HOUSE BILL REPORT
SSB 6857
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 heavy haul industrial corridors.
Brief Description: Designating a select portion of state route number 97 as a heavy haul industrial corridor.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Morton, Swecker, Haugen, King, Spanel, Parlette and Delvin).
Brief History:
Transportation: 2/28/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 24 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Flannigan, Vice Chair; Ericksen, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Dickerson, Eddy, Herrera, Hudgins, Jarrett, Kristiansen, Loomis, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Smith, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Warnick, Williams and Wood.
Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).
Background:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may, at the request of a port,
designate highways located on port property as heavy haul industrial corridors. The WSDOT
may enter into agreements with ports to manage and maintain these corridors. Typically, the
purpose of a heavy haul industrial corridor is to allow for the controlled movement of
overweight, sealed, ocean-going containers from a port to a railhead. The gross vehicle
weight must not exceed 105,500 pounds. The entity operating the overweight vehicles in the
corridor is responsible for paying a special permit fee of $100 a month or $1,000 a year,
which is deposited in the Motor Vehicle Fund (MVF).
Summary of Bill:
The WSDOT must designate the portion of State Route 97 that runs from the Canadian
border to the City of Oroville as a heavy haul industrial corridor for the movement of
overweight vehicles. The WSDOT may issue special permits to overweight vehicles
operating in the corridor up to a gross vehicle weight of 137,788 pounds. Entities issued a
special permit must pay a fee of $100 a month or $1,000 a year, which is deposited in the
MVF.
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) The bill promotes economic development by allowing motor carriers from
Canada to bring heavier loads into Oroville's railhead to be placed on the rail line. This will
help to increase and maintain business for the Cascade and Columbia River Railroad,which
moves products between Oroville and Wenatchee. The economy in this area is mineral and
resource development. The economy needs the opportunity for new business to remain
competitive, maintain and increase jobs, and keep the economy in the area growing. Truck
volume will probably remain about the same as the trucks will be able to carry more, but
could also potentially increase 11 percent due to new business. The existing four miles of
roadway is straight with no bridges, was just re-paved in 2007, and has a very good road
foundation. Specific axle weights will need to be addressed in the WSDOT rules.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Cris Branch, City of Oroville; Andrew Lampe, Board of Commissioners - Okanogan County; Catherine Martin, Cascade and Columbia River Railroad; Jeff Wilkins, Wenatchee Valley Transportation Council; Reed Sherar, Columbia River Carbonates; and Bill Legg, Washington State Department of Transportation.