Brief Description: Providing incentives to increase transportation revenues by reforming laws limiting the provision of passenger-only ferry service.

Sponsors: Representatives Woods, Ericksen, Ahern, Schindler, Jarrett, Bush, Shabro, Anderson, Bailey, Talcott, Clements, Chandler, Mielke, Boldt, Newhouse, Schoesler, Nixon, Pearson, Pflug and McMahan.

Hearing Date: 3/5/03

Staff: Jay Alexander (786-7339).

Background:

Currently ferries not operated by the Washington State Ferries (WSF) are prohibited from operating within ten miles of established WSF routes unless granted a waiver from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). The waver may be granted based upon written petition by a commercial ferry operator to the UTC.

In addition, any party assuming the operation and maintenance of any ferry or ferry system by rent, lease, or charter from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is bound by WSDOT's contractual obligations, including existing labor contracts

Summary of Bill:

Operators of passenger-only ferry service would be exempt from the ten-mile rule and no longer required to apply for a ten-mile waiver from the UTC to provide service. In addition, these operators would be allowed to use WSDOT terminal, dock, and pier space if the space does not limit operation of the auto ferry service provided by the WSF system. The WSDOT may not charge any lease, rent, or fee in excess of amounts necessary to be deemed legally adequate.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.