[atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to public and private financing for projects developed under the Public-Private Initiatives Program; amending RCW 47.46.030, 47.46.040, 47.46.050, 47.46.060, 47.56.030, 47.56.270, 47.56.271, and 39.46.070; reenacting and amending RCW 43.84.092 and 43.84.092; adding new sections to chapter 47.46 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 47.10 RCW; creating new sections; providing an effective date; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that greater flexibility to provide state financing for projects developed under chapter 47.46 RCW will result in better use of public resources, lower financing costs, and potential savings to taxpayers. The legislature intends to: Clarify the ability of the department of transportation to use public and private financing for projects selected and developed under chapter 47.46 RCW; provide the department with specific means of state financing where that financing is in the public's best interest; provide citizens living in the impacted areas a statutory mechanism to review proposed toll rates and provide input before adoption of toll schedules by the toll authority; and prevent unreasonable delay of critical transportation projects that are essential for public safety and welfare.

Sec. 2. RCW 47.46.030 and 1996 c 280 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The secretary or a designee shall solicit proposals from, and negotiate and enter into agreements with, private entities to undertake as appropriate, together with the department and other public entities, all or a portion of the study, planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation systems and facilities, using in whole or in part public or private sources of financing.

The public-private initiatives program may develop up to six demonstration projects. Each proposal shall be weighed on its own merits, and each of the six agreements shall be negotiated individually, and as a stand-alone project.

(2) If project proposals selected prior to September 1, 1994, are terminated by the public or private sectors, the department shall not select any new projects, including project proposals submitted to the department prior to September 1, 1994, and designated by the transportation commission as placeholder projects, after June 16, 1995, until June 30, 1997.

The department, in consultation with the legislative transportation committee, shall conduct a program and fiscal audit of the public-private initiatives program for the biennium ending June 30, 1997. The department shall submit a progress report to the legislative transportation committee on the program and fiscal audit by June 30, 1996, with preliminary and final audit reports due December 1, 1996, and June 30, 1997, respectively.

The department shall develop and submit a proposed public involvement plan to the 1997 legislature to identify the process for selecting new potential projects and the associated costs of implementing the plan. The legislature must adopt the public involvement plan before the department may proceed with any activity related to project identification and selection. Following legislative adoption of the public involvement plan, the department is authorized to implement the plan and to identify potential new projects.

The public involvement plan for projects selected after June 30, 1997, shall, at a minimum, identify projects that: (a) Have the potential of achieving overall public support among users of the projects, residents of communities in the vicinity of the projects, and residents of communities impacted by the projects; (b) meet a state transportation need; (c) provide a significant state benefit; and (d) provide competition among proposers and maximum cost benefits to users. Prospective projects may include projects identified by the department or submitted by the private sector.

Projects that meet the minimum criteria established under this section and the requirements of the public involvement plan developed by the department and approved by the legislature shall be submitted to the Washington state transportation commission for its review. The commission, in turn, shall submit a list of eligible projects to the legislative transportation committee for its consideration. Forty-five days after the submission to the legislative transportation committee of the list of eligible projects, the secretary is authorized to solicit proposals for the eligible project.

(3) Prior to entering into agreements with private entities under the requirements of RCW 47.46.040 for any project proposal selected before September 1, 1994, or after June 30, 1997, except as provided for in subsections ((~~(11) and~~)) (12) and (13) of this section, the department shall require an advisory vote as provided under subsections (5) through (10) of this section.

(4) The advisory vote shall apply to project proposals selected prior to September 1, 1994, or after June 30, 1997, that receive public opposition as demonstrated by the submission to the department of original petitions bearing at least five thousand signatures of individuals opposing the project collected and submitted in accordance with the dates established in subsections (12) and (13) of this section. The advisory vote shall be on the preferred alternative identified under the requirements of chapter 43.21C RCW and, if applicable, the national environmental policy act, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. The execution by the department of the advisory vote process established in this section is subject to the prior appropriation of funds by the legislature for the purpose of conducting environmental impact studies, a public involvement program, local involvement committee activities, traffic and economic impact analyses, engineering and technical studies, and the advisory vote.

(5) In preparing for the advisory vote, the department shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of traffic patterns and economic impact to define the geographical boundary of the project area that is affected by the imposition of tolls or user fees authorized under this chapter. The area so defined is referred to in this section as the affected project area. In defining the affected project area, the department shall, at a minimum, undertake: (a) A comparison of the estimated percentage of residents of communities in the vicinity of the project and in other communities impacted by the project who could be subject to tolls or user fees and the estimated percentage of other users and transient traffic that could be subject to tolls or user fees; (b) an analysis of the anticipated traffic diversion patterns; (c) an analysis of the potential economic impact resulting from proposed toll rates or user fee rates imposed on residents, commercial traffic, and commercial entities in communities in the vicinity of and impacted by the project; (d) an analysis of the economic impact of tolls or user fees on the price of goods and services generally; and (e) an analysis of the relationship of the project to state transportation needs and benefits.

(6)(a) After determining the definition of the affected project area, the department shall establish a committee comprised of individuals who represent cities and counties in the affected project area; organizations formed to support or oppose the project; and users of the project. The committee shall be named the public-private local involvement committee, and be known as the local involvement committee.

