SENATE BILL REPORT
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.
As Amended by House, March 5, 2008
Title: An act relating to ferry vessel and terminal planning.
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 History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/06/08, 2/11/08 [DPS].
Passed Senate: 2/16/08, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6932 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Holmquist, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kauffman, Kilmer, King, Pflug, Sheldon and Spanel.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: In the 2006 transportation budget, the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) was directed to conduct a study of the Washington State Ferries (WSF). The study was to facilitate legislative policy discussions and decisions regarding WSF. In 2007 the Legislature passed ESHB 2358, which implemented the recommendations of that study. Phase Two of the JTC study was continued in the 2007 transportation budget. The Transportation Commission is directed to adopt the WSF capital plan.
Summary of Substitute Bill: Recommendations from the 2007 JTC ferry study are implemented. WSF is directed to develop and maintain a vessel rebuild and replacement plan and a vessel deployment plan which must be included in the department's capital plan. WSF is also directed to develop and maintain a vessel maintenance and preservation program, which must include, at a minimum, certain activities, efficiencies by reducing dry-docking times, and reporting requirements. The Transportation Commission is no longer directed to adopt the WSF capital plan, but rather to review it and report to the transportation committees of the Legislature.
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 on Original Bill: PRO: Maintenance and preservation needs to be a top priority at ferries.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Paula Hammond, Secretary, Department of Transportation.
House Amendment(s): Language is added requiring WSF to evaluate the long-term vessel operating costs related to fuel efficiency and staffing when planning for new vessel acquisitions. Additionally, WSF is prohibited from using vessel emergency repair budgets for planned maintenance and inspections of inactive vessels.