BILL REQ. #:  S-1470.1 

Read first time 02/22/2005.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to high occupancy toll lanes; adding new sections to chapter 47.56 RCW; creating a new section; and providing a contingent effective date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the intent of the legislature to evaluate the feasibility of toll lanes, including high occupancy toll lanes, for new and replacement vehicle capacity on Interstate 405, state route 520, and the section of state route 99 known as the Alaskan Way Viaduct. The Interstate 405 study shall examine both currently funded and proposed projects.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A high occupancy toll lanes steering committee is hereby established to coordinate the feasibility study activity. Members of the high occupancy toll lanes steering committee are to include regional planning organizations and stakeholder groups.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) Funding shall be provided to obtain independent expert consultancy services to conduct the toll lanes feasibility studies. Evaluation criteria shall at a minimum include, but not be limited to:
     (a) Reduction in person and goods delay during peak periods, defined as 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.;
     (b) Revenue generation;
     (c) Use of revenues generated for transit and trip reduction programs;
     (d) Ability of multioccupant vehicles to maintain forty-five miles per hour minimum speed; and
     (e) The ability to incorporate freight needs.
     (2) Results of the feasibility study shall be delivered to the house and senate transportation committees of the legislature and the transportation commission not later than December 1, 2005.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 2 and 3 of this act are each added to chapter 47.56 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   This act takes effect August 1, 2005, if specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is provided by June 30, 2005, in the transportation appropriations act. If specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2005, this act is null and void.