BILL REQ. #:  S-4284.1 

Read first time 01/15/08.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to the imposition of tolls; amending RCW 47.56.030, 47.56.040, 47.56.070, 47.56.076, 47.56.078, 47.56.120, 47.56.240, 35.74.050, 36.120.050, 36.73.040, 47.29.060, 47.58.030, 47.60.010, and 53.34.010 adding new sections to chapter 47.56 RCW; and repealing RCW 47.56.0761 and 47.56.080.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds and declares that it is the policy of the state of Washington to use tolling to provide a source of transportation funding and to encourage effective use of the transportation system.
     The legislature intends that the policy framework created by this act will guide subsequent legislation and decisions regarding the tolling of specific facilities and corridors. For each state-owned facility or corridor, the legislature intends that it will authorize the budget and finance plan. Specific issues that may be addressed in the finance plan and budget authorization legislation include the amount of financing required for a facility or corridor, the budget for any construction and operations financed by tolling, whether and how variable pricing will be applied, and the timing of tolling.
     The legislature also intends that while the transportation commission, as the toll-setting authority, may set toll rates for facilities, corridors, or systems thereof, the legislature reserves the authority to impose tolls on any state transportation route or facility. Similarly, local or quasi-local entities that retain the power to impose tolls may do so as long as the effect of those tolls on the state highway system is consistent with the policy guidelines detailed in this act. If the imposition of tolls could have an impact on state facilities, the state tolling authority must review and approve such tolls.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This subchapter applies to all state toll bridges and other state toll facilities, excluding the Washington state ferries, authorized within this state after July 1, 2008.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The definitions in this section apply throughout this subchapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
     (1) "Tolling authority" means the governing body that is legally empowered to review and adjust toll rates. Unless otherwise delegated, the transportation commission is the tolling authority for all state highways.
     (2) "Eligible toll facility" or "eligible toll facilities" means portions of the state highway system specifically identified by the legislature including, but not limited to, transportation corridors, bridges, crossings, interchanges, on-ramps, off-ramps, approaches, bistate facilities, and interconnections between highways.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   (1) Unless otherwise delegated, only the legislature may authorize the imposition of tolls on eligible toll facilities.
     (2) All revenue from an eligible toll facility must be used only to construct, improve, preserve, maintain, or operate the eligible toll facility on or in which the revenue is collected. Expenditures of toll revenues are subject to appropriation and must be made only:
     (a) To cover the operating costs of the eligible toll facility, including necessary maintenance, preservation, administration, and toll enforcement by public law enforcement;
     (b) To meet obligations for the repayment of debt and interest on the eligible toll facilities, and any other associated financing costs including, but not limited to, required reserves and insurance;
     (c) To meet any other obligations to provide funding contributions for any projects or operations on the eligible toll facilities;
     (d) To provide for the operations of vessels, buses, vehicles, or other conveyances of people or goods, which is limited to no more than ten percent of the toll revenue collected on the eligible toll facility in the case of public mass transit operations; or
     (e) For any other improvements to the eligible toll facilities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Any proposal for the establishment of eligible toll facilities shall consider the following policy guidelines:
     (1) Overall direction. Washington should use tolling to encourage effective use of the transportation system and provide a source of transportation funding.
     (2) When to use tolling. Tolling should be used when it can be demonstrated to contribute a significant portion of the cost of a project that cannot be funded solely with existing sources or optimize the performance of the transportation system. Such tolling should, in all cases, be fairly and equitably applied in the context of the statewide transportation system and not have significant adverse impacts through the diversion of traffic to other routes that cannot otherwise be reasonably mitigated. Such tolling should also consider relevant social equity, environmental, and economic issues.
     (3) Use of toll revenue. All revenue from an eligible toll facility must be used only to improve, preserve, or operate the eligible toll facility on or in which the revenue is collected.
     (4) Setting toll rates. Toll rates, which may include variable pricing, must be set to meet anticipated funding obligations. To the extent possible, the toll rates should be set to optimize system performance, recognizing necessary trade-offs to generate revenue.
     (5) Duration of toll collection. Because transportation infrastructure projects have costs and benefits that extend well beyond those paid for by initial construction funding, tolls should remain in place to fund additional capacity, capital rehabilitation, maintenance, and operations, and to optimize performance of the system.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 6   (1) A tolling advisory committee may be created at the direction of the tolling authority for any eligible toll facilities. The tolling authority shall appoint nine members to the committee, all of whom must be permanent residents of the affected project area as defined for each project. Members of the committee shall serve without receiving compensation.
     (2) The tolling advisory committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the tolling authority on all matters related to the imposition of tolls including, but not limited to: (a) The feasibility of providing discounts; (b) the trade-off of lower tolls versus the early retirement of debt; and (c) consideration of variable or time of day pricing.
     (3) In setting toll rates, the tolling authority shall consider recommendations of the tolling advisory committee.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 7   (1) Unless these powers are otherwise delegated by the legislature, the transportation commission is the tolling authority for the state. The tolling authority shall:
     (a) Set toll rates, establish appropriate exemptions, if any, and make adjustments as conditions warrant on eligible toll facilities;
     (b) Review toll collection policies, toll operations policies, and toll revenue expenditures on the eligible toll facilities and report annually on this review to the legislature.
     (2) The tolling authority, in determining toll rates, shall consider the policy guidelines established in section 5 of this act.
     (3) Unless otherwise directed by the legislature, in setting and periodically adjusting toll rates, the tolling authority must ensure that toll rates will generate revenue sufficient to:
     (a) Meet the operating costs of the eligible toll facilities, including necessary maintenance, preservation, administration, and toll enforcement by public law enforcement;
     (b) Meet obligations for the repayment of debt and interest on the eligible toll facilities, and any other associated financing costs including, but not limited to, required reserves, minimum debt coverage or other appropriate contingency funding, and insurance; and
     (c) Meet any other obligations of the tolling authority to provide its proportionate share of funding contributions for any projects or operations of the eligible toll facilities.
     (4) The established toll rates may include variable pricing, and should be set to optimize system performance, recognizing necessary trade-offs to generate revenue for the purposes specified in subsection (3) of this section. Tolls may vary for type of vehicle, time of day, traffic conditions, or other factors designed to improve performance of the system.

