be known as series III bonds, shall be in the sum of one hundred million dollars which shall be issued and sold in such amounts and at such times as determined to be necessary by the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation. The amount of such bonds issued and sold under the provisions of RCW 47.26.420 through 47.26.427 in any biennium shall not exceed the amount of a specific appropriation therefor, from the proceeds of such bonds, for the construction of county and city arterial in urban areas. The issuance, sale, and retirement of said bonds shall be under the supervision and control of the state finance committee which, upon request being made by the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary, shall provide for the issuance, sale, and retirement of coupon or registered bonds to be dated, issued, and sold from time to time in such amounts as shall be requested by the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary.

Sec. 34. RCW 47.26.440 and 1988 c 167 s 32 are each amended to read as follows:

Not later than November 1st of each even-numbered year the transportation improvement board shall prepare and present to the ((~~commission~~)) secretary of transportation an adopted budget for expenditures from the urban arterial trust account and the transportation improvement account during the ensuing biennium. The budget shall contain an estimate of the revenues to be credited to the urban arterial trust account and the transportation improvement account and the amount, if any, of bond proceeds which the board determines should be made available to the urban arterial trust account through the sale of bonds in the ensuing biennium.

The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall include the budget for the transportation improvement board as a separate section of the transportation budget which ((it)) the secretary shall submit to the governor and the legislature at the time of its convening.

Sec. 35. RCW 47.28.010 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 59 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever the general route of any state highway shall be designated and laid out as running to or by way of certain designated points, without specifying the particular route to be followed to or by way of such points, the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall determine the particular route to be followed by ((~~said~~)) the state highway to or by way of said designated points, and shall be at liberty to select and adopt as a part of such state highway, the whole or any part of any existing public highway previously designated as a county road, primary road, or secondary road or now or hereafter classified as a county road. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary need not select and adopt the entire routes for such state highways at one time, but may select and adopt parts of such routes from time to time as ((it)) the secretary deems advisable. Where a state highway is designated as passing by way of a certain point, this shall not require the ((~~commission~~)) secretary to cause such state highway to pass through or touch such point but such designation is directional only and may be complied with by location in the general vicinity. The department of transportation is empowered to construct as a part of any state highway as designated and in addition to any portion meeting the limits of any incorporated city or town a bypass section either through or around any such incorporated city or town.

Sec. 36. RCW 47.28.170 and 1990 c 265 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Whenever the department finds that as a consequence of accident, natural disaster, or other emergency, an existing state highway is in jeopardy or is rendered impassible in one or both directions and the department further finds that prompt reconstruction, repair, or other work is needed to preserve or restore the highway for public travel, the department may obtain at least three written bids for the work without publishing a call for bids, and the secretary of transportation may award a contract forthwith to the lowest responsible bidder.

The department shall notify any association or organization of contractors filing a request to regularly receive notification. Notification to an association or organization of contractors shall include: (a) The location of the work to be done; (b) the general anticipated nature of the work to be done; and (c) the date determined by the department as reasonable in view of the nature of the work and emergent nature of the problem after which the department will not receive bids.

(2) Whenever the department finds it necessary to protect a highway facility from imminent damage or to perform emergency work to reopen a highway facility, the department may contract for such work on a negotiated basis not to exceed force account rates for a period not to exceed thirty working days.

(3) ((The secretary shall review any contract exceeding two hundred thousand dollars awarded under subsection (1) or (2) of this section with the transportation commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

~~(4)~~)) Any person, firm, or corporation awarded a contract for work must be prequalified pursuant to RCW 47.28.070 and may be required to furnish a bid deposit or performance bond.

Sec. 37. RCW 47.42.040 and 1990 c 258 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

It is declared to be the policy of the state that no signs which are visible from the main traveled way of the interstate system, primary system, or scenic system shall be erected or maintained except the following types:

(1) Directional or other official signs or notices that are required or authorized by law;

(2) Signs advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located;

(3) Signs advertising activities conducted on the property on which they are located;

(4) Signs, not inconsistent with the policy of this chapter and the national policy set forth in section 131 of title 23, United States Code as codified and enacted by Public Law 85-767 and amended only by section 106, Public Law 86-342, and the national standards promulgated thereunder by the secretary of commerce or the secretary of transportation, advertising activities being conducted at a location within twelve miles of the point at which such signs are located: PROVIDED, That no sign lawfully erected pursuant to this subsection adjacent to the interstate system and outside commercial and industrial areas shall be maintained by any person after three years from May 10, 1971;

(5) Signs, not inconsistent with the policy of this chapter and the national policy set forth in section 131 of title 23, United States Code as codified and enacted by Public Law 85-767 and amended only by section 106, Public Law 86-342, and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the secretary of commerce or the secretary of transportation, designed to give information in the specific interest of the traveling public: PROVIDED, That no sign lawfully erected pursuant to this subsection adjacent to the interstate system and outside commercial and industrial areas shall be maintained by any person after three years from May 10, 1971;

