Brief Description: Requesting the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds for transportation improvements.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Clibborn, Jarrett, Kenney and Moeller).

House Committee on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The Legislature has established bond authorizations for highway improvements to fund transportation projects that have a long-term expected life span. The bonds must be authorized by the Legislature and the proceeds from the sale of the bonds must be appropriated for transportation projects. In addition to bond authorizations for state highways, the Legislature has provided bond authority for arterials within urban areas. The Transportation Improvement Board administers grants for transportation projects within urban areas.

The Washington State Transportation Commission (Transportation Commission) is authorized to request bond authorizations under the supervision of the State Finance Committee. In 2005, legislation was enacted authorizing the Governor to appoint the Secretary of Transportation. Previously, the Secretary was appointed by the Transportation Commission.

Summary:

The bond authorization for Special Category C improvements is increased from $330 million to $600 million. The bond authorization for Transportation 2003 projects is increased from $2.6 billion to $3.2 billion, and the bond authorization for Transportation 2005 projects is increased from $5.1 billion to $5.3 billion. The bond authorization for urban arterials is increased by $50 million.

The Secretary of the Department of Transportation and the Transportation Improvement Board are authorized to request bond authorizations under the supervision of the State Finance Committee.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   82   15
Senate   44   3   (Senate amended)
House   82   10   (House concurred)

Effective: July 22, 2007