BILL REQ. #:  H-5210.2 

READ FIRST TIME 02/11/08.   

     AN ACT Relating to a feasibility study on commuter rail services; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The regional transit authority serving the Puget Sound region shall work in conjunction with the Puget Sound regional council to review existing studies and consider other relevant information for the purpose of determining whether commuter rail service between eastern Snohomish county and eastern King county, based on commuter needs, can be a meaningful component of the region's future transportation system. A feasibility study must be conducted if the initial review does not provide sufficient information to:
     (a) Assess how many riders might be attracted to commuter rail service in this region;
     (b) Identify and evaluate which locations would most benefit from commuter rail service;
     (c) Identify and evaluate potential station sites;
     (d) Provide a general analysis of the ability of the existing rail lines and sections to accommodate commuter rail service, the effect of this service on existing and planned rail and freight operations, and an estimate of how tourism in the region might be affected;
     (e) Estimate costs for establishing a concurrent bicycle and pedestrian pathway along or near the Woodinville subdivision; and
     (f) Identify which portions of the existing railroad sections would be most beneficial and cost-effective to develop for commuter rail service.
     (2) The authority and council shall submit a joint report on the results of their initial review and any feasibility study to the transportation committees of the house of representatives and senate by February 1, 2009.
     (3) This section expires December 31, 2009.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2008, in the omnibus transportation appropriations act, this act is null and void.