BILL REQ. #:  H-3957.3 

Read first time 01/22/2004.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to authorizing magnetic levitation transportation systems; amending RCW 81.104.015 and 81.104.180; adding new sections to chapter 81.104 RCW; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 81.104.015 and 1999 c 202 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
     (1) "High-capacity transportation system" means a system of public transportation services within an urbanized region operating principally on exclusive rights of way, and the supporting services and facilities necessary to implement such a system, including interim express services and high occupancy vehicle lanes, which taken as a whole, provides a substantially higher level of passenger capacity, speed, and service frequency than traditional public transportation systems operating principally in general purpose roadways. "High-capacity transportation system" also includes magnetic levitation and personal rapid transit systems.
     (2) "Rail fixed guideway system" means a light, heavy, or rapid rail system, monorail, inclined plane, funicular, trolley, or other fixed rail guideway component of a high-capacity transportation system that is not regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration, or its successor. "Rail fixed guideway system" does not mean elevators, moving sidewalks or stairs, and vehicles suspended from aerial cables, unless they are an integral component of a station served by a rail fixed guideway system.
     (3) "Regional transit system" means a high-capacity transportation system under the jurisdiction of one or more transit agencies except where a regional transit authority created under chapter 81.112 RCW exists, in which case "regional transit system" means the high-capacity transportation system under the jurisdiction of a regional transit authority.
     (4) "Transit agency" means city-owned transit systems, county transportation authorities, metropolitan municipal corporations, and public transportation benefit areas.

Sec. 2   RCW 81.104.180 and 1992 c 101 s 29 are each amended to read as follows:
     Cities that operate transit systems, county transportation authorities, metropolitan municipal corporations, public transportation benefit areas, magnetic levitation technology and personal rapid transit systems, and regional transit authorities are authorized to pledge revenues from the employer tax authorized by RCW 81.104.150, the special motor vehicle excise tax authorized by RCW 81.104.160, and the sales and use tax authorized by RCW 81.104.170, to retire bonds issued solely for the purpose of providing high capacity transportation service.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 81.104 RCW to read as follows:
     It is the intent of the legislature to design and implement magnetic levitation technology transportation systems to move persons and freight faster and more efficiently than the current transportation systems. The need for reducing congestion and moving freight faster to markets and shipping terminals along with new technology has made available new innovated transportation systems. The design and implementation of a new system will increase jobs, reduce congestion, and improve the economy in the state of Washington. The legislature authorizes the implementation of pilot projects for magnetic levitation technology and personal rapid transportation systems.
     There will be eight legislative members, two from each legislative caucus, selected to approve and work with counties in the implementation of pilot projects.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 81.104 RCW to read as follows:
     Counties authorized to implement magnetic levitation technology transportation systems are hereby granted dedicated funding sources for these systems as set forth in RCW 81.104.150, 81.104.160, and 81.104.170.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   A new section is added to chapter 81.104 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature recognizes the benefits of public-private partnerships and authorizes counties implementing magnetic levitation technology transportation systems to utilize public-private partnerships.
     (2) Counties implementing magnetic levitation technology transportation system pilot projects are exempt from the population requirements in RCW 81.104.030.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   This act takes effect July 1, 2004.