SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6553

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 1994

Brief Description:  Funding seismic retrofitting of transportation facilities.

SPONSORS: Senator Vognild

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Gene Schlatter (786‑7316)

Hearing Dates: February 4, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In the 1991-93 biennium, the Legislature appropriated $6 million to the Department of Transportation to begin implementation of a seismic risk reduction program for all bridges that are vulnerable to earthquake related failures.  In the 1993-95 biennium, this program was funded at $7 million.

The Department of Transportation has identified a 12-year bridge seismic retrofit program which would require about $40 million per biennium.

The legislative appropriations to the Department of Transportation do not provide funding for city or county- owned bridges.

Recent earthquake data indicates there are also safety risks to highways, an example being structurally deficient retaining walls.

SUMMARY:

SB 6553 was introduced by title only.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

An earthquake safety program that provides funding for seismic retrofitting of transportation facilities is established.

A 2-cent per gallon state fuel tax is imposed to fund the Earthquake Safety Program beginning April 1, 1994 and terminating on April 1, 2006.

The revenues generated from the 2-cent fuel tax are deposited into the earthquake safety account within the motor vehicle fund and the earthquake safety account within the transportation improvement account both created in this legislation.  The revenue split is two-thirds to the Department of Transportation and one-third to the Transportation Improvement Board.

Project selection is based upon a statewide needs assessment.  Criteria and rules are to be adopted by August 31, 1994 by the Department of Transportation and Transportation Improvement Board in consultation with the Statewide Bridge Advisory Committee.

Continuation of the motor vehicle fuel tax after January 1, 1995 is subject to a vote of the people in November 1994.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  none requested