(6) Signs lawfully in existence on October 22, 1965, determined by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary, subject to the approval of the United States secretary of transportation, to be landmark signs, including signs on farm structures or natural surfaces, of historic or artistic significance the preservation of which would be consistent with the purposes of chapter 47.42 RCW;

(7) Public service signs, located on school bus stop shelters, which:

(a) Identify the donor, sponsor, or contributor of said shelters;

(b) Contain safety slogans or messages which occupy not less than sixty percent of the area of the sign;

(d) Are located on school bus shelters which are authorized or approved by city, county, or state law, regulation, or ordinance, and at places approved by the city, county, or state agency controlling the highway involved; and

(e) Do not exceed thirty-two square feet in area. Not more than one sign on each shelter may face in any one direction.

Subsection (7) of this section notwithstanding, the department of transportation shall adopt regulations relating to the appearance of school bus shelters, the placement, size, and public service content of public service signs located thereon, and the prominence of the identification of the donors, sponsors, or contributors of the shelters.

(8) Temporary agricultural directional signs, with the following restrictions:

(a) Signs shall be posted only during the period of time the seasonal agricultural product is being sold;

(b) Signs shall not be placed adjacent to the interstate highway system unless the sign qualifies as an on-premise sign;

(d) Premises on which the seasonal agricultural products are sold must be within fifteen miles of the state highway, and necessary supplemental signing on local roads must be provided before the installation of the signs on the state highway;

(e) Signs must be located so as not to restrict sight distances on approaches to intersections;

(f) The department shall establish a permit system and fee schedule and rules for the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of these signs in accordance with the policy of this chapter;

(g) Signs in violation of these provisions shall be removed in accordance with the procedures in RCW 47.42.080;

(9) Adopt-a-highway signs, with the following restrictions:

(a) Signs shall be designed by the department and may only include the words "adopt-a-highway litter control next XX miles" and the name of the litter control area sponsor. The sponsor's name shall not be displayed more predominantly than the remainder of the sign message. No trademarks or business logos may be displayed;

(b) Signs may be placed along interstate, primary, and scenic system highways;

(c) For each litter control area designated by the department, one sign may be placed visible to traffic approaching from each direction;

(d) Signs shall be located so as not to detract from official traffic control signs installed pursuant to the manual on uniform traffic control devices adopted by the department;

(e) Signs shall be located so as not to restrict sight distance on approaches to intersections or interchanges;

(f) The department may charge reasonable fees to defray the cost of manufacture, installation, and maintenance of adopt-a-highway signs.

Only signs of types 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 may be erected or maintained within view of the scenic system. Signs of types 7, 8, and 9 may also be erected or maintained within view of the federal aid primary system.

Sec. 38. RCW 47.42.045 and 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 55 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Not more than one type 3 sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on an interstate system, primary system outside an incorporated city or town or commercial or industrial area, or scenic system highway may be permitted more than fifty feet from the advertised activity;

(2) A type 3 sign, other than one along any portion of the primary system within an incorporated city or town or within any commercial or industrial area, permitted more than fifty feet from the advertised activity pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall not be erected or maintained a greater distance from the advertised activity than one of the following options selected by the owner of the business being advertised:

(a) One hundred fifty feet measured along the edge of the protected highway from the main entrance to the activity advertised (when applicable);

(b) One hundred fifty feet from the main building of the advertised activity; or

(3) In addition to signs permitted by subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the ((~~commission~~)) secretary may adopt ((~~regulations~~)) rules permitting one type 3 sign visible to traffic proceeding in any one direction on an interstate, primary, or scenic system highway on premises which, on June 25, 1976, are used wholly or in part as an operating business, farm, ranch, or orchard which sign bears only the name of the business, farm, ranch, or orchard and a directional arrow or short directional message. ((~~Regulations~~)) Rules adopted under this subsection shall prohibit the erection or maintenance of such type 3 signs on narrow strips of land a substantial distance from but connected with a business, farm, ranch, or orchard. Signs permitted under this subsection shall not exceed fifty square feet in area.

(4) The ((~~commission~~)) secretary, with advice from the parks and recreation commission, shall adopt specifications for a uniform system of official tourist facility directional signs to be used on the scenic system highways. Official directional signs shall be posted by the ((~~commission~~)) department to inform motorists of types of tourist and recreational facilities available off the scenic system which are accessible by way of public or private roads intersecting scenic system highways.

