HOUSE BILL REPORT
ESHB 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 Amended by the Senate
Title: An act relating to transportation funding and appropriations.
Brief Description: Making 2008 transportation supplemental appropriations.
Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representative Clibborn; by request of Office of Financial Management).
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/20/08, 2/21/08 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/22/08, 66-25.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 2/27/08, 39-10.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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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 Engrossed 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.
EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):
The Senate amendment makes changes to several transportation agencies' appropriation
levels. In addition, the Senate amendment makes changes to transportation capital project
lists and appropriation levels.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: 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.