Brief Description: Funding homeland security for transportation.

Sponsors: Representative Murray.

Hearing Date: 2/24/04

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

After the events of September 11, 2001, security against terrorism has been a national concern. At the state level, there has been identified security enhancement needs concerning transportation infrastructures. Some of the areas identified, for example are bridges, border security, commercial vehicle enforcement, communication systems and new U.S. Coast Guard regulations concerning the Washington State Ferry system. Many needs have been identified, but very little funding has been identified to increase security in many of these areas.

Summary of Bill:

Implements a 75 cent homeland transportation security surcharge on all vehicle registrations except for prorate trucks and large commercial trailers. The surcharge would be on registrations that are due or become due on or after September 1, 2004.

The fee is distributed to the following accounts:

1.   Twenty-five percent of the surcharge to be deposited into the Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account;

2.   Forty percent of the surcharge to be deposited into the State Patrol Highway Account; and

3.   The remainder is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Account.

There are appropriations for Department of Transportation for increased ferry security to be in compliance with new U.S. Coast Guard regulations and provides for ferry safety management systems. There are also appropriations for the Washington State Patrol for increased vessel and terminal security. In addition, there is the state's match for federal funding from the Motor Carriers Safety Assistance Program for the new Motor Carriers Entrants Program and the new Northern Border Program.

Appropriation: The sum of $4,320,000.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 24, 2004.

Effective Date: Appropriations take effect on July 1, 2004 and the surcharge takes effect on registrations that are due or become due on or after September 1, 2004.