(b) The members of the local involvement committee shall be: (i) An elected official from each city within the affected project area; (ii) an elected official from each county within the affected project area; (iii) two persons from each county within the affected project area who represent an organization formed in support of the project, if the organization exists; (iv) two persons from each county within the affected project area who represent an organization formed to oppose the project, if the organization exists; and (v) four public members active in a statewide transportation organization. If the committee makeup results in an even number of committee members, there shall be an additional appointment of an elected official from the county in which all, or the greatest portion of the project is located.

(c) City and county elected officials shall be appointed by a majority of the members of the city or county legislative authorities of each city or county within the affected project area, respectively. The county legislative authority of each county within the affected project area shall identify and validate organizations officially formed in support of or in opposition to the project and shall make the appointments required under this section from a list submitted by the chair of the organizations. Public members shall be appointed by the governor. All appointments to the local involvement committee shall be made and submitted to the department of transportation no later than January 1, 1996, for projects selected prior to September 1, 1994, and no later than thirty days after the affected project area is defined for projects selected after June 30, 1997. Vacancies in the membership of the local involvement committee shall be filled by the appointing authority under (b)(i) through (v) of this subsection for each position on the committee.

(d) The local involvement committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the department on all matters related to the execution of the advisory vote.

(e) Members of the local involvement committee serve without compensation and may not receive subsistence, lodging expenses, or travel expenses.

(7) The department shall conduct a minimum thirty-day public comment period on the definition of the geographical boundary of the project area. The department, in consultation with the local involvement committee, shall make adjustments, if required, to the definition of the geographical boundary of the affected project area, based on comments received from the public. Within fourteen calendar days after the public comment period, the department shall set the boundaries of the affected project area in units no smaller than a precinct as defined in RCW 29.01.120.

(8) The department, in consultation with the local involvement committee, shall develop a description for selected project proposals. After developing the description of the project proposal, the department shall publish the project proposal description in newspapers of general circulation for seven calendar days in the affected project area. Within fourteen calendar days after the last day of the publication of the project proposal description, the department shall transmit a copy of the map depicting the affected project area and the description of the project proposal to the county auditor of the county in which any portion of the affected project area is located.

(9) The department shall provide the legislative transportation committee with progress reports on the status of the definition of the affected project area and the description of the project proposal.

(10) Upon receipt of the map and the description of the project proposal, the county auditor shall, within thirty days, verify the precincts that are located within the affected project area. The county auditor shall prepare the text identifying and describing the affected project area and the project proposal using the definition of the geographical boundary of the affected project area and the project description submitted by the department and shall set an election date for the submission of a ballot proposition authorizing the imposition of tolls or user fees to implement the proposed project within the affected project area, which date may be the next succeeding general election to be held in the state, or at a special election, if requested by the department. The text of the project proposal must appear in a voter's pamphlet for the affected project area. The department shall pay the costs of publication and distribution. The special election date must be the next date for a special election provided under RCW 29.13.020 that is at least sixty days but, if authorized under RCW 29.13.020, no more than ninety days after the receipt of the final map and project description by the auditor. The department shall pay the cost of an election held under this section.

(11) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the department may contract with a private developer of a selected project proposal to conduct environmental impact studies, a public involvement program, and engineering and technical studies funded by the legislature. For projects subject to this subsection, the department shall not enter into an agreement under RCW 47.46.040 prior to the advisory vote on the preferred alternative.

(12) Subsections (5) through (10) of this section shall not apply to project proposals selected prior to September 1, 1994, that have no organized public opposition as demonstrated by the submission to the department of original petitions bearing at least five thousand signatures of individuals opposing the project, collected and submitted after September 1, 1994, and by thirty calendar days after June 16, 1995.

(13) Subsections (5) through (10) of this section shall not apply to project proposals selected after June 30, 1997, that have no organized public opposition as demonstrated by the submission to the department of original petitions bearing at least five thousand signatures of individuals opposing the project, collected and submitted by ninety calendar days after project selection.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

(1) To the extent that the legislature specifically appropriates funding for a project developed under this chapter using the proceeds of bonds issued by the state, an agreement for the design or construction of the project entered into by the secretary must incorporate provisions for the financing that fully use the state financing provided by the appropriation. As provided in section 10 of this act, the state finance committee shall evaluate proposals for additional bond sales needed to complete a project.

(2) The secretary shall amend existing agreements or execute new agreements to comply with subsection (1) of this section.

(3) If the secretary is unable to reach agreement with other parties on contractual provisions providing for state financing, the secretary shall not enter into an agreement, or shall take no action with respect to an agreement, or shall exercise termination provisions, whichever option results in the lowest net cost to the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 47.10 RCW to read as follows:

A maximum of eight hundred million dollars of the bonds authorized under RCW 47.10.843 are specifically provided for highway projects developed under chapter 47.46 RCW. Proceeds from bonds sold in compliance with this allocation may, consistent with the terms of RCW 47.10.843, be used for location, design, right-of-way, and construction of state and local highway improvements, including but not limited to costs allowed by RCW 39.46.070 including all costs related to financing incurred in providing for bond proceeds for those items.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

The department may provide for the establishment and construction of public toll bridge facilities upon any public highways of this state together with approaches to them under agreements entered into under this chapter to develop such facilities. A public toll bridge facility authorized under this section includes, but is not limited to, the construction of an additional toll bridge, including approaches, adjacent to and within two miles of an existing bridge, the imposition of tolls on both bridges, and the operation of both bridges as one toll facility.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

(1) A citizen advisory committee must be created for any project developed under this chapter that imposes toll charges for use of a transportation facility. The governor shall appoint nine members to the committee, all of whom must be permanent residents of the affected project area, as that term is used in RCW 47.46.030.

