FINAL BILL REPORT

ESB 5279

C 8 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Extending the expiration date of the transportation permit efficiency and accountability committee.

Sponsors: Senators Prentice, Swecker, Horn, Haugen, Doumit, Finkbeiner, Benton, Esser, Morton, Johnson, T. Sheldon, Hargrove, Brandland, Honeyford, Jacobsen, Oke and Rasmussen.

Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation

House Committee on Transportation

Background: The Transportation Permit Efficiency and Accountability Committee (TPEAC) was created by Engrossed Senate Bill 6188, Chapter 2, Laws 2001, 1st special session. The committee was created with the goal of achieving transportation permit reform that expedites the delivery of transportation projects through a streamlined approach to environmental permit decisionmaking. The legislation charged the committee with the task of integrating current environmental standards. To carry out this task, the committee was directed to conduct three environmental permit streamlining projects, develop a one-stop permit decision-making process, seek federal delegation of permitting where appropriate, develop a dispute resolution process and develop various other permitting efficiency measures.

The committee includes nine voting members: four members of the state Legislature, three members from state agencies, and two local government representatives. Eight non-voting members include business, tribal, trade and environmental organizations. Federal agencies also participate.

An appropriation of $3,296,000 was provided to the Department of Transportation for support of the committee during the 2001-03 biennium. Other agencies contributed to the cost of the effort through dedicated staff time and other in-kind contributions. The act creating TPEAC expires March 31, 2003.

Summary: The committee is extended to March 31, 2006. Goals for specific outcomes are established. Detailed work plans are required, and dates are set for reports on progress.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       46   0

House       70  19

Effective: March 31, 2003