S-2073.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6037
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Senators Spanel, Haugen and Kohl
Read first time 03/03/97. Referred to Committee on Transportation.
AN ACT Relating to marine transportation between the state of Washington and British Columbia, Canada; amending RCW 47.60.330; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that:
(1) The transportation of passengers, vehicles, and commodities on the Washington state ferries between the state of Washington and British Columbia, Canada is an important element of the state's economy;
(2) Spending by out-of-state visitors and Washington residents traveling within the state creates jobs, contributes to personal and business income, and generates tax revenue for state and local government services; and
(3) The ferry route between Anacortes and Sidney, British Columbia is a vital link in the state transportation system for commercial and recreational travel.
Sec. 2. RCW 47.60.330 and 1983 c 15 s 26 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Before a substantial expansion or curtailment in the level of service provided to ferry users, or a revision in the schedule of ferry tolls or charges, the department of transportation shall consult with affected ferry users. The consultation shall be: (a) By public hearing in affected local communities; (b) by review with the affected ferry advisory committees pursuant to RCW 47.60.310; (c) by conducting a survey of affected ferry users; or (d) by any combination of (a) through (c) of this subsection.
(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the department of transportation shall consider the economic impact on the state and the local community before any reduction in the level of service provided on ferry routes between the state and British Columbia, Canada.
(3) There is created a ferry system productivity council consisting of a representative of each ferry advisory committee empanelled under RCW 47.60.310, elected by the members thereof, and two representatives of employees of the ferry system appointed by mutual agreement of all of the unions representing ferry employees, which shall meet from time to time with ferry system management to discuss means of improving ferry system productivity.
(((3)))
(4) Before increasing ferry tolls the department of transportation shall
consider all possible cost reductions with full public participation as
provided in subsection (1) of this section and, consistent with public policy,
shall consider adapting service levels equitably on a route-by-route basis to
reflect trends in and forecasts of traffic usage. Forecasts of traffic levels
shall be developed by the bond covenant traffic engineering firm appointed
under the provisions of RCW 47.60.450. Provisions of this section shall not
alter obligations under RCW 47.60.450. Before including any toll increase in a
budget proposal by the commission, the department of transportation shall
consult with affected ferry users in the manner prescribed in subsection
(1)(b) of this section plus the procedure of either subsection (1) (a)
or (c) of this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
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