(2) The citizen advisory committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to an entity imposing tolls under this chapter on all matters related to the imposition of tolls. Members of the committee serve without compensation and may not receive subsistence, lodging expenses, or travel expenses.

(3) No toll may be imposed or modified unless the citizen advisory committee has been given at least twenty days to review and comment on any proposed toll schedule. In setting toll rates, the toll authority shall give consideration to any recommendations of the citizen advisory committee.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

The commission shall fix the rates of toll and other charges for all state‑financed toll bridges built under this chapter. The commission may change toll charges from time to time as conditions warrant. In establishing toll charges, the commission shall give due consideration to any required costs for operating and maintaining the toll bridge or toll bridges, including the cost of insurance, and to the amount required annually to meet the redemption of bonds and interest payments on them. The tolls and charges must at all times be fixed at rates to yield annual revenue equal to annual operating and maintenance expenses, except as provided in RCW 47.56.245, including insurance costs and all redemption payments and interest charges of the bonds issued for any particular toll bridge or toll bridges as the bonds become due. The bond redemption and interest payments constitute a first direct and exclusive charge and lien on all tolls and other revenues and interest on them. Sinking funds created therefrom received from the use and operation of the toll bridge or toll bridges, and the tolls and revenues together with the interest earned on them constitute a trust fund for the payment of the bonds and may not be used or pledged for any other purpose as long as any of these bonds are outstanding and unpaid.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

The commission shall retain toll charges on any existing and future facilities constructed under this chapter until all costs of investigation, financing, acquisition of property, and construction advanced from the motor vehicle fund, and obligations incurred in constructing that facility have been fully paid. Funds specifically appropriated as a state financial contribution to a project do not require repayment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

Pursuant to RCW 43.135.055, the legislature authorizes the transportation commission to increase bridge tolls in excess of the fiscal growth factor.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

(1) With the exception of an initial bond sale, the state finance committee shall review proposals for the sale of state bonds on projects developed under this chapter. If the finance committee finds that bonds could be issued by a private entity, special purpose entity, municipality, or nonprofit entity at a lower cost to the toll payers, the state finance committee shall recommend that the department of transportation execute an agreement for such sale. In comparing the relative cost of financing under this section, the finance committee shall review potential nonstate financing using the same bond sale amount and term of years as that proposed for the sale of state bonds.

(2) Upon recommendation of the state finance committee, the department of transportation may finance or refinance projects developed under this chapter with bonds issued by a private entity, special purpose entity, municipality, or nonprofit entity.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

Money arising from the sale of bonds for the purposes authorized under section 5 of this act must be deposited in the state treasury to the credit of a special account designated for those purposes. Those funds are available only for the purposes enumerated in this chapter, for payment of the expense incurred in the issuance and sale of any such bonds, and to repay the motor vehicle fund for any sums advanced to pay the cost of surveys, location, design, right‑of‑way, and all other things necessary for the financing and construction of the bridge and its approaches.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

A special account to be known as the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account is created in the motor vehicle fund in the state treasury. All proceeds of bonds issued under section 4 of this act, including any capitalized interest, and at least monthly all of the tolls and other revenues received from the operation of the toll bridge and from any interest that may be earned from the deposit or investment of these revenues, must be deposited into this account. Revenues and interest may be used to pay any required costs of financing, operation, maintenance, management, and necessary repairs of the facility.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

Tolls must remain on the facility for a length of time necessary to repay the motor vehicle fund for any amounts expended on the design, development, financing, construction, maintenance, repair, or operation of the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge project. Funds specifically appropriated as a state financial contribution to the project do not require repayment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 14. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

If a proposal is selected for construction under this chapter, subsequent agreements made to implement the proposal that do not incorporate all the features of the proposal do not require the solicitation of additional proposals.

Sec. 15. RCW 47.46.040 and 2001 c 64 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) All projects designed, constructed, and operated under this authority must comply with all applicable rules and statutes in existence at the time the agreement is executed, including but not limited to the following provisions: Chapter 39.12 RCW, this title, RCW 41.06.380, chapter 47.64 RCW, RCW 49.60.180, and 49 C.F.R. Part 21.

(2) The secretary or a designee shall consult with legal, financial, and other experts within and outside state government in the negotiation and development of the agreements.

(3) Agreements ((~~shall~~)) may provide for private ownership of the projects during the construction period. After completion and final acceptance of each project or discrete segment thereof, the agreement ((~~shall~~)) may provide for state ownership of the transportation systems and facilities and lease to the private entity unless the state elects to provide for ownership of the facility by the private entity during the term of the agreement.