Sec. 39. RCW 47.52.133 and 1987 c 200 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Except as provided in RCW 47.52.134, the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary and the highway authorities of the counties and incorporated cities and towns, with regard to facilities under their respective jurisdictions, prior to the establishment of any limited access facility, shall hold a public hearing within the county, city, or town wherein the limited access facility is to be established to determine the desirability of the plan proposed by such authority. Notice of such hearing shall be given to the owners of property abutting the section of any existing highway, road, or street being established as a limited access facility, as indicated in the tax rolls of the county, and in the case of a state limited access facility, to the county and/or city or town. Such notice shall be by United States mail in writing, setting forth a time for the hearing, which time shall be not less than fifteen days after mailing of such notice. Notice of such hearing also shall be given by publication not less than fifteen days prior to such hearing in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the county, city, or town. Such notice by publication shall be deemed sufficient as to any owner or reputed owner or any unknown owner or owner who cannot be located. Such notice shall indicate a suitable location where plans for such proposal may be inspected.

Sec. 40. RCW 47.52.145 and 1981 c 95 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever after the final adoption of a plan for a limited access highway by the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, an additional design public hearing with respect to the facility or any portion thereof is conducted pursuant to federal law resulting in a revision of the design of the limited access plan, the ((~~commission~~)) secretary may modify the previously adopted limited access plan to conform to the revised design without further public hearings providing the following conditions are met:

(1) As compared with the previously adopted limited access plan, the revised plan will not require additional or different right of way with respect to that section of highway for which the design has been revised, in excess of five percent by area; and

(2) If the previously adopted limited access plan was modified by a board of review convened at the request of a county, city, or town, the legislative authority of the county, city, or town shall approve any revisions of the plan which conflict with modifications ordered by the board of review.

Sec. 41. RCW 47.52.210 and 1981 c 95 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Whenever the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary adopts a plan for a limited access highway to be constructed within the corporate limits of a city or town which incorporates existing city or town streets, title to such streets shall remain in the city or town, and the provisions of RCW 47.24.020 as now or hereafter amended shall continue to apply to such streets until such time that the highway is operated as either a partially or fully controlled access highway. Title to and full control over that portion of the city or town street incorporated into the limited access highway shall be vested in the state upon a declaration by the secretary of transportation that such highway is operational as a limited access facility, but in no event prior to the acquisition of right of way for such highway including access rights, and not later than the final completion of construction of such highway.

(2) Upon the completion of construction of a state limited access highway within a city or town, the department of transportation may relinquish to the city or town streets constructed or improved as a functional part of the limited access highway, slope easements, landscaping areas, and other related improvements to be maintained and operated by the city or town in accordance with the limited access plan. Title to such property relinquished to a city or town shall be conveyed by a deed executed by the secretary of transportation and duly acknowledged. Relinquishment of such property to the city or town may be expressly conditioned upon the maintenance of access control acquired by the state and the continued operation of such property as a functional part of the limited access highway.

Sec. 42. RCW 47.56.030 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 66 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of transportation shall have full charge of the construction of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and the operation and maintenance thereof. The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall determine and establish the tolls and charges thereon, and shall perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to the financing, refinancing, and fiscal management of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by law. The department shall have full charge of design of all toll facilities. The department shall proceed with the construction of such toll bridges and other facilities and the approaches thereto by contract in the manner of state highway construction immediately upon there being made available funds for such work and shall prosecute such work to completion as rapidly as practicable. The department is authorized to negotiate contracts for any amount without bid in order to make repairs to ferries or ferry terminal facilities or removal of such facilities whenever continued use of ferries or ferry terminal facilities constitutes a real or immediate danger to the traveling public or precludes prudent use of such ferries or facilities.

Sec. 43. RCW 47.56.032 and 1984 c 7 s 247 are each amended to read as follows:

All powers vested in the toll bridge authority as of September 21, 1977, relating to the acquiring, operating, extending, designing, constructing, repairing, and maintenance of the Washington state ferries or any part thereof and the collecting of tolls and charges for use of its facilities, shall be performed by the department. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall determine all fares, tolls, and other charges for its facilities and shall directly perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to financing, refinancing, and fiscal management of the system's bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by law.

Sec. 44. RCW 47.56.070 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 67 are each amended to read as follows:

The department of transportation may((~~, with the approval of the transportation commission,~~)) provide for the establishment, construction, and operation of toll tunnels, toll roads, and other facilities necessary for their construction and connection with public highways of the state. It may cause surveys to be made to determine the propriety of their establishment, construction, and operation, and may acquire rights of way and other facilities necessary to carry out the provisions hereof; and may issue, sell, and redeem bonds, and deposit and expend them; secure and remit financial and other assistance in the construction thereof; carry insurance thereon; and handle any other matters pertaining thereto, all of which shall be conducted in the same manner and under the same procedure as provided for the establishing, constructing, operating, and maintaining of toll bridges by the department, insofar as reasonably consistent and applicable. No toll facility, toll bridge, toll road, or toll tunnel, shall be combined with any other toll facility for the purpose of financing unless such facilities form a continuous project, to the end that each such facility or project be self-liquidating and self-sustaining.