Sec. 8   RCW 47.56.030 and 2002 c 114 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as permitted under chapter 47.29 or 47.46 RCW:
     (a) Unless otherwise delegated, and subject to section 4 of this act, the department of transportation shall have full charge of the planning, analysis, and construction of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and the operation and maintenance thereof.
     (b) The transportation commission shall determine and establish the tolls and charges thereon((, and shall perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to the financing, refinancing, and fiscal management of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by law)).
     (c) Unless otherwise delegated, and subject to section 4 of this act, the department shall have full charge of planning, analysis, and design of all toll facilities. The department may conduct the planning, analysis, and design of toll facilities as necessary to support the legislature's consideration of toll authorization.
     (d) The department shall utilize and administer toll collection systems that are simple, unified, and interoperable. To the extent practicable, the department shall avoid the use of toll booths. The department shall set the statewide standards and protocols for all toll facilities within the state, including those authorized by local authorities.
     (e) Except as provided in this section, the department shall proceed with the construction of such toll bridges and other facilities and the approaches thereto by contract in the manner of state highway construction immediately upon there being made available funds for such work and shall prosecute such work to completion as rapidly as practicable. The department is authorized to negotiate contracts for any amount without bid under (((d)(i))) (e)(i) and (ii) of this subsection:
     (i) Emergency contracts, in order to make repairs to ferries or ferry terminal facilities or removal of such facilities whenever continued use of ferries or ferry terminal facilities constitutes a real or immediate danger to the traveling public or precludes prudent use of such ferries or facilities; and
     (ii) Single source contracts for vessel dry dockings, when there is clearly and legitimately only one available bidder to conduct dry dock-related work for a specific class or classes of vessels. The contracts may be entered into for a single vessel dry docking or for multiple vessel dry dockings for a period not to exceed two years.
     (2) The department shall proceed with the procurement of materials, supplies, services, and equipment needed for the support, maintenance, and use of a ferry, ferry terminal, or other facility operated by Washington state ferries, in accordance with chapter 43.19 RCW except as follows:
     (a) ((Except as provided in (d) of this subsection,)) When the secretary of the department of transportation determines in writing that the use of invitation for bid is either not practicable or not advantageous to the state and it may be necessary to make competitive evaluations, including technical or performance evaluations among acceptable proposals to complete the contract award, a contract may be entered into by use of a competitive sealed proposals method, and a formal request for proposals solicitation. Such formal request for proposals solicitation shall include a functional description of the needs and requirements of the state and the significant factors.
     (b) When purchases are made through a formal request for proposals solicitation the contract shall be awarded to the responsible proposer whose competitive sealed proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the state taking into consideration price and other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposals. No significant factors may be used in evaluating a proposal that are not specified in the request for proposals. Factors that may be considered in evaluating proposals include but are not limited to: Price; maintainability; reliability; commonality; performance levels; life cycle cost if applicable under this section; cost of transportation or delivery; delivery schedule offered; installation cost; cost of spare parts; availability of parts and service offered; and the following:
     (i) The ability, capacity, and skill of the proposer to perform the contract or provide the service required;
     (ii) The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the proposer;
     (iii) Whether the proposer can perform the contract within the time specified;
     (iv) The quality of performance of previous contracts or services;
     (v) The previous and existing compliance by the proposer with laws relating to the contract or services;
     (vi) Objective, measurable criteria defined in the request for proposal. These criteria may include but are not limited to items such as discounts, delivery costs, maintenance services costs, installation costs, and transportation costs; and
     (vii) Such other information as may be secured having a bearing on the decision to award the contract.
     (c) When purchases are made through a request for proposal process, proposals received shall be evaluated based on the evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal. When issuing a request for proposal for the procurement of propulsion equipment or systems that include an engine, the request for proposal must specify the use of a life cycle cost analysis that includes an evaluation of fuel efficiency. When a life cycle cost analysis is used, the life cycle cost of a proposal shall be given at least the same relative importance as the initial price element specified in the request of proposal documents. The department may reject any and all proposals received. If the proposals are not rejected, the award shall be made to the proposer whose proposal is most advantageous to the department, considering price and the other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal.
     (((d) If the department is procuring large equipment or systems (e.g., electrical, propulsion) needed for the support, maintenance, and use of a ferry operated by Washington state ferries, the department shall proceed with a formal request for proposal solicitation under this subsection (2) without a determination of necessity by the secretary.))

