HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2878


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 Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation

Title: An act relating to transportation funding and appropriations.

Brief Description: Making 2008 transportation supplemental appropriations.

Sponsors: Representative Clibborn; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/20/08, 2/21/08 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Adjusts the $7.5 billion 2007-09 appropriations to agencies with transportation-related activities through a $7.4 billion 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 20 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Appleton, Dickerson, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Williams and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 5 members: Representatives Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Rodne and Warnick.

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 (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 Substitute Bill:

Appropriations are adjusted for state transportation agencies and programs for the 2007-09 fiscal biennium. The $2.6 billion appropriation for operating programs is increased by $36 million, and the $4.9 billion capital appropriation is decreased by $140 million.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill provides funding for grants for car-sharing organizations, adds funding for a pedestrian underpass, adjusts the project schedule for an interchange project on Interstate 5 in Ridgefield, and makes other technical and clarifying changes.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The budget maintains funding for projects despite a 4 percent drop in revenue since last year. Funding for US 2, State Route 519, State Route 99, and the Aurora Avenue bridge, continuing to work on the Columbia River crossing, and support for telework and greenhouse gas emissions are appreciated. Toll credits may be used to secure funding to conduct research on a vessel that produces a low wake.

(In support with concerns) Funding for grants to car-sharing organizations, originally provided in the Governor's proposed budget, should be included in the House Budget. The use of toll credits for passenger-only ferries that are not required to use union contracts is a concern.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Duke Schaub, Associated General Contractors; and Rick Wickman, Identity Clark County, Port of Vancouver, and Seattle Mariners.

(In support with concerns) Sandi Swarthout, Flexcar; Genesee Adkins, Transportation Choices Coalition; and Gordon Baxter, Inland Boatman's Union, International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, and Marine Engineers Beneficial Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.