Sec. 45. RCW 47.56.080 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 68 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever in the judgment of the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary it is considered in the best interest of the public highways of the state that any new toll bridge or bridges be constructed upon any public highway and across any stream, body of water, gulch, navigable water, swamp, or other topographical formation and operated by the state, the ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall ((~~adopt a resolution declaring~~)), with the advice of the commission, determine in writing that public interest and necessity require the construction of such toll bridge or bridges and ((~~authorizing~~)) authorize the issuance of revenue bonds for the purpose of obtaining funds in an amount not in excess of that estimated to be required for such construction. The issuance of bonds as provided in this chapter for the construction of more than one toll bridge may at the discretion of the ((~~commission~~)) secretary be included in the same authority and issue of bonds.

Sec. 46. RCW 47.56.110 and 1984 c 7 s 255 are each amended to read as follows:

Before the department proceeds with any action to secure a right of way or with construction of any toll bridge under the provisions of this chapter, the ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall first ((~~pass a resolution~~)) determine in writing that public interest and necessity require the acquisition of right of way for and the construction of the toll bridge. The ((~~resolution~~)) determination is conclusive evidence (1) of the public necessity of such construction; (2) that the property is necessary therefor; and (3) that the proposed construction is planned or located in a manner which will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. When it becomes necessary for the department to condemn any real estate to be used in connection with any such bridge, the attorney general of the state shall represent the department. In eminent domain proceedings to acquire property for any of the purposes of this chapter, any toll bridge, real property, personal property, franchises, rights, easements, or other property or privileges appurtenant thereto appropriated or dedicated to a public use or purpose by any person, firm, private, public, or municipal corporation, county, city, town, district, or any political subdivision of the state, may be condemned and taken, and the acquisition and use as provided in this chapter for the same public use or purpose to which the property has been so appropriated or dedicated, or for any other public use or purpose, is a superior and permanent right and necessity, and a more necessary use and purpose than the public use or purpose to which the property has already been appropriated or dedicated. It is not necessary in any eminent domain proceedings under this chapter to plead or prove any acts or proceedings preliminary or prior to the adoption of the resolution hereinbefore referred to describing the property sought to be taken and directing such proceedings.

Sec. 47. RCW 47.56.120 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 70 are each amended to read as follows:

((~~In the event that the transportation commission should~~)) If the secretary determines that any toll bridge should be constructed, all cost thereof including right of way, survey, and engineering shall be paid out of any funds available for payment of the cost of such toll bridge under this chapter.

Sec. 48. RCW 47.56.240 and 1984 c 7 s 265 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~commission is hereby empowered to~~)) secretary may fix the rates of toll and other charges for all toll bridges built under the terms of this chapter. Toll charges so fixed may be changed from time to time as conditions warrant. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary, in establishing toll charges, shall give due consideration to the cost of operating and maintaining such toll bridge or toll bridges including the cost of insurance, and to the amount required annually to meet the redemption of bonds and interest payments on them. The tolls and charges shall be at all times fixed at rates to yield annual revenue equal to annual operating and maintenance expenses including insurance costs and all redemption payments and interest charges of the bonds issued for any particular toll bridge or toll bridges as the bonds become due. The bond redemption and interest payments constitute a first direct and exclusive charge and lien on all such tolls and other revenues and interest thereon. Sinking funds created therefrom received from the use and operation of the toll bridge or toll bridges, and such tolls and revenues together with the interest earned thereon shall constitute a trust fund for the security and payment of such bonds and shall not be used or pledged for any other purpose as long as any of these bonds are outstanding and unpaid.

Sec. 49. RCW 47.56.250 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 71 are each amended to read as follows:

Whenever a proposed toll bridge, toll road, toll tunnel, or any other toll facility of any sort is to be constructed, any city, county, or other political subdivision located in relation to such facility so as to benefit directly or indirectly thereby, may, either jointly or separately, at the request of the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, advance or contribute money, or bonds, rights of way, labor, materials, and other property toward the expense of building the toll facility, and for preliminary surveys and the preparation of plans and estimates of cost therefor and other preliminary expenses. Any such city, county, or other political subdivision may, either jointly or separately, at the request of the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, advance or contribute money or bonds for the purpose of guaranteeing the payment of interest or principal on the bonds issued by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary to finance the toll facility. Appropriations for such purposes may be made from any funds available, including county road funds received from or credited by the state, or funds obtained by excess tax levies made pursuant to law or the issuance of general obligation bonds for this purpose. General obligation bonds issued by a city, county, or political subdivision may with the consent of the ((~~commission~~)) secretary be placed with the department of transportation to be sold by the department to provide funds for such purpose. Money, or bonds, or property so advanced or contributed may be immediately transferred or delivered to the department to be used for the purpose for which contribution was made. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary may enter into an agreement with a city, county, or other political subdivision to repay any money, or bonds or the value of a right of way, labor, materials, or other property so advanced or contributed. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary may make such repayment to a city, county, or other political subdivision and reimburse the state for any expenditures made by it in connection with the toll facility out of tolls and other revenues for the use of the toll facility.

