BILL REQ. #:  S-4433.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/06/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to allocation of federal transportation enhancement funds; adding a new section to chapter 47.01 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 47.01 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The secretary of transportation shall appoint an enhancement advisory committee representing interest groups and local governments. The enhancement advisory committee is limited to eleven members representing the following areas: One member from the department of transportation highways and local programs division, two members representing counties and two members representing the cities of Washington, a member representing pedestrian groups, a member representing trails and equestrian groups, a member representing historic and scenic highway groups, a member representing bicyclists, a member representing Indian nations, and a member representing the heritage community. The city and county representatives should be selected with consideration given to achieving a geographic balance of eastern and western Washington and large and small jurisdictions. The selection of city and county representatives should be drawn from metropolitan planning organization and regional transportation planning organization governing boards whenever possible. The state historic preservation officer shall represent the heritage community. The department of transportation's highway and local programs member shall serve as the committee chair.
     (2) The enhancement advisory committee shall make the final selection of projects receiving federal appropriations funded from the Surface Transportation Program enhancement funds or similar program anticipated to be authorized in the extension or reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21).
     (3) The enhancement committee shall make final selection of projects using metropolitan planning organization or regional transportation planning organization priorities, consideration of the diversity of interest groups represented in subsection (1) of this section, and an equitable statewide distribution of funding that is based on population.
     (4) The department of transportation's highway and local programs staff shall provide all staff services to the enhancement committee.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.