The state ((~~shall~~)) may lease each of the demonstration projects, or applicable project segments, to the private entities for operating purposes for up to fifty years.

(4) The department may exercise any power possessed by it to facilitate the development, construction, financing operation, and maintenance of transportation projects under this chapter. Agreements for maintenance services entered into under this section shall provide for full reimbursement for services rendered by the department or other state agencies. Agreements for police services for projects, involving state highway routes, developed under agreements shall be entered into with the Washington state patrol. The agreement for police services shall provide that the state patrol will be reimbursed for costs on a comparable basis with the costs incurred for comparable service on other state highway routes. The department may provide services for which it is reimbursed, including but not limited to preliminary planning, environmental certification, and preliminary design of the demonstration projects.

(5) The plans and specifications for each project constructed under this section shall comply with the department's standards for state projects. A facility constructed by and leased to a private entity is deemed to be a part of the state highway system for purposes of identification, maintenance, and enforcement of traffic laws and for the purposes of applicable sections of this title. Upon reversion of the facility to the state, the project must meet all applicable state standards. Agreements shall address responsibility for reconstruction or renovations that are required in order for a facility to meet all applicable state standards upon reversion of the facility to the state.

(6) For the purpose of facilitating these projects and to assist the private entity in the financing, development, construction, and operation of the transportation systems and facilities, the agreements may include provisions for the department to exercise its authority, including the lease of facilities, rights of way, and airspace, exercise of the power of eminent domain, granting of development rights and opportunities, granting of necessary easements and rights of access, issuance of permits and other authorizations, protection from competition, remedies in the event of default of either of the parties, granting of contractual and real property rights, liability during construction and the term of the lease, authority to negotiate acquisition of rights of way in excess of appraised value, and any other provision deemed necessary by the secretary.

(7) The agreements entered into under this section may include provisions authorizing the state to grant necessary easements and lease to a private entity existing rights of way or rights of way subsequently acquired with public or private financing. The agreements may also include provisions to lease to the entity airspace above or below the right of way associated or to be associated with the private entity's transportation facility. In consideration for the reversion rights in these privately constructed facilities, the department may negotiate a charge for the lease of airspace rights during the term of the agreement for a period not to exceed fifty years. If, after the expiration of this period, the department continues to lease these airspace rights to the private entity, it shall do so only at fair market value. The agreement may also provide the private entity the right of first refusal to undertake projects utilizing airspace owned by the state in the vicinity of the public-private project.

(8) Agreements under this section may include any contractual provision that is necessary to protect the project revenues required to repay the costs incurred to study, plan, design, finance, acquire, build, install, operate, enforce laws, and maintain toll highways, bridges, and tunnels and which will not unreasonably inhibit or prohibit the development of additional public transportation systems and facilities. Agreements under this section must secure and maintain liability insurance coverage in amounts appropriate to protect the project's viability and may address state indemnification of the private entity for design and construction liability where the state has approved relevant design and construction plans.

(9) Agreements shall include a process that provides for public involvement in decision making with respect to the development of the projects.

(10)(a) In carrying out the public involvement process required in subsection (9) of this section, the private entity shall proactively seek public participation through a process appropriate to the characteristics of the project that assesses and demonstrates public support among: Users of the project, residents of communities in the vicinity of the project, and residents of communities impacted by the project.

(b) The private entity shall conduct a comprehensive public involvement process that provides, periodically throughout the development and implementation of the project, users and residents of communities in the affected project area an opportunity to comment upon key issues regarding the project including, but not limited to: (i) Alternative sizes and scopes; (ii) design; (iii) environmental assessment; (iv) right of way and access plans; (v) traffic impacts; (vi) tolling or user fee strategies and tolling or user fee ranges; (vii) project cost; (viii) construction impacts; (ix) facility operation; and (x) any other salient characteristics.

(c) If the affected project area has not been defined, the private entity shall define the affected project area by conducting, at a minimum: (i) A comparison of the estimated percentage of residents of communities in the vicinity of the project and in other communities impacted by the project who could be subject to tolls or user fees and the estimated percentage of other users and transient traffic that could be subject to tolls or user fees; (ii) an analysis of the anticipated traffic diversion patterns; (iii) an analysis of the potential economic impact resulting from proposed toll rates or user fee rates imposed on residents, commercial traffic, and commercial entities in communities in the vicinity of and impacted by the project; (iv) an analysis of the economic impact of tolls or user fees on the price of goods and services generally; and (v) an analysis of the relationship of the project to state transportation needs and benefits.

The agreement may require an advisory vote by users of and residents in the affected project area.

(d) In seeking public participation, the private entity shall establish a local involvement committee or committees comprised of residents of the affected project area, individuals who represent cities and counties in the affected project area, organizations formed to support or oppose the project, if such organizations exist, and users of the project. The private entity shall, at a minimum, establish a committee as required under the specifications of RCW 47.46.030(6)(b) (ii) and (iii) and appointments to such committee shall be made no later than thirty days after the project area is defined.

(e) Local involvement committees shall act in an advisory capacity to the department and the private entity on all issues related to the development and implementation of the public involvement process established under this section.

(f) The department and the private entity shall provide the legislative transportation committee and local involvement committees with progress reports on the status of the public involvement process including the results of an advisory vote, if any occurs.