Sec. 50. RCW 47.56.380 and 1984 c 7 s 278 are each amended to read as follows:

The department is authorized to study and if feasible, after approval by the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, to locate, construct, finance, and operate as a toll road, until paid for, an express highway from the vicinity of Tacoma through Seattle to the vicinity of Everett. Right of way shall be acquired as a limited access facility.

Sec. 51. RCW 47.56.741 and 1979 ex.s. c 212 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

If the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary concludes that construction of a toll bridge across the Columbia river at North Richland in the vicinity of the Horn Rapids Road, including approaches, is economically feasible, the department is authorized to enter into agreements with Richland, Benton county, and Franklin county in accordance with RCW 47.56.742.

Sec. 52. RCW 47.56.742 and 1981 c 327 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall not request the issuance of any bonds for the construction of the toll bridge and its approaches unless and until:

(1) Either Richland or Benton county separately or Richland and Benton county jointly agree with the department to maintain to standards prescribed by the department the westerly approach from the bridge to state route number 240 including sections of Horn Rapids Road so long as any bonds issued to pay for the construction of the toll bridge and its approaches remain outstanding.

(2) Franklin county shall agree with the department to maintain to standards prescribed by the department the easterly approach from the bridge to state route number 395 and the approach from the easterly approach road southerly to state route number 182 so long as any bonds issued to pay for the construction of the toll bridge and its approaches remain outstanding.

Sec. 53. RCW 47.56.743 and 1979 ex.s. c 212 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary shall not request the issuance of any bonds for the construction of the toll bridge and its approaches until Benton and Franklin counties and Richland have adopted specific and acceptable plans to assure the funding of their respective obligations as established by the agreements authorized in RCW 47.56.742.

Sec. 54. RCW 47.56.745 and 1981 c 327 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

In order to provide funds for the construction of such bridge and approaches thereto, including but not limited to all costs of survey, acquisition of rights of way, design, engineering, and to pay the interest on the bonds when due during construction and for a period not exceeding six months after the bridge is open to traffic, there shall be issued and sold general obligation bonds of the state of Washington in the principal amount of not to exceed eighty million dollars or such lesser amount thereof, at such times as may be determined to be necessary by the department of transportation. At the request of the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary, the state finance committee may issue additional general obligation bonds of the state of Washington ranking on a parity with the bonds authorized hereinabove and subject to the provisions of RCW 47.56.740 through 47.56.756 ((~~as now amended~~)), to pay the cost of further improving the approaches to the bridge or adding additional bridge lanes or constructing a parallel bridge: PROVIDED, That such additional bonds shall not be issued without further express authorization of the legislature.

Sec. 55. RCW 47.58.030 and 1984 c 7 s 290 are each amended to read as follows:

The secretary shall have full charge of the construction of all such improvements and reconstruction work and the construction of any additional bridge, including approaches and connecting highways, that may be authorized under this chapter and the operation of such bridge or bridges, as well as the collection of tolls and other charges for services and facilities thereby afforded. The schedule of charges for the services and facilities shall be fixed and revised from time to time by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary so that the tolls and revenues collected will yield annual revenue and income sufficient, after payment or allowance for all operating, maintenance, and repair expenses, to pay the interest on all revenue bonds outstanding under the provisions of this chapter for account of the project and to create a sinking fund for the retirement of the revenue bonds at or prior to maturity. The charges shall be continued until all such bonds and interest thereon and unpaid advancements, if any, have been paid.

Sec. 56. RCW 47.60.150 and 1990 c 42 s 405 are each amended to read as follows:

Subject to the provisions of RCW 47.60.326, the schedule of charges for the services and facilities of the system shall be fixed and revised from time to time by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary so that the tolls and revenues collected together with any moneys in the Puget Sound ferry operations account transferred to the ferry system revolving account for maintenance and operation, and all moneys in the Puget Sound capital construction account available for debt service will yield annual revenue and income sufficient, after allowance for all operating, maintenance, and repair expenses to pay the interest and principal and sinking fund charges for all outstanding revenue bonds, and to create and maintain a fund for ordinary renewals and replacements: PROVIDED, That if provision is made by any resolution for the issuance of revenue bonds for the creation and maintenance of a special fund for rehabilitating, rebuilding, enlarging, or improving all or any part of the ferry system then such schedule of tolls and rates of charges shall be fixed and revised so that the revenue and income will also be sufficient to comply with such provision.