Sec. 9   RCW 47.56.040 and 1984 c 7 s 248 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department is empowered, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to provide for the establishment and construction of toll bridges upon any public highways of this state together with approaches thereto wherever it is considered necessary or advantageous and practicable for crossing any stream, body of water, gulch, navigable water, swamp, or other topographical formation whether that formation is within this state or constitutes a boundary between this state and an adjoining state or country. ((The necessity or advantage and practicability of any such toll bridge shall be determined by the department, and the feasibility of financing any toll bridge in the manner provided by this chapter shall be a primary consideration and determined according to the best judgment of the department.)) For the purpose of obtaining information for the consideration of the department upon the construction of any toll bridge or any other matters pertaining thereto, any cognizant officer or employee of the state shall, upon the request of the department, make reasonable examination, investigation, survey, or reconnaissance for the determination of material facts pertaining thereto and report this to the department. The cost of any such examination, investigation, survey, or reconnaissance shall be borne by the department or office conducting these activities from the funds provided for that department or office for its usual functions.

Sec. 10   RCW 47.56.070 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 67 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department of transportation may, ((with the approval of the transportation commission)) in accordance with this chapter, provide for the ((establishment,)) construction((,)) and operation of toll tunnels, toll roads, and other facilities necessary for their construction and connection with public highways of the state. It may cause surveys to be made to determine the propriety of their ((establishment,)) construction((,)) and operation, and may acquire rights-of-way and other facilities necessary to carry out the provisions hereof; and may issue, sell, and redeem bonds, and deposit and expend them; secure and remit financial and other assistance in the construction thereof; carry insurance thereon; and handle any other matters pertaining thereto, all of which shall be conducted in the same manner and under the same procedure as provided for the ((establishing,)) constructing, operating, and maintaining of toll bridges by the department, insofar as reasonably consistent and applicable. ((No toll facility, toll bridge, toll road, or toll tunnel, shall be combined with any other toll facility for the purpose of financing unless such facilities form a continuous project, to the end that each such facility or project be self-liquidating and self-sustaining.))