(11) Nothing in this chapter limits the right of the secretary and his or her agents to render such advice and to make such recommendations as they deem to be in the best interests of the state and the public.

Sec. 16. RCW 47.46.050 and 1995 2nd sp.s. c 19 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department may enter into agreements using federal, state, and local financing in connection with the projects, including without limitation, grants, loans, and other measures authorized by section 1012 of ISTEA, and to do such things as necessary and desirable to maximize the funding and financing, including the formation of a revolving loan fund to implement this section.

(2) Agreements entered into under this section ((~~shall~~)) may authorize the private entity to lease the facilities within a designated area or areas from the state and to impose user fees or tolls within the designated area to allow a reasonable rate of return on investment, as established through a negotiated agreement between the state and the private entity. The negotiated agreement shall determine a maximum rate of return on investment, based on project characteristics. If the negotiated rate of return on investment is not affected, the private entity may establish and modify toll rates and user fees.

(3) Agreements may establish "incentive" rates of return beyond the negotiated maximum rate of return on investment. The incentive rates of return shall be designed to provide financial benefits to the affected public jurisdictions and the private entity, given the attainment of various safety, performance, or transportation demand management goals. The incentive rates of return shall be negotiated in the agreement.

(4) Agreements ((~~shall~~)) that provide for ownership or lease of a facility by a private entity must require that over the term of the ownership or lease the user fees or toll revenues be applied only to payment of the ((~~private entity's~~)) capital outlay costs for the project, including project development costs, interest expense, the costs associated with design, construction, operations, toll collection, maintenance and administration of the project, reimbursement to the state for all costs associated with an election as required under RCW 47.46.030, the costs of project review and oversight, technical and law enforcement services, establishment of a fund to assure the adequacy of maintenance expenditures, and a reasonable return on investment to the private entity. A negotiated agreement shall not extend the term of the ownership or lease beyond the period of time required for payment of the private entity's capital outlay costs for the project under this subsection.

Sec. 17. RCW 47.46.060 and 1998 c 179 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Either the department of transportation or a private entity that is party to an agreement under this chapter may apply for deferral of taxes on the site preparation for, the construction of, the acquisition of any related machinery and equipment which will become a part of, and the rental of equipment for use in the state route number 16 corridor improvements project under this chapter. Application shall be made to the department of revenue in a form and manner prescribed by the department of revenue. The application shall contain information regarding estimated or actual costs, time schedules for completion and operation, and other information required by the department of revenue. The department of revenue shall approve the application within sixty days if it meets the requirements of this section.

(2) The department of revenue shall issue a sales and use tax deferral certificate for state and local sales and use taxes due under chapters 82.08, 82.12, and 82.14 RCW on the project. The use of the certificate shall be governed by rules established by the department of revenue.

(3) The department of transportation or a private entity granted a tax deferral under this section shall begin paying the deferred taxes in the fifth year after the date certified by the department of revenue as the date on which the project is operationally complete. The first payment is due on December 31st of the fifth calendar year after such certified date, with subsequent annual payments due on December 31st of the following nine years. Each payment shall equal ten percent of the deferred tax.

(4) The department of revenue may authorize an accelerated repayment schedule upon request of the department of transportation or a private entity granted a deferral under this section.

(5) Interest shall not be charged on any taxes deferred under this section for the period of deferral, although all other penalties and interest applicable to delinquent excise taxes may be assessed and imposed for delinquent payments under this section. The debt for deferred taxes is not extinguished by insolvency or other failure of the private entity.

(6) Applications and any other information received by the department of revenue under this section are not confidential and are subject to disclosure. Chapter 82.32 RCW applies to the administration of this section.

Sec. 18. RCW 47.56.030 and 2001 c 59 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as allowed under chapter 47.46 RCW:

(a) The department of transportation shall have full charge of the construction of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and the operation and maintenance thereof.

(b) The transportation commission shall determine and establish the tolls and charges thereon, and shall perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to the financing, refinancing, and fiscal management of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by law.

(d) Except as provided in this section, the department shall proceed with the construction of such toll bridges and other facilities and the approaches thereto by contract in the manner of state highway construction immediately upon there being made available funds for such work and shall prosecute such work to completion as rapidly as practicable. The department is authorized to negotiate contracts for any amount without bid under ((~~(a)~~)) (d)(i) and ((~~(b)~~)) (ii) of this subsection:

((~~(a)~~)) (i) Emergency contracts, in order to make repairs to ferries or ferry terminal facilities or removal of such facilities whenever continued use of ferries or ferry terminal facilities constitutes a real or immediate danger to the traveling public or precludes prudent use of such ferries or facilities; and

((~~(b)~~)) (ii) Single source contracts for vessel dry dockings, when there is clearly and legitimately only one available bidder to conduct dry dock-related work for a specific class or classes of vessels. The contracts may be entered into for a single vessel dry docking or for multiple vessel dry dockings for a period not to exceed two years.

