HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 ESSB 5972

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                       Transportation

Title:  An act relating to transportation appropriations.

Brief Description:  Adopting the transportation budget.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senator Vognild; by request of Office of Financial Management).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Transportation, April 13, 1993, DPA.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 17 members:  Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Brown, Vice Chair; Jones, Vice Chair; Eide; Finkbeiner; Hansen; Heavey; Johanson; J. Kohl; R. Meyers; H. Myers; Orr; Patterson; Quall; Sheldon; Shin; and Zellinsky.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 9 members:  Representatives Schmidt, Ranking Minority Member; Mielke, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Brough; Brumsickle; Forner; Fuhrman; Horn; Miller; and Wood.

Staff:  Gene Schlatter (786-7316).

Background:  The Legislature must make biennial appropriations for each agency's operating budget and capital improvements.  The transportation budget provides funding for the agencies and programs supported by transportation revenues.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The state transportation agencies' Omnibus Capital and Operating Appropriations Act for the 1993-95 Fiscal Biennium is enacted.  The total appropriation for transportation agencies is $3.3 billion.  The appropriation funds the Department of Transportation's Preservation Program with a state match for new federal programs.  It also includes a state match for 10 federal demonstration projects and dedicated Special Capacity Improvements (Cat "C") Program funding at current law level for the 1st Avenue South Bridge, State Route 18, and Division Street in Spokane.  New start construction for the Cat "C" Program is eliminated.

Amended Bill Compared to Engrossed Substitute Bill:  The supplemental transportation budget did not have an emergency clause so it is included in the 1993-95 budget bill.

An increase of $300,000 is provided to the Traffic Safety Commission for enhanced funding of the DWI Task Force Program.

An increase of $1 million is provided to the Ferry Capital Program for a park and ride facility.

An increase of $12,834,000 is provided to the Ferry Operating Program for enhanced ferry services, additional terminal management support, and for additional staff.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Appropriation:  Spreadsheets available.

Effective Date of Amended Bill:  The bill contains an emergency clause; sections 1 through 18 and 20 through 61 take effect immediately.