Brief Description: Making 2003-05 supplemental transportation appropriations.

Sponsors: Representatives Murray, Linville and Morris; by request of Governor Locke.

Hearing Date: 1/19/05

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

The transportation budget provides biennial appropriations to the major transportation agencies: Department of Transportation, Washington Traffic Safety Commission, County Road Administration Board, Transportation Improvement Board, Washington State Patrol and Department of Licensing. The budget also provides appropriations out of transportation funds to many smaller agencies with transportation functions.

Summary of Bill:

Adjusts the biennial appropriations for the 2003-05 biennial transportation budget.

Department of Transportation

1.   Recognizes under spending in the current biennium $11.650 Million.

2.   Funds $11.328 Million in ferries fuel cost increases based on the latest estimated consumption rates and fuel cost index.

3.   Funds $240,000 for ferries insurance increase.

4.   Reduction of $630,000 for the negotiated contract with Amtrak.

Washington State Patrol

1.   Funds $1,204,000 in overtime costs for the Washington State Patrol to provide increased ferry security, centralized management, and additional commercial vehicle enforcement officers.

2.   Funds $859,000 vehicle fuel cost increases based on the latest estimated consumption    rates and fuel cost index.

Department of Licensing            

Reduction in the implementation of the biometrics identifier of $100,000 due to the elimination of the finger print option.

Agency	Original 2003-05 Appropriations	Governor Proposed Adjustments	Proposed Revised 2003-05 Appropriations
Department of Transportation	$3,717,491	($712)	$3,716,779
Department of Licensing	$189,163	($100)	$189,063
Washington State Patrol	$254,864	$2,063	$256,927
Bond Retirement and Interest	$344,743	($75,882)	$268,861
Agencies with no Changes	$320,208		$320,208
Total Appropriations	$4,826,469	($74,631)	$4,751,838

Transfers:

• Transfer from the State Patrol Highway Account to the Motor Vehicle Account reduced is $6 Million.
• Transfer from the Highway Safety Account to the Motor Vehicle Account is increased $1 Million.Transfer from the Motor Vehicle Account to the Puget Sound Capital Construction Account is reduced $1 Million.
• Revenue distributions are updated based on the November 2004 revenue forecast.

*Amount has been revised ($17,426) based on the Governor's errata.

Appropriation: $4,751,838.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect immediately.