SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5167

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 1993

Brief Description:  Directing construction of the Naches Pass Tunnel.

SPONSORS: Senators M. Rasmussen, Snyder and Barr

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jeff Doyle (786‑7322)

Hearing Dates: February 17, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Persons traveling by motor vehicle between the south Puget Sound region and the Yakima valley have three relatively direct travel options through the Cascade range.  Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass and State Route 12 over White Pass are open all year except for extreme weather conditions.  The most direct route, State Route 410 over Chinook Pass, is closed in the winter.

SUMMARY:

The Transportation Commission is directed to complete its plan for the Naches Pass tunnel with dispatch.

The Department of Transportation is directed to commence immediate construction of a Naches Pass tunnel and cutoff on State Route 410 through the Cascade mountains.  The department is directed to take other actions necessary to accomplish this task including property acquisition.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.