Title: An act relating to designating state route number 164 as a highway of statewide significance.

Brief Description: Designating state route number 164 as a highway of statewide significance.

Sponsors: Representatives Hurst, Roach, P. Sullivan and Simpson.

Brief History:

Transportation: 1/25/07, 2/12/07 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 23 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Campbell, Curtis, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Kristiansen, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, B. Sullivan, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Armstrong and Hankins.

Staff: Kathryn Leathers (786-7114).

Background:

An element of statewide transportation planning includes identifying significant state-owned transportation facilities and services. Highways of statewide significance are one category of transportation facilities and services of statewide significance. Such highways include, at a minimum, interstate highways and other statewide principal arterials that are needed to connect major communities across the state and support the state's economy. The Department of Transportation (Department) is responsible for establishing level of service standards for highways of statewide significance.

Designating a highway as a highway of statewide significance means, among other things, that improvements along the highway are given higher priority for improvement funding, and the Growth Management Act concurrency requirements do not apply.

Prior to 2006, the Legislature and the Transportation Commission (Commission) had authority to designate highways of statewide significance. Designations made by the Commission were subject to review and adoption by the Legislature. In 2006, the Commission's authority to make such designations was transferred to the Department.

Summary of Bill:

The 15-mile State Route (SR) 164 corridor, beginning at the junction of SR 18 in the vicinity of Auburn, and then southeasterly ending at the junction of SR 410 at Enumclaw, is designated as a highway of statewide significance.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) In addition to Highways 410 and 169, Highway 164 is one of three major access areas from Auburn to Enumclaw. Highway 164 has an extraordinary traffic problem as it comes off Highway 18 up to about where the Muckleshoot Casino is located. Options to address existing congestion, including a bypass, are under consideration. This designation is critically important for seeking different types of potential funding and for future planning purposes for all of the neighboring communities. This area continues to experience great economic development, and is the gateway to Mount Rainier and Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. The Federal Aviation Center, which employs about 350 people, is strategically located in this area, but the only access to this facility is Highway 164. The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is now the second largest employer in South King County. With increased congestion, there are increased needs to make this corridor safer for the nearby communities. This road has gone from a sleepy country highway to a bustling highway. Although one traffic study has been completed, there is a lot of work to be done on this highway as it continues to grow. Local jurisdictions and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe have contributed to, and are willing to continue contributing to, the cost of improvements to this area.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Hurst, prime sponsor; Carolyn Robertson, City of Auburn; and Rick Jensen, Muckleshoot Tribe.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.