BILL REQ. #:  H-4811.2 

Read first time 01/24/08.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     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 Puget Sound regional council shall survey existing studies and, to the extent necessary, conduct a feasibility study to provide information on 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. The feasibility study must be conducted if existing studies do 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) Estimate costs for securing rights and constructing platforms and stations;
     (e) 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;
     (f) Estimate costs for refurbishing the rail bed in the Woodinville subdivision to accommodate commuter rail service;
     (g) Estimate costs for establishing a concurrent bicycle and pedestrian pathway along or near the Woodinville subdivision;
     (h) Evaluate technology and estimate costs relating to ensuring safety, reducing noise, and mitigating environmental impacts of commuter rail service on neighboring properties, traffic, pedestrians, and bicycles; and
     (i) Identify which portions of the existing railroad sections would be most beneficial and cost-effective to develop for commuter rail service.
     (2) The Puget Sound regional council shall submit a report on the results of this 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.