(2) The department shall proceed with the procurement of materials, supplies, services, and equipment needed for the support, maintenance, and use of a ferry, ferry terminal, or other facility operated by Washington state ferries, in accordance with chapter 43.19 RCW except as follows:

(a) Except as provided in (d) of this subsection, when the secretary of the department of transportation determines in writing that the use of invitation for bid is either not practicable or not advantageous to the state and it may be necessary to make competitive evaluations, including technical or performance evaluations among acceptable proposals to complete the contract award, a contract may be entered into by use of a competitive sealed proposals method, and a formal request for proposals solicitation. Such formal request for proposals solicitation shall include a functional description of the needs and requirements of the state and the significant factors.

(b) When purchases are made through a formal request for proposals solicitation the contract shall be awarded to the responsible proposer whose competitive sealed proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the state taking into consideration price and other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposals. No significant factors may be used in evaluating a proposal that are not specified in the request for proposals. Factors that may be considered in evaluating proposals include but are not limited to: Price; maintainability; reliability; commonality; performance levels; life cycle cost if applicable under this section; cost of transportation or delivery; delivery schedule offered; installation cost; cost of spare parts; availability of parts and service offered; and the following:

(i) The ability, capacity, and skill of the proposer to perform the contract or provide the service required;

(ii) The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the proposer;

(iii) Whether the proposer can perform the contract within the time specified;

(iv) The quality of performance of previous contracts or services;

(v) The previous and existing compliance by the proposer with laws relating to the contract or services;

(vi) Objective, measurable criteria defined in the request for proposal. These criteria may include but are not limited to items such as discounts, delivery costs, maintenance services costs, installation costs, and transportation costs; and

(vii) Such other information as may be secured having a bearing on the decision to award the contract.

(c) When purchases are made through a request for proposal process, proposals received shall be evaluated based on the evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal. When issuing a request for proposal for the procurement of propulsion equipment or systems that include an engine, the request for proposal must specify the use of a life cycle cost analysis that includes an evaluation of fuel efficiency. When a life cycle cost analysis is used, the life cycle cost of a proposal shall be given at least the same relative importance as the initial price element specified in the request of proposal documents. The department may reject any and all proposals received. If the proposals are not rejected, the award shall be made to the proposer whose proposal is most advantageous to the department, considering price and the other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal.

(d) If the department is procuring large equipment or systems (e.g., electrical, propulsion) needed for the support, maintenance, and use of a ferry operated by Washington state ferries, the department shall proceed with a formal request for proposal solicitation under this subsection (2) without a determination of necessity by the secretary.

Sec. 19. RCW 47.56.270 and 1983 c 3 s 129 are each amended to read as follows:

The Lake Washington bridge and the Tacoma Narrows bridge in existence on the effective date of this act and in chapter 47.17 RCW made a part of the primary state highways of the state of Washington, shall, upon completion, be operated, maintained, kept up, and repaired by the department in the manner provided in this chapter, and the cost of such operation, maintenance, upkeep, and repair shall be paid from funds appropriated for the use of the department for the construction and maintenance of the primary state highways of the state of Washington.

Sec. 20. RCW 47.56.271 and 1983 c 3 s 130 are each amended to read as follows:

Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Tacoma Narrows bridge hereinbefore by the provisions of RCW 47.17.065 and 47.56.270 made a part of the primary state highways of the state shall be operated and maintained by the department as a toll-free facility at such time as the ((~~present~~)) bonded indebtedness relating ((~~thereto~~)) to the construction of the Tacoma Narrows bridge in existence on the effective date of this act is wholly retired and tolls equaling the ((~~present~~)) indebtedness of the toll bridge authority incurred for the construction of the Tacoma Narrows bridge in existence on the effective date of this act to the county of Pierce have been collected. Tolls may only be imposed upon the Tacoma Narrows bridge in existence on the effective date of this act if that bridge is included as part of a public toll bridge facility that includes an additional toll bridge adjacent to the existing bridge constructed under sections 3, 4, 5, and 10 of this act. It is the express intent of the legislature that the provisions of RCW 47.56.245 (section 47.56.245, chapter 13, Laws of 1961) shall not be applicable to the Tacoma Narrows bridge in existence on the effective date of this act.

Sec. 21. RCW 39.46.070 and 1983 c 167 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the proceeds of any bonds issued by the state or a local government may be used to pay incidental costs and costs related to the sale and issuance of the bonds. Such costs include payments for fiscal and legal expenses, obtaining bond ratings, printing, engraving, advertising, establishing and funding reserve accounts and other accounts, an amount for working capital, capitalized interest for up to six months, necessary and related engineering, architectural, planning, and inspection costs, and other similar activities or purposes.

(2) In addition to the costs enumerated in subsection (1) of this section, costs authorized under this section include capitalized interest for up to seventy-two months from the date of issuance for bonds issued by the state for the construction of a public toll bridge authority under chapter 47.46 RCW.

Sec. 22. RCW 43.84.092 and 2001 c 273 s 5, 2001 c 141 s 2, and 2001 c 80 s 4 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(1) All earnings of investments of surplus balances in the state treasury shall be deposited to the treasury income account, which account is hereby established in the state treasury.