All income and revenues as collected shall be paid to the state treasurer for the account of the department as a separate trust fund and to be segregated and disbursed upon order of the department: PROVIDED, That the fund so segregated and set apart for the payment of the revenue bonds may be remitted to and held by a designated trustee in such manner and with such collateral as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of said bonds. No expenditure may be made from the revenue fund established under this section and the bond resolution without an appropriation by law. Nothing in this section requires tolls on the Hood Canal bridge except as may be required by any bond covenants.

Sec. 57. RCW 47.60.326 and 1990 c 42 s 406 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) In order to maintain an adequate, fair, and economically sound schedule of charges for the transportation of passengers, vehicles, and commodities on the Washington state ferries, the department of transportation each year shall conduct a full review of such charges.

(2) ((~~Prior to~~)) Before February 1st of each odd-numbered year the department shall ((~~transmit to the transportation commission a report of its~~)) make a review ((~~together with~~)) and formulate its recommendations for the revision of a schedule of charges for the ensuing biennium. The ((~~commission~~)) secretary on or before July 1st of that year shall adopt as a rule, in the manner provided by the Washington administrative procedure act, a schedule of charges for the Washington state ferries for the ensuing biennium commencing July 1st. The schedule may initially be adopted as an emergency rule if necessary to take effect on, or as near as possible to, July 1st.

(3) The department in making its review and formulating recommendations and the ((~~commission~~)) secretary in adopting a schedule of charges may consider any of the following factors:

(a) The amount of subsidy available to the ferry system for maintenance and operation;

(b) The time and distance of ferry runs;

(c) The maintenance and operation costs for ferry runs with a proper adjustment for higher costs of operating outmoded or less efficient equipment;

(d) The efficient distribution of traffic between cross-sound routes;

(e) The desirability of reasonable commutation rates for persons using the ferry system to commute daily to work;

(f) The effect of proposed fares in increasing walk-on and vehicular passenger use;

(g) The effect of proposed fares in promoting all types of ferry use during nonpeak periods;

(h) Such other factors as prudent managers of a major ferry system would consider.

(4) If at any time during the biennium it appears that projected toll revenues from the ferry system, together with the transfer from the Puget Sound ferry operations account to the ferry system revolving account and any other operating subsidy available to the Washington state ferries, will be less than the projected total cost of maintenance and operation of the Washington state ferries for the biennium, the department shall forthwith undertake a review of its schedule of charges to ascertain whether or not the schedule of charges should be revised. The ((~~department shall, upon completion of its review report, submit its recommendation to the transportation commission which may in its sound discretion~~)) secretary may revise the schedule of charges as required to meet necessary maintenance and operation expenditures of the ferry system for the biennium or may defer action until the regular annual review and revision of ferry charges as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

(5) The provisions of RCW 47.60.330 relating to public participation shall apply to the process of revising ferry tolls under this section.

Sec. 58. RCW 47.60.330 and 1983 c 15 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Before a substantial expansion or curtailment in the level of service provided to ferry users, or a revision in the schedule of ferry tolls or charges, the department of transportation shall consult with affected ferry users. The consultation shall be: (a) By public hearing in affected local communities; (b) by review with the affected ferry advisory committees pursuant to RCW 47.60.310; (c) by conducting a survey of affected ferry users; or (d) by any combination of (a) through (c) of this subsection.

(2) There is created a ferry system productivity council consisting of a representative of each ferry advisory committee empanelled under RCW 47.60.310, elected by the members thereof, and two representatives of employees of the ferry system appointed by mutual agreement of all of the unions representing ferry employees, which shall meet from time to time with ferry system management to discuss means of improving ferry system productivity.

(3) Before increasing ferry tolls the department of transportation shall consider all possible cost reductions with full public participation as provided in subsection (1) of this section and, consistent with public policy, shall consider adapting service levels equitably on a route-by-route basis to reflect trends in and forecasts of traffic usage. Forecasts of traffic levels shall be developed by the bond covenant traffic engineering firm appointed under the provisions of RCW 47.60.450. Provisions of this section shall not alter obligations under RCW 47.60.450. Before including any toll increase in a budget proposal by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary, the department of transportation shall consult with affected ferry users in the manner prescribed in subsection (1)(b) of this section plus the procedure of either subsection (1) (a) or (c) of this section.

Sec. 59. RCW 47.60.440 and 1990 c 42 s 408 are each amended to read as follows:

The Washington state ferry system shall be efficiently managed, operated, and maintained as a revenue-producing undertaking. Subject to the provisions of RCW 47.60.326 the ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall maintain and revise from time to time as necessary a schedule of tolls and charges on said ferry system and, if necessary to comply with bond covenants, on the Hood Canal bridge which together with any moneys in the Puget Sound ferry operations account transferred to the ferry system revolving account for maintenance and operation and all moneys in the Puget Sound capital construction account available for debt service will produce net revenue available for debt service, in each fiscal year, in an amount at least equal to minimum annual debt service requirements as hereinafter provided. Minimum annual debt service requirements as used in this section shall include required payments of principal and interest, sinking fund requirements, and payments into reserves on all outstanding revenue bonds authorized by RCW 47.60.400 through 47.60.470.

