SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2730
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 Senate Committee On:
Transportation, February 26, 2008
Title: An act relating to the provision of ferry service by port districts.
Brief Description: Addressing the provision of ferry service by port districts.
Sponsors: Representatives Rolfes, Appleton and Hudgins.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/08, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/21/08, 2/26/08 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: In the 2006 legislative session, ESSB 6787 directed the Washington State
Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to establish a grant program to provide operating or
capital grants for passenger-only ferries (POF) operated by counties, county ferry districts, and
public transportation benefit districts. Among other things, this bill also requires WSDOT to
collaborate with new and potential POF service providers for terminal operations at its existing
terminal facilities.
Port districts currently may acquire, lease, construct, purchase, maintain, and operate passenger-carrying vessels on interstate navigable rivers of Washington and intrastate waters of adjoining
states.
Summary of Bill: Port districts are added to the list of those eligible to receive POF grants from WSDOT. Port Districts offering POF services are added to the list of those with which WSDOT must collaborate for terminal operations at its existing terminal facilities. The waters in which a port district may operate passenger carrying vessels is expanded to include the Puget Sound.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will make it easier to restore POF service on
a Seattle/Kingston route. This permission is needed for a port to operate on this route.
OTHER: All entities applying for POF grant funds should be treated equally.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Rolfes, prime sponsor; Pat Jones, Washington Public
Ports Association; Mike Bookey, Port of Kingston; Nels Sultan, Kingston Express Association;
Kyle Montgomery, Seattle 2PT Campaign.
OTHER: Gordon Baxter, Inland Boatman's Union, Masters Mates and Pilotes, Marine Engineer
Beneficial Association.