(2) The treasury income account shall be utilized to pay or receive funds associated with federal programs as required by the federal cash management improvement act of 1990. The treasury income account is subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for refunds or allocations of interest earnings required by the cash management improvement act. Refunds of interest to the federal treasury required under the cash management improvement act fall under RCW 43.88.180 and shall not require appropriation. The office of financial management shall determine the amounts due to or from the federal government pursuant to the cash management improvement act. The office of financial management may direct transfers of funds between accounts as deemed necessary to implement the provisions of the cash management improvement act, and this subsection. Refunds or allocations shall occur prior to the distributions of earnings set forth in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) Except for the provisions of RCW 43.84.160, the treasury income account may be utilized for the payment of purchased banking services on behalf of treasury funds including, but not limited to, depository, safekeeping, and disbursement functions for the state treasury and affected state agencies. The treasury income account is subject in all respects to chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for payments to financial institutions. Payments shall occur prior to distribution of earnings set forth in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) Monthly, the state treasurer shall distribute the earnings credited to the treasury income account. The state treasurer shall credit the general fund with all the earnings credited to the treasury income account except:

(a) The following accounts and funds shall receive their proportionate share of earnings based upon each account's and fund's average daily balance for the period: The capitol building construction account, the Cedar River channel construction and operation account, the Central Washington University capital projects account, the charitable, educational, penal and reformatory institutions account, the common school construction fund, the county criminal justice assistance account, the county sales and use tax equalization account, the data processing building construction account, the deferred compensation administrative account, the deferred compensation principal account, the department of retirement systems expense account, the drinking water assistance account, the drinking water assistance administrative account, the drinking water assistance repayment account, the Eastern Washington University capital projects account, the education construction fund, the emergency reserve fund, the federal forest revolving account, the health services account, the public health services account, the health system capacity account, the personal health services account, the state higher education construction account, the higher education construction account, the highway infrastructure account, the industrial insurance premium refund account, the judges' retirement account, the judicial retirement administrative account, the judicial retirement principal account, the local leasehold excise tax account, the local real estate excise tax account, the local sales and use tax account, the medical aid account, the mobile home park relocation fund, the multimodal transportation account, the municipal criminal justice assistance account, the municipal sales and use tax equalization account, the natural resources deposit account, the oyster reserve land account, the perpetual surveillance and maintenance account, the public employees' retirement system plan 1 account, the public employees' retirement system plan 2 account, the public health supplemental account, the Puyallup tribal settlement account, the resource management cost account, the site closure account, the special wildlife account, the state employees' insurance account, the state employees' insurance reserve account, the state investment board expense account, the state investment board commingled trust fund accounts, the supplemental pension account, the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account, the teachers' retirement system plan 1 account, the teachers' retirement system combined plan 2 and plan 3 account, the tobacco prevention and control account, the tobacco settlement account, the transportation infrastructure account, the tuition recovery trust fund, the University of Washington bond retirement fund, the University of Washington building account, the volunteer fire fighters' and reserve officers' relief and pension principal fund, the volunteer fire fighters' and reserve officers' administrative fund, the Washington judicial retirement system account, the Washington law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' system plan 1 retirement account, the Washington law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' system plan 2 retirement account, the Washington school employees' retirement system combined plan 2 and 3 account, the Washington state health insurance pool account, the Washington state patrol retirement account, the Washington State University building account, the Washington State University bond retirement fund, the water pollution control revolving fund, and the Western Washington University capital projects account. Earnings derived from investing balances of the agricultural permanent fund, the normal school permanent fund, the permanent common school fund, the scientific permanent fund, and the state university permanent fund shall be allocated to their respective beneficiary accounts. All earnings to be distributed under this subsection (4)(a) shall first be reduced by the allocation to the state treasurer's service fund pursuant to RCW 43.08.190.

(b) The following accounts and funds shall receive eighty percent of their proportionate share of earnings based upon each account's or fund's average daily balance for the period: The aeronautics account, the aircraft search and rescue account, the county arterial preservation account, the department of licensing services account, the essential rail assistance account, the ferry bond retirement fund, the grade crossing protective fund, the high capacity transportation account, the highway bond retirement fund, the highway safety account, the motor vehicle fund, the motorcycle safety education account, the pilotage account, the public transportation systems account, the Puget Sound capital construction account, the Puget Sound ferry operations account, the recreational vehicle account, the rural arterial trust account, the safety and education account, the special category C account, the state patrol highway account, the transportation equipment fund, the transportation fund, the transportation improvement account, the transportation improvement board bond retirement account, and the urban arterial trust account.

(5) In conformance with Article II, section 37 of the state Constitution, no treasury accounts or funds shall be allocated earnings without the specific affirmative directive of this section.

Sec. 23. RCW 43.84.092 and 2001 c 273 s 6, 2001 c 141 s 3, and 2001 c 80 s 5 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:

(1) All earnings of investments of surplus balances in the state treasury shall be deposited to the treasury income account, which account is hereby established in the state treasury.