The provisions of law relating to the revision of tolls and charges to meet minimum annual debt service requirements from net revenues as required by this section shall be binding upon the ((~~commission~~)) secretary but shall not be deemed to constitute a contract to that effect for the benefit of the holders of such bonds.

Sec. 60. RCW 47.60.450 and 1986 c 66 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

If the net revenue together with all moneys in the Puget Sound capital construction account available for debt service in any fiscal year fail to meet minimum annual debt service for the year, as defined in RCW 47.60.440, the ((~~commission~~)) secretary shall promptly revise the tolls and charges after considering supporting data and recommendations therefor which shall be furnished by a nationally recognized traffic engineering firm retained by the ((~~commission~~)) secretary in the manner provided in the bond proceedings.

Tolls and charges shall not be increased in any case when in the opinion of the engineering firm the increase would so reduce traffic that no net gain in revenue would result. This section is a covenant for the benefit of the holders of the bonds.

Sec. 61. RCW 47.64.011 and 1983 c 15 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this section shall apply.

(1) "Arbitration" means the procedure whereby the parties involved in an impasse submit their differences to a third party for a final and binding decision or as provided in this chapter.

(2) "Arbitrator" means either a single arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators as provided in RCW 47.64.240.

(3) "Collective bargaining representative" means the persons designated by the secretary of transportation and employee organizations to be the exclusive representatives during collective bargaining negotiations.

(4) "Department of transportation" means the department as defined in RCW 47.01.021.

(5) "Ferry employee" means any employee of the marine transportation division of the department of transportation who is a member of a collective bargaining unit represented by a ferry employee organization and does not include an exempt employee pursuant to RCW 41.06.079.

(6) "Ferry employee organization" means any labor organization recognized to represent a collective bargaining unit of ferry employees.

(7) "Ferry system management" means those management personnel of the marine transportation division of the department of transportation who have been vested with the day-to-day management responsibilities of the Washington state ferry system by the ((~~transportation commission~~)) secretary and who are not members of a collective bargaining unit represented by a ferry employee organization.

(8) "Lockout" means the refusal of ferry system management to furnish work to ferry employees in an effort to get ferry employee organizations to make concessions during collective bargaining, grievance, or other labor relation negotiations. Curtailment of employment of ferry employees due to lack of work resulting from a strike or work stoppage, as defined in subsection (11) of this section, shall not be considered a lockout.

(9) "Marine employees' commission" means the commission created in RCW 47.64.280.

(10) "Office of financial management" means the office as created in RCW 43.41.050.

(11) "Strike or work stoppage" means a ferry employee's refusal, in concerted action with others, to report to duty, or his or her willful absence from his or her position, or his or her stoppage or slowdown of work, or his or her abstinence in whole or in part from the full, faithful, and proper performance of the duties of employment, for the purpose of inducing, influencing, or coercing a change in conditions, compensation, rights, privileges, or obligations of his, her, or any other ferry employee's employment. A refusal, in good faith, to work under conditions which pose an endangerment to the health and safety of ferry employees or the public, as determined by the master of the vessel, shall not be considered a strike for the purposes of this chapter.

((~~(12) "Transportation commission" means the commission as defined in RCW 47.01.021.~~))

Sec. 62. RCW 47.64.170 and 1983 c 15 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Any ferry employee organization certified as the bargaining representative shall be the exclusive representative of all ferry employees in the bargaining unit and shall represent all such employees fairly.

(2) A ferry employee organization or organizations and the secretary of transportation may each designate any individual as its representative to engage in collective bargaining negotiations.

(3) Negotiating sessions, including strategy meetings of ferry system management or employee organizations, mediation, and the deliberative process of arbitrators are exempt from the provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW. Hearings conducted by arbitrators may be open to the public by mutual consent of the parties. ((~~Any meeting of the transportation commission, during which a collective bargaining agreement is subject to ratification, shall be open to the public.~~))

(4) Terms of any collective bargaining agreement may be enforced by civil action in Thurston county superior court upon the initiative of either party.

(5) Ferry system employees or any employee organization shall not negotiate or attempt to negotiate directly with ((~~a member of the transportation commission if the commission~~)) the secretary of transportation if the secretary has appointed or authorized a bargaining representative for the purpose of bargaining with the ferry employees or their representative((~~, unless the member of the commission is the designated bargaining representative of the ferry system~~)).

(6) The negotiation of a proposed collective bargaining agreement by representatives of ferry system management and a ferry employee organization shall commence in each odd-numbered year immediately following adoption by the legislature and approval by the governor of the biennial budget.

