S-2129.1 _______________________________________________
SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 6031
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State of Washington 56th Legislature 1999 Regular Session
By Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Horn, Gardner, Patterson and Goings)
Read first time 03/05/99.
AN ACT Relating to regional transportation corridors; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that growth in the state's largest urban counties continues to place significant strain on the transportation system. The expansion of traffic resulting from population and growth has increased commuting travel time, diminished reliable transit service, and created delays in freight shipments. Traffic congestion does not recognize community boundaries. In addition, the multiple jurisdictions that comprise urban transportation networks often have inconsistent investment strategies that reduce the effectiveness of a regional transportation system. A consistent regional corridor systems approach is necessary to ensure reliable travel across jurisdictions.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) A multiagency corridor committee is established to develop strategies to identify and achieve regional transportation corridor networks. The committee shall develop regional corridor network criteria and make recommendations to the legislature on (a) achieving a consistent corridor planning approach that can be implemented across jurisdictions; (b) corridor investment strategies that address the rehabilitation of existing corridors and provide for congestion relief; and (c) changes to state transportation policy and funding programs needed to implement the corridor planning, investment, and operations approach. The regional corridor network criteria must support freight mobility, transit, and interjurisdictional trips.
(2) The committee shall consider at least the following when developing regional corridor network criteria: (a) The financial benefits and costs of a regional network, including improved travel time and mobility for the public; (b) the implementation of land use patterns that are consistent with the Growth Management Act and support regional transit service, pedestrian environments, and increased regional mobility options; and (c) legislative and local government actions that can achieve consistent investments in regional transportation corridors. These actions may include, but are not limited to, new and existing financing options, interlocal agreements, corridor operations and maintenance, and transportation system ownership.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The transportation commission, in consultation with the house and senate transportation committees, shall appoint members to the multiagency corridor committee. The committee will consist of up to fifteen members, including state legislators, the governor's office, and representatives from cities within urban counties, urban counties, metropolitan planning organizations, transit systems within urban counties, the department of community, trade, and economic development, the transportation improvement board, the transportation commission, and the department of transportation. The secretary of transportation, or a designee, shall serve as the nonvoting chair of the committee. The department of transportation shall provide staff to the committee. The transportation commission shall report the committee's findings to the house and senate transportation committees by December 1, 1999.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. 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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