Sec. 11   RCW 47.56.076 and 2006 c 311 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Upon approval of a majority of the voters within its boundaries voting on the ballot proposition, ((and with the approval of the state transportation commission or its successor statewide tolling authority,)) a regional transportation investment district may authorize vehicle tolls on a local or regional arterial or a state or federal highway within the boundaries of the district. The department shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on designated facilities unless otherwise specified in law or by contract, and the commission or its successor statewide tolling authority shall set and impose the tolls in amounts sufficient to implement the regional transportation investment plan under RCW 36.120.020.
     (2) Consistent with section 4 of this act, vehicle tolls must first be authorized by the legislature if the tolls are imposed on a state route.
     (3) Consistent with section 7 of this act, vehicle tolls, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in section 7 of this act if the tolls, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.

Sec. 12   RCW 47.56.078 and 2005 c 336 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to the provisions under chapter 36.73 RCW, a transportation benefit district may authorize vehicle tolls on state routes or federal highways, city streets, or county roads, within the boundaries of the district, unless otherwise prohibited by law. The department of transportation shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on state routes or federal highways, unless otherwise specified in law or by contract, and the state transportation commission, or its successor, may approve, set, and impose the tolls in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement finance plan. The district shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on city streets or county roads, and shall set and impose the tolls, only with approval of the transportation commission, in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement plan. Tolls may vary for type of vehicle, for time of day, for traffic conditions, and/or other factors designed to improve performance of the facility or the transportation network.
     (2) Consistent with section 4 of this act, vehicle tolls must first be authorized by the legislature if the tolls are imposed on a state route.
     (3) Consistent with section 7 of this act, vehicle tolls, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in section 7 of this act if the tolls, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.

Sec. 13   RCW 47.56.120 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 70 are each amended to read as follows:
     In the event that ((the transportation commission should determine that)) any toll bridge should be constructed, all cost thereof including right-of-way, survey, and engineering shall be paid out of any funds available for payment of the cost of such toll bridge under this chapter.

Sec. 14   RCW 47.56.240 and 1984 c 7 s 265 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as otherwise provided in section 7 of this act, the commission is hereby empowered to fix the rates of toll and other charges for all toll bridges built under the terms of this chapter. Toll charges so fixed may be changed from time to time as conditions warrant. The commission, in establishing toll charges, shall give due consideration to the cost of operating and maintaining such toll bridge or toll bridges including the cost of insurance, and to the amount required annually to meet the redemption of bonds and interest payments on them. The tolls and charges shall be at all times fixed at rates to yield annual revenue equal to annual operating and maintenance expenses including insurance costs and all redemption payments and interest charges of the bonds issued for any particular toll bridge or toll bridges as the bonds become due. The bond redemption and interest payments constitute a first direct ((and exclusive)) charge and lien on all such tolls and other revenues and interest thereon. Sinking funds created therefrom received from the use and operation of the toll bridge or toll bridges, and such tolls and revenues together with the interest earned thereon shall constitute a trust fund for the security and payment of such bonds and shall not be used or pledged for any other purpose as long as any of these bonds are outstanding and unpaid.

Sec. 15   RCW 35.74.050 and 1965 c 7 s 35.74.050 are each amended to read as follows:
     A city or town may build and maintain toll bridges and charge and collect tolls thereon, and to that end may provide a system and elect or appoint persons to operate the same, or the said bridges may be made free, as it may elect.
     Consistent with section 7 of this act, any toll proposed under this section, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in section 7 of this act if the toll, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.

