SB 6709 - DIGEST

     Provides that the department and a regional transit authority may contract with each other on such terms as may best serve the public interest to implement and to provide assistance, property rights, loans, grants, and advances for planning, design, construction, or operation of such high-capacity transportation facilities, high-occupancy vehicle systems as defined in RCW 81.100.020, and state highway  facilities as may mutually benefit the respective operations of the department and the authority in enhancing mobility for people and goods.

     Declares that, subject to the maximum rates approved by the voters, a regional transit authority may fix and impose different levels of sales and use taxes within the authority's boundaries based on reasonable classifications of persons who are taxable by the state under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW upon the occurrence of a taxable event within the district, giving consideration to various factors such as availability of different levels and types of high-capacity transportation services, planned levels of capital investments, and hours of service or any other reasonable factors.