(7) Until a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated, or until an award is made by the arbitrator, the terms and conditions of the previous collective bargaining agreement shall remain in force. The wage and benefit provisions of any collective bargaining agreement, or arbitrator's award in lieu thereof, that is concluded after July 1st of an odd-numbered year shall be retroactive to July 1st. It is the intent of this section that the collective bargaining agreement or arbitrator's award shall commence on July 1st of each odd-numbered year and shall terminate on June 30th of the next odd-numbered year to coincide with the ensuing biennial budget year, as defined by RCW 43.88.020(7), to the extent practical.

(8) Any ferry union contract terminating before July 1, 1983, shall, with the agreement of the parties, remain in effect until a contract can be concluded under RCW 47.64.006, 47.64.011, and 47.64.120 through 47.64.280. The contract may be retroactive to the expiration date of the prior contract, and the cost to the department of three months retroactive compensation and benefits for this 1983 contract negotiation only shall not be included in calculating the limitation imposed by RCW 47.64.180. If the parties cannot agree to contract extension, any increase agreed to for the three-month period shall be included in calculating the limit imposed by RCW 47.64.180.

(9) Any ferry union contract which would terminate after July 1, 1983, may, by agreement of the parties, be terminated as of July 1, 1983, and a new contract concluded pursuant to RCW 47.64.006, 47.64.011, and 47.64.120 through 47.64.280. Any contract terminating after July 1, 1983, is subject to this chapter only upon its expiration and shall not be renewed for a period beyond July 1, 1985.

Sec. 63. RCW 47.64.180 and 1983 c 15 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) No collective bargaining agreement or arbitrator's award is valid or enforceable if its implementation would be inconsistent with any statutory limitation on the department of transportation's funds, spending, or budget. The department of transportation shall, in good faith, exercise its administrative discretion with full public participation as required by RCW 47.60.330, subject only to legislative limitations and conditions, to implement the terms of any collective bargaining agreement or arbitrator's award.

(2) In no event may the ((~~transportation commission or the department of transportation~~)) secretary authorize an increase in tolls after the enactment of the budget that is in excess of the Seattle consumer price index for the preceding twelve months for the purpose of providing revenue to fund a collective bargaining agreement or arbitrator's award. The ((~~commission or the department~~)) secretary may increase tolls after the first fiscal year of the biennium by the amount that the Seattle consumer price index increased after the previous toll increase. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent increases due to items that are not labor-related and that are beyond the direct control of the department.

Sec. 64. RCW 48.62.070 and 1988 c 281 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

The assets of any organization of local governmental entities that is organized under RCW 48.62.040 or 48.62.035 which is established for the purpose of jointly self-funding or self-insuring may, pursuant to RCW 48.62.080, be invested only in the following classes of securities and investments:

(1) Savings or time accounts in banks, trust companies, and mutual savings banks which are doing business in this state, up to the amount of insurance afforded such accounts by the federal deposit insurance corporation;

(2) Accounts in savings and loan associations which are doing business in this state, up to the amount of insurance afforded such accounts by the federal savings and loan insurance corporation;

(3) Investment deposits in banks, trust companies, mutual savings banks, and savings and loan associations, which are doing business in this state, available for investment and secured by collateral in accordance with the provisions of chapter 39.58 RCW;

(4) Certificates, notes, bonds, or other obligations or securities of the United States or any of its agencies, or of any corporation wholly owned by the government of the United States;

(5) Federal home loan bank notes and bonds, federal land bank bonds, and federal national mortgage association notes, debentures, and guaranteed certificates of participation, or the obligations of any other government-sponsored corporation whose obligations are or may become eligible as collateral for advances to member banks as determined by the board of governors of the federal reserve system;

(6) Direct and general obligation bonds and warrants of the state of Washington or any other state of the United States;

(7) Direct and general obligation bonds and warrants of any local governmental entity of this state having the power to levy general taxes which are payable from general ad valorem taxes;

(8) Revenue bonds of this state or any authority, board, commission, committee, or similar agency thereof;

(9) Motor vehicle fund warrants when authorized by agreement between the state finance committee and the ((~~state transportation commission~~)) secretary of transportation requiring repayment of invested funds from any moneys in the motor vehicle fund available for state highway construction;

(10) Bonds, securities, and obligations which are designated to be authorized security for all public deposits pursuant to RCW 35.58.510, 35.81.110, 35.82.220, 39.60.030, 39.60.040, and 54.24.120; and

(11) Investments permitted by RCW 39.59.020.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 65. This act shall not be construed as affecting any existing right acquired or liability or obligation incurred under the sections amended in this act or under any rule, regulation, or order adopted under those sections, nor as affecting any proceeding instituted under those sections. All rules and all pending business before the transportation commission shall be continued and acted upon by the secretary of transportation. All existing contracts and obligations shall remain in full force and shall be performed by the secretary of transportation.