Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS
Transportation Committee

2SSB 5949

Brief Description:  Erecting and maintaining motorist information sign panels.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen and Swecker).

Brief Summary of Second Substitute Bill

$Allows the Department of Transportation to contract out the erection and maintenance of motorist information signs.

Hearing Date:  2/25/02

Staff:  Paul Neal (786‑7315).

Background:

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is authorized to erect and maintain motorist information signs within the right of way of the highway system to provide the traveling public with information regarding gas, food, lodging and tourist‑oriented businesses available at or near an interchange.  The WSDOT is also authorized to erect and maintain motorist information signs on non‑interstate highways for businesses accessible by highways intersecting the non‑interstate highway.

The WSDOT must charge reasonable fees to defray the cost of installation and maintenance of motorist information signs.

Summary of Bill:

The WSDOT may contract with a private contractor to erect and maintain motorist information signs.  The contractor is solely responsible for marketing, administration, financial management, installation and maintenance costs.  Any contract between the WSDOT and the contractor must require the contractor to install and maintain authorized community historical signs at no cost to the WSDOT.  The contractor must pay a minimum 5 percent royalty to WSDOT.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested February 19, 2002.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.