SB 5162-S2.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/13/02)

     Finds that additional safety rest area sites would benefit the traveling public and contribute to the economic development of nearby communities.

     Directs the department of transportation to pursue a joint safety rest area demonstration project.

     Provides that the secretary or the secretary's designee shall solicit proposals from private and nonprofit entities for a joint safety rest area demonstration project.

     Provides that all revenues received under the terms of the agreement for the demonstration project must be placed in the motor vehicle fund.  The department shall provide an initial report to the transportation committees of the house of representatives and the senate by December 1, 2003, and annually thereafter, on the status of the project and revenues received from the project.

     Directs the department to request a waiver from the Federal Highway Administration for complying with 23 U.S.C. 111 regarding the use of access to rights-of-way on the interstate highway system and 20 U.S.C. 107 regarding vending machines at safety rest areas.  The department shall also seek a waiver from any federal regulations prohibiting private entities from operating safety rest areas.  The waiver shall be for both current and future safety rest areas.