SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6134
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 of February 28, 2007
Title: An act relating to prioritizing funding for special category C projects.
Brief Description: Prioritizing funding for special category C projects.
Sponsors: Senator Marr and Fairley.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/27/07.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)
Background: In 1990, the Legislature established the Special Category C account in the Motor
Vehicle Fund for high cost projects that would require bond financing to complete construction.
The account receives an amount equal to 3.2609 percent of the motor vehicle fuel tax and the
special fuel tax, or three-quarters of a cent per gallon of fuel. In the 2005-07 biennium, the
account is forecast to receive $49.2 million in revenues.
Under current law, criteria for prioritizing Special Category C projects in priority order include:
1) accident experience;
2) fatal accident experience;
3) capacity to move people and goods safely and at reasonable speeds and without undue
congestion; and
4) continuity of development of the highway transportation network.
Since the creation of the account, funding has been appropriated for projects on State Route 18
corridor, State Route 2/North Spokane and Division Street, State Route 99 First Avenue Bridge,
and State Route 395.
Summary of Bill: Criteria for prioritizing projects for funding from the Special Category C
account are removed. Emphasis is provided on the use of Category C funds for corridor
completion projects. Specific projects, listed in priority order, are eligible for funding from the
Special Category C account:
1) State Route 395, North Spokane Corridor;
2) State Route 18; and
3) State Route 99 First Avenue Bridge South.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: Completing State Route 395 is a priority. Significant progress has been made and this bill would help complete the corridor. It is appropriate to codify the corridor approach to project completion.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Tom Parker, City of Spokane; Jim Hendrick, Spokane Chamber.