SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6613
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:
Economic Development, Trade & Management, February 05, 2008
Title: An act relating to a statewide infrastructure investment strategy.
Brief Description: Developing a twenty-year statewide infrastructure investment strategy.
Sponsors: Senators Kilmer, Pridemore, Marr and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Management: 1/29/08, 2/05/08 [DPS-WM].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & MANAGEMENT
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6613 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Kauffman, King and Shin.
Staff: Aaron Gutierrez (786-7448)
Background: In 2007, the Study Committee on Public Infrastructure Programs and Funding
Structures (Committee) convened and issued recommendations. These recommendations
included clarification of state policy goals, specific program and budget changes, administrative
improvements, and areas of further study.
The report of the Committee discussed the need for additional, as well as more consistent and
well-defined funding sources.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Joint Legislative Infrastructure Oversight Committee on a Statewide Infrastructure Investment Strategy is created to produce a 10-year infrastructure investment strategy. This strategy will address the state's responsibility for infrastructure investment, current and new funding sources, and forecasted revenue.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): The duration changed from 20 years to 10 years. Flood control facilities were added to the policy goals, and the committee to prioritize those goals. The committee structure was changed to three from each caucus, from both houses, for a total of 12 members.
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 on Original Bill: PRO: The previous committee was not comprehensive or specific enough, especially regarding priority and payment processes. The commissioned study will address the things the previous committee did not. The study would match need to revenue sources, and encourage creativity regarding funding sources. The bill does require some expenditure, but compared to previous studies it is a better bargain than most. There is no common understanding of the problem or solution. This bill is essential for common understanding. Infrastructure is a quality of life issue. This study would help encourage the necessary stability in the housing market. If the bill continues to evolve, it should include other studies, so that those studies can be complimentary rather than duplicative. It should also include funders as well as spenders. If the goals stated in the bill need to be prioritized, then goals A, B, C, E, and F should be at the top.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kilmer, prime sponsor; Ashley Probart, Association of Washington Cities; Doug Levy, Cities of Everett, Federal Way, Kent, Puyallup, Renton; Rick Slunaker, Association of General Contractors; Terri Jeffreys, Realtors; Phil Harlan, Realtors.