SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 1277

  AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 23, 1993

Brief Description:  Articulating desirable land use patterns in transit plans.

SPONSORS: Representatives R. Fisher, Schmidt, R. Meyers, Brown, Jones, Johanson, Horn, Wood and Dunshee; by request of Department of Transportation

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senators Vognild, Chairman; Skratek, Vice Chairman; Barr, Drew, Haugen, Nelson, Oke, Prince, M. Rasmussen, and Winsley.

Minority Report:  Do not pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senator Loveland, Vice Chairman

Staff:  Gene Baxstrom (786‑7303)

Hearing Dates: March 22, 1993; March 23, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Each year public transportation agencies are required to submit to the DOT by April 1 a six-year transit development and financial program.  Currently, state law is not consistent regarding items to be included in annual updates of six-year programs, the manner by which financial data is reported and the items to be included in the initial plan when a transit system is established.  Also, there is no explicit requirement for transit agencies to communicate to the cities and counties within which they operate the kinds of land use patterns which foster efficient transit service.

SUMMARY:

Requirements for the six-year transit development plans (TDPs) prepared by transit agencies are modified, and the format revised for reports submitted annually, beginning June 1, 1994.  A requirement is added that the TDP become a six-year comprehensive plan to at least address (1) types of land use patterns in the service area, (2) how those patterns affect transit services, and (3) how transit service and land use compatibility can be enhanced through coordination with city and county land use planning efforts.  The plan must also address statewide transit goals, policies and emphasize areas contained in the state transportation policy plan.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) is to determine the format for the plan in consultation with the affected municipalities and the Legislative Transportation Committee.

Clarification is provided that the annual transit report prepared by the DOT for the Legislature will be derived from transit agency transit development plans.  A requirement is added that the report address activities aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of transit services.

Responsibility for approval of initial TDPs, prepared by newly formed public transportation benefit areas or county transportation authorities, is shifted from the Transportation Commission to the DOT.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The date when annual transit development plans must be submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOT) is changed from June 1 to July 1.  The date for submission by DOT of the annual statewide transit report is moved from September 1 to November 1.  Transit agencies must comply with requirements for submission of transit development plans or lose a portion of their motor vehicle excise tax until such reports are submitted.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED (signed up for):  Gary Molyneaux, METRO; Dan Snow, WSTA