SSB 6932

Washington State House of Representatives	BILL ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

SSB 6932

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: Addressing ferry vessel and terminal planning.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, Spanel, Jacobsen, Marr, Kilmer, Rockefeller and Shin).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Implements recommendations of the 2007 Joint Transportation Committee ferries finance study regarding ferry vessel maintenance, preservation, and replacement plans.

Hearing Date: 2/26/08

Staff: Teresa Berntsen (786-7301).

Background:

The 2006 Transportation Budget directed the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) to conduct a finance study of the Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Ferries Division (WSF). The study was to facilitate legislative policy discussions and decisions regarding the WSF. In 2007 the Legislature passed ESHB 2358, which implemented the recommendations of the JTC study. The 2007 Transportation Budget directed the JTC to conduct phase two of the WSF finance study.

Summary of Bill:

Recommendations from the 2007 JTC ferries finance study are implemented. The WSF is directed to:

Develop and maintain a vessel rebuild, replacement, and deployment plan that must be included in its capital plan.
Develop and maintain a vessel maintenance and preservation program, which must include a bilge maintenance program, a visual inspection/audio gauging steel preservation program, and efficiencies by reducing dry-docking times.
Provide a status report on its vessel maintenance and preservation program with each budget submittal to the Office of Financial Management and the Legislature.

The Washington State Transportation Commission is directed to review the WSF's capital plan and report to the transportation committees of the Legislature, rather than adopt the plan.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 25, 2008.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.