FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1098

C 74 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Improving the effectiveness of the commute trip reduction program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Fisher, Woods, McIntire, Haigh, Edwards and Linville; by request of Department of Transportation.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

In 1991 the Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law was enacted as part of the Washington Clean Air Act.  The goals of the CTR are to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and fuel consumption through employer-based programs that decrease the number of employees traveling by single-occupant vehicles to the work place. 

Certain counties, cities, and major employers are required to develop and implement CTR programs.  Participation is required for employers with more than 100 employees at a single worksite within counties having a population greater than 150,000.  If an employer is required to participate, and the worksite is within city limits, that city is also required to develop and implement a CTR program.  Voluntary participation of others is allowed and encouraged.

Within the Department of Transportation (DOT) budget, funding is provided for DOT to administer the program, to provide technical assistance to organizations required to implement the program, and to distribute to local jurisdictions and employers to offset some of the implementation costs.

Funds available for distribution are allocated to the participating counties in proportion to the number of major employers and major worksites within each county.  Subsequent distributions by counties are made to cities or towns in a similar manner.  Furthermore, the county may contract with other organizations (such as the local transit system or Regional Transportation Planning Organization) to assist, oversee, and/or implement the program within the county.

Summary:

The pro-rata distribution of CTR funds to the counties is eliminated.  The DOT is enabled to distribute the funds directly to the organizations providing services to employers.

Votes on Final Passage:

House970

Senate480

Effective:  July 22, 2001