HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1094


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:
March 26, 2007

Title: An act relating to transportation funding and appropriations.

Brief Description: Making transportation appropriations for the 2005-07 and 2007-09 fiscal biennia.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Clibborn, Jarrett and O'Brien; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Brief History:

Transportation: 3/19/07, 3/20/07 [DPS].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 3/26/07, 81-16.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill
  • Provides appropriations to agencies with transportation-related activities for the 2007-09 biennium.
  • Adjusts the 2005-07 biennial appropriations through a 2007 supplemental transportation budget.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 18 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Hankins, Hudgins, Lovick, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Ericksen, Hailey and Kristiansen.

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

The operating and capital expenses of state transportation agencies and programs are funded on a biennial basis by an omnibus transportation budget adopted by the Legislature in odd-numbered years. Additionally, supplemental budgets may be adopted during the biennium making various modifications to agency appropriations.

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


Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill:

Appropriations are made for state transportation agencies and programs for the 2007-09 fiscal biennium. Total appropriations are $7.3 billion, with $2.6 billion in operating expenses and $4.7 billion in capital investments. Additionally, appropriations for various transportation agencies and programs are modified for the 2005-07 biennium.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Liberty Lake requests funding for an access study on Interstate 90. Grant programs such as the Safe Routes to School Program, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program, and the Regional Mobility Grant Program provide necessary resources to improve safety and mobility. Important freight mobility projects for the Port of Tacoma and the Port of Seattle are funded and will contribute to economic development. Several of the unions that work with the Washington State Ferry System support the bargaining agreements that were negotiated and funded in the budget. New investments for commute trip reduction are greatly needed, however, additional flexibility to fund recommendations from the Commute Trip Reduction Board would be appreciated.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Sean Eagan, Port of Tacoma; Doug Smith, City of Liberty Lake; Barbara Culp, Bike Alliance of Washington; David Levinger, Feet First; Peter Thein, Washington State Transit Association; Genesee Adkins, Transportation Choices Coalition; Terry Finn, Port of Seattle; and Gordon Baxter, International Order of Longshoremen Union, Masters, Mates and Pilots, Puget Sound Metal Trades Union, Eagle Harbor Shipyard, and Inland Boatsmen Union.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.