HB 2222 - DIGEST

Declares that the Washington commerce corridor may be an alternative route to Interstate 5 that facilitates the movement of freight, goods, people, and utilities.

Provides that, to aid the legislature in its determination of whether a commerce corridor should be advanced for further study and consideration, the department shall retain outside experts to conduct an initial study to assess the key issues. This study information is intended to be used by the legislature to consider whether further investments for corridor development should be pursued by either the public or private sectors. The department shall submit to the 2005 legislature a study that identifies the key issues involved with the corridor proposal.

Provides that, by December 1, 2004, the department shall submit the study findings on the conceptual corridor proposal to the legislative transportation committee. The legislative transportation committee shall recommend to the legislature whether the department shall seek proposals from private companies to develop the corridor. The recommendation must include proposed legislation that sets forth the framework for the agreements that the department may enter into for the project. If the legislature does not enact legislation authorizing a solicitation of proposals, the department shall not pursue further investigation of the commerce corridor.