| Washington State House of Representatives |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Transportation Committee | |
SB 5086
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.
Brief Description: Increasing the population threshold for state highway maintenance responsibility in cities and towns.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Swecker and Murray.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/21/07
Staff: Kathryn Leathers (786-7114).
Background:
Certain local streets are designated as part of the state highway system. The jurisdiction, control,
and maintenance responsibilities of these streets is defined in statute. In cities or towns with a
population of 22,500 or less, the Department of Transportation (Department) is responsible for:
roadway surfaces and shoulders; slope stability; route markers and directional signs; traffic
control signals; and snow plowing, when necessary.
In 1991, a task force was created to study the maintenance responsibilities for local streets
designated as part of the state highway system, and to reexamine the population threshold at
which maintenance responsibilities shift from the Department to cities and towns. As a result of
the task force's recommendations, the Legislature raised the population threshold from 15,000 to
22,500.
Once a city or town is determined to have exceeded the threshold, the transfer of maintenance
responsibilities takes effect three years from the date of the determination. During this time,
cities and towns may plan for additional staffing, budgetary and equipment requirements.
Summary of Bill:
The population threshold at which cities and towns must assume additional responsibility for
their streets that are part of the state highway system is raised from 22,500 to 25,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.