(a) The following accounts and funds shall receive their proportionate share of earnings based upon each account's and fund's average daily balance for the period: The capitol building construction account, the Cedar River channel construction and operation account, the Central Washington University capital projects account, the charitable, educational, penal and reformatory institutions account, the common school construction fund, the county criminal justice assistance account, the county sales and use tax equalization account, the data processing building construction account, the deferred compensation administrative account, the deferred compensation principal account, the department of retirement systems expense account, the drinking water assistance account, the drinking water assistance administrative account, the drinking water assistance repayment account, the Eastern Washington University capital projects account, the education construction fund, the emergency reserve fund, the federal forest revolving account, the health services account, the public health services account, the health system capacity account, the personal health services account, the state higher education construction account, the higher education construction account, the highway infrastructure account, the industrial insurance premium refund account, the judges' retirement account, the judicial retirement administrative account, the judicial retirement principal account, the local leasehold excise tax account, the local real estate excise tax account, the local sales and use tax account, the medical aid account, the mobile home park relocation fund, the multimodal transportation account, the municipal criminal justice assistance account, the municipal sales and use tax equalization account, the natural resources deposit account, the oyster reserve land account, the perpetual surveillance and maintenance account, the public employees' retirement system plan 1 account, the public employees' retirement system combined plan 2 and plan 3 account, the public health supplemental account, the Puyallup tribal settlement account, the resource management cost account, the site closure account, the special wildlife account, the state employees' insurance account, the state employees' insurance reserve account, the state investment board expense account, the state investment board commingled trust fund accounts, the supplemental pension account, the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account, the teachers' retirement system plan 1 account, the teachers' retirement system combined plan 2 and plan 3 account, the tobacco prevention and control account, the tobacco settlement account, the transportation infrastructure account, the tuition recovery trust fund, the University of Washington bond retirement fund, the University of Washington building account, the volunteer fire fighters' and reserve officers' relief and pension principal fund, the volunteer fire fighters' and reserve officers' administrative fund, the Washington judicial retirement system account, the Washington law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' system plan 1 retirement account, the Washington law enforcement officers' and fire fighters' system plan 2 retirement account, the Washington school employees' retirement system combined plan 2 and 3 account, the Washington state health insurance pool account, the Washington state patrol retirement account, the Washington State University building account, the Washington State University bond retirement fund, the water pollution control revolving fund, and the Western Washington University capital projects account. Earnings derived from investing balances of the agricultural permanent fund, the normal school permanent fund, the permanent common school fund, the scientific permanent fund, and the state university permanent fund shall be allocated to their respective beneficiary accounts. All earnings to be distributed under this subsection (4)(a) shall first be reduced by the allocation to the state treasurer's service fund pursuant to RCW 43.08.190.

(5) In conformance with Article II, section 37 of the state Constitution, no treasury accounts or funds shall be allocated earnings without the specific affirmative directive of this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 24. A new section is added to chapter 47.46 RCW to read as follows:

A legislative oversight committee is established to monitor and report on the progress, execution, and efficiency of design-build contracts issued under this chapter. The legislative oversight committee will be comprised of one legislator from each caucus of each chamber of the legislature. The leadership of each caucus shall appoint one member from his or her respective caucus to serve on the legislative oversight committee authorized by this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 25. The legislature finds and declares:

It is in the interest of the state and the traveling public to improve the safety and efficiency of state highways and bridges as expeditiously as possible. The existing Tacoma Narrows bridge section of the SR 16 corridor located in Pierce and Kitsap counties, among others, is a threat to public health and safety because of congestion and a high number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Millions of dollars are lost annually because of travel delays and accidents that cause personal and property damage.

The SR 16 corridor provides the only fixed roadway link crossing Puget Sound. SR 16 is classified as an urban principal arterial and a highway of statewide significance because it serves substantial statewide and interstate travel. Further, its national highway system designation as a major strategic highway connector identifies SR 16 as part of the network of highways that is important to the United States strategic defense policy providing defense access, continuity, and emergency capabilities for the movement of personnel, materials, and equipment.

The SR 16 corridor is vital to the economic well‑being of Pierce and Kitsap counties and the Olympic peninsula. SR 16 is a designated state freight corridor, allowing for the efficient movement of freight, goods, and services to support local, regional, and state economies.

The SR 16 corridor project includes the financing, right‑of‑way acquisition, design‑build construction, operations, and maintenance of a new suspension toll bridge at Tacoma Narrows parallel to the existing bridge and the reconfiguration and seismic rehabilitation of the current bridge. Roadway improvements will also be made on SR 16 from and to the approaches to the bridge.

Currently, the state highway systems plan does not provide any funding solution for this critical transportation project other than tolls. Under RCW 47.46.040, the project has received regulatory approvals, rights‑of‑way have been acquired, necessary preparations for financing are underway, and a design‑build construction price has been determined. There have been significant state appropriations and private funding advanced to develop the project. Delays in commencing this project will cause increases in construction and financing costs and present a clear danger that the state will not be able to proceed to make these vital transportation improvements. This will result in a detrimental effect on the safety of its citizens and the economic welfare of the region.

In order to avoid these profound risks, including the profound risk of the project not proceeding, which would adversely affect tens of thousands of citizens, it is necessary that this act be effective immediately. Immediate legislative action is a pressing necessity to support the immediate commencement of work on this project and the SR 16 corridor.

These facts and findings are a declaration of facts constituting an emergency, and the projects that will be able to proceed under this act are necessary for immediate preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare. Therefore, except for section 23 of this act, this act takes effect immediately. Section 23 of this act takes effect March 1, 2002.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 26. Section 22 of this act expires March 1, 2002.