H-1327

AN ACT Relating to transportation planning; and amending RCW 47.80.023, 47.80.040, and 47.80.070.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 47.80.023 and 1998 c 171 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:

Each regional transportation planning organization shall have the following duties:

(1) Prepare and periodically update a transportation strategy for the region. The strategy shall address alternative transportation modes and transportation demand management measures in regional corridors and shall recommend preferred transportation policies to implement adopted growth strategies. The strategy shall serve as a guide in preparation of the regional transportation plan.

(2) Prepare a regional transportation plan as set forth in RCW 47.80.030 that is consistent with county-wide planning policies if such have been adopted pursuant to chapter 36.70A RCW, with county, city, and town comprehensive plans, and state transportation plans.

(3) Certify by December 31, 1996, that the transportation elements of comprehensive plans adopted by counties, cities, and towns within the region reflect the guidelines and principles developed pursuant to RCW 47.80.026, are consistent with the adopted regional transportation plan, and, where appropriate, conform with the requirements of RCW 36.70A.070.

(4) Where appropriate, certify that county-wide planning policies adopted under RCW 36.70A.210 and the adopted regional transportation plan are consistent.

(5) Develop, in cooperation with the department of transportation, operators of public transportation services and local governments within the region, a six-year regional transportation improvement program which proposes regionally significant transportation projects and programs and transportation demand management measures. The regional transportation improvement program shall be based on the programs, projects, and transportation demand management measures of regional significance as identified by transit agencies, cities, and counties pursuant to RCW 35.58.2795, 35.77.010, and 36.81.121, respectively. The program shall include a priority list of projects and programs, project segments and programs, transportation demand management measures, and a specific financial plan that demonstrates how the transportation improvement program can be funded. The program shall be updated at least every two years for the ensuing six-year period. Regional transportation planning organizations shall provide to the legislators whose districts are within the boundaries of the organization a schedule of six-year transportation improvement program decision process points, updates, and amendments to the six-year transportation improvement program.

(6) Designate a lead planning agency to coordinate preparation of the regional transportation plan and carry out the other responsibilities of the organization. The lead planning agency may be a regional organization, a component county, city, or town agency, or the appropriate Washington state department of transportation district office.

(7) Review level of service methodologies used by cities and counties planning under chapter 36.70A RCW to promote a consistent regional evaluation of transportation facilities and corridors.

(8) Work with cities, counties, transit agencies, the department of transportation, and others to develop level of service standards or alternative transportation performance measures.

Sec. 2. RCW 47.80.040 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 56 are each amended to read as follows:

Each regional transportation planning organization shall create a transportation policy board. Transportation policy boards shall provide policy advice to the regional transportation planning organization and shall allow representatives of major employers within the region, the department of transportation, transit districts, port districts, and member cities, towns, and counties within the region to participate in policy making. Board membership must include at least one member from each caucus of the state senate and the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house and president of the senate. Additional members of the house of representatives or the state senate whose districts are within the boundaries of the regional transportation planning organization are considered ex officio, nonvoting policy board members of the regional transportation planning organization.

Sec. 3. RCW 47.80.070 and 1994 c 158 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

In order to ensure state-wide consistency in the regional transportation planning process, the state department of transportation, in conformance with chapter 34.05 RCW, shall:

(1) In cooperation with regional transportation planning organizations, establish minimum standards for development of a regional transportation plan;

(2) Facilitate coordination between regional transportation planning organizations; and

(3) Through the regional transportation planning process, and through state planning efforts as required by RCW 47.01.071, identify and jointly plan ((~~improvements and strategies~~)) the most efficient strategy to address identified deficiencies, including investments in modal integration within those corridors important to moving people and goods on a regional ((or)) and state-wide basis.