Brief Description: Making 2005-07 transportation appropriations.

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

Hearing Date: 1/19/05

Staff: Gary Lebow (786-7304).

Background:

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

Summary of Bill:

Provides biennial appropriations for the 2003-05 biennium transportation budget.
(dollars in thousands)

Department of Transportation	$4,413,874
Washington State Patrol	$286,289
Department of Licensing	$200,117
Transportation Improvement Board	$208,067
County Road Administration Board	$102,088
Traffic Safety Commission	$21,211
State Employee Compensation Adjustment	$37,390
Bond Retirement and Interest	$457,136
Small Agencies with Transportation Related Activities	$8,641
Total Appropriations:	$5,734,813

Adjusts the biennial appropriations for the 2005-07 biennium 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
Funds $1,152,000 in vehicle fuel cost increases based on the latest estimated consumption rates and fuel cost index.

Department of Licensing            
Reduction of $100,000 due to partial implementation of Chapter 273, Laws of 2004, which authorized voluntary collection of biometric identifiers from applicants for drivers licenses and identicards.

(dollars in thousands)

Agency	Original 2003-05 Appropriations	House Transportation Adjustments	Proposed Revised 2003-05 Appropriations
Department of Transportation	$3,717,491	$1,938	$3,719,429
Department of Licensing	$189,163	-$100	$189,063
Washington State Patrol	$254,864	$1,152	$256,016
Bond Retirement and Interest	$344,743	-$17,426	$327,317
Agencies with No Changes	$320,208	$0	$320,208
Total Appropriations	$4,826,469	-$14,436	$4,812,033

Appropriation: The sum of $5,734,813 for 2005-07; $4,812,033 revised appropriation for 2003-05.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.