HB 2531-S.E - DIGEST
(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 2/27/04)
Provides that, for counties specified under RCW 36.120.030(1), the boundaries must be coextensive with two or more contiguous counties, except as provided in RCW 36.120.030(1), and for counties specified under RCW 36.120.030(2), the boundaries may be multicounty, county-wide, or less than county-wide; however, a city must be wholly inside or outside the boundaries of the district.
Declares that a "high-priority project" means the restoration, reconstruction, or improvement of a transportation facility of regional significance that has failed or is an identified risk for failure in terms of its design life expectancy or other factors.
Provides that any portion of a county that is located on a peninsula and is connected to the other portion of the county by a bridge improved under the Public-Private Transportation Initiatives Act, chapter 47.46 RCW, in a county with a national park and a population of more than five hundred thousand persons and less than one million five hundred thousand persons may not be part of a regional transportation investment district. To proceed with developing a plan, including submission of a plan to county legislative authorities for placement on a ballot, at least two contiguous counties must be included in the plan.
Provides that, for counties other than those counties specified in this provision, the county legislative authority may create a regional transportation investment district and shall convene a regional transportation investment planning committee. Counties may by resolution of each county's legislative authority create a district to include more than one county.
Requires that, in addition, for counties planning under this act, the planning committee must also include mayors or city council members of cities within the district so that the proportional membership on the planning committee in terms of members with weighted votes reflects the relative population of persons living within the respective jurisdictions.
Provides that, in conducting its environmental impact statement responsibilities on the Alaskan Way Viaduct project, the department of transportation must provide briefings and consult with legislators in the affected project area on the design alternatives for that facility as a high-priority project.
Declares that, in authorizing revenue sources, it is the intent of the legislature to provide a range of options that can be tailored to meet the transportation needs identified by local elected officials, with voter approval. The legislature does not intend that all local option tax sources will be used by a single district, nor that each revenue source will necessarily be imposed to its maximum limit.
Provides that, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in chapter 36.120 RCW, a regional transportation investment district may impose vehicle tolls on local and regional arterials with the approval of the transportation commission, or its successor, and upon approval of a majority of the voters voting on a regional transportation investment plan ballot measure within its boundaries as authorized in this chapter. These tolls may be imposed to generate revenue to fund the regional transportation investment plan.
Provides that, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in chapter 47.56 RCW, a regional transportation investment district may impose vehicle tolls on either Lake Washington bridge upon approval of a majority of the voters voting on a regional transportation investment plan ballot measure within its boundaries as authorized in chapter 36.120 RCW and RCW 47.56.076.
Authorizes the legislative authority of a regional transportation investment district to impose a charge based upon vehicle miles traveled. This charge may be, but is not limited to, a charge upon the vehicle miles traveled within the district by a vehicle, upon vehicle miles traveled within certain corridors in the district, or upon total vehicle miles traveled by a vehicle registered to a person whose legal residence is within the district.
Declares that the mileage charge under this act is subject to the approval of the transportation commission or its statutory successor and of a majority of the voters within the district boundaries voting on formation of the district. The mileage charge must be part of the investment plan of the district.