Brief Description: Describing the route of SR 99.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Veloria and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 3/3/03

Staff: Gene Baxstrom (786-7303).

Background:

The description of State Route 99 designates that it begins in Fife at a junction with State Route 5 thence northerly by way of Federal Way, Midway, Seattle, and Edmonds to a junction with State Route 5 in Everett. A proviso specifies that the portion of State Route 99 between Fife and Federal Way will be deleted from the state system when a new corridor for State Route 509 is completed between State Route 705 in Tacoma, via the Port of Tacoma to Federal Way.

The Transportation Improvement Board (Board) is responsible for annually reviewing requests for transfers of road jurisdiction among the Department of Transportation (DOT), cities and counties. Criteria for route responsibility is set forth in RCW 47.17.001. Decisions for transfer by the Board are then referred to the Legislature in order for the transfer to occur.

State Route 99 between State Route 518 and State Route 599 is approximately 2.4 miles long. This portion of State Route 99 is located largely with the city limits of Tukwila., with about two blocks located within the City of Sea-Tac, at its northern boundary. In 2002 the City of Tukwila requested that that portion of State Route 99 be transferred from the state system to local jurisdiction. The city argued that this portion of State Route 99 is not used as a thoroughfare and that it is more a community roadway, in essence, Tukwila's main street. The City of Sea-Tac also indicated that it was willing to assume responsibility for the two blocks of the route located within it's jurisdiction. The DOT opposed the transfer arguing that a significant amount of traffic along this portion of the route is through traffic and that this portion of State Route 99 is part of a regional route. The Board declined recommending that the transfer be made.

Summary of Bill:

2.4 miles of State Route 99 between State Route 518 in the vicinity of Tukwila and State Route 599 in the vicinity of Tukwila is removed from the state highway system and is turned back to local authorities.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 28, 2003.

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