Sec. 16   RCW 36.120.050 and 2006 c 311 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A regional transportation investment district planning committee may, as part of a regional transportation investment plan, recommend the imposition or authorization of some or all of the following revenue sources, which a regional transportation investment district may impose or authorize upon approval of the voters as provided in this chapter:
     (a) A regional sales and use tax, as specified in RCW 82.14.430, of up to 0.1 percent of the selling price, in the case of a sales tax, or value of the article used, in the case of a use tax, upon the occurrence of any taxable event in the regional transportation investment district;
     (b) A local option vehicle license fee, as specified under RCW 82.80.100, of up to one hundred dollars per vehicle registered in the district. As used in this subsection, "vehicle" means motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.320. Certain classes of vehicles, as defined under chapter 46.04 RCW, may be exempted from this fee;
     (c) A parking tax under RCW 82.80.030;
     (d) A local motor vehicle excise tax under RCW 81.100.060;
     (e) A local option fuel tax under RCW 82.80.120;
     (f) An employer excise tax under RCW 81.100.030; and
     (g) Vehicle tolls on new or reconstructed local or regional arterials or state ((or federal highways)) routes within the boundaries of the district, if the following conditions are met:
     (i) ((Any such toll must be approved by the state transportation commission or its successor statewide tolling authority;
     (ii))) Consistent with section 4 of this act, the vehicle toll must first be authorized by the legislature if the toll is imposed on a state route;
     (ii) Consistent with section 7 of this act, the vehicle toll, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in section 7 of this act if the toll, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility;
     (iii) The regional transportation investment plan must identify the facilities that may be tolled; and
     (((iii))) (iv) Unless otherwise specified by law, the department shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls on designated facilities, and the state transportation commission, or its successor, shall be the tolling authority, and shall act in accordance with section 7 of this act.
     (2) Taxes, fees, and tolls may not be imposed or authorized without an affirmative vote of the majority of the voters within the boundaries of the district voting on a ballot proposition as set forth in RCW 36.120.070. Revenues from these taxes and fees may be used only to implement the plan as set forth in this chapter. A district may contract with the state department of revenue or other appropriate entities for administration and collection of any of the taxes or fees authorized in this section.
     (3) Existing statewide motor vehicle fuel and special fuel taxes, at the distribution rates in effect on January 1, 2001, are not intended to be altered by this chapter.

Sec. 17   RCW 36.73.040 and 2005 c 336 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A transportation benefit district is a quasi-municipal corporation, an independent taxing "authority" within the meaning of Article VII, section 1 of the state Constitution, and a "taxing district" within the meaning of Article VII, section 2 of the state Constitution.
     (2) A transportation benefit district constitutes a body corporate and possesses all the usual powers of a corporation for public purposes as well as all other powers that may now or hereafter be specifically conferred by statute, including, but not limited to, the authority to hire employees, staff, and services, to enter into contracts, to acquire, hold, and dispose of real and personal property, and to sue and be sued. Public works contract limits applicable to the jurisdiction that established the district apply to the district.
     (3) To carry out the purposes of this chapter, and subject to the provisions of RCW 36.73.065, a district is authorized to impose the following taxes, fees, charges, and tolls:
     (a) A sales and use tax in accordance with RCW 82.14.0455;
     (b) A vehicle fee in accordance with RCW 82.80.140;
     (c) A fee or charge in accordance with RCW 36.73.120. However, if a county or city within the district area is levying a fee or charge for a transportation improvement, the fee or charge shall be credited against the amount of the fee or charge imposed by the district. Developments consisting of less than twenty residences are exempt from the fee or charge under RCW 36.73.120; and
     (d) Vehicle tolls on state routes ((or federal highways)), city streets, or county roads, within the boundaries of the district, unless otherwise prohibited by law. However, consistent with section 4 of this act, the vehicle toll must first be authorized by the legislature if the toll is imposed on a state route. The department of transportation shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on state routes ((or federal highways)), unless otherwise specified in law or by contract, and the state transportation commission, or its successor, may approve, set, and impose the tolls in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement finance plan. The district shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on city streets or county roads, and shall set and impose((, only with approval of the transportation commission, or its successor,)) the tolls in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement plan. However, consistent with section 7 of this act, the vehicle toll, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in section 7 of this act if the toll, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.

Sec. 18   RCW 47.29.060 and 2005 c 317 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to the limitations in this section, the department may, in connection with the evaluation of eligible projects, consider any financing mechanisms identified under subsections (3) through (5) of this section or any other lawful source, either integrated as part of a project proposal or as a separate, stand-alone proposal to finance a project. Financing may be considered for all or part of a proposed project. A project may be financed in whole or in part with:
     (a) The proceeds of grant anticipation revenue bonds authorized by 23 U.S.C. Sec. 122 and applicable state law. Legislative authorization and appropriation is required in order to use this source of financing;
     (b) Grants, loans, loan guarantees, lines of credit, revolving lines of credit, or other financing arrangements available under the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act under 23 U.S.C. Sec. 181 et seq., or any other applicable federal law;
     (c) Infrastructure loans or assistance from the state infrastructure bank established by RCW 82.44.195;
     (d) Federal, state, or local revenues, subject to appropriation by the applicable legislative authority;
     (e) User fees, tolls, fares, lease proceeds, rents, gross or net receipts from sales, proceeds from the sale of development rights, franchise fees, or any other lawful form of consideration. However, projects financed by tolls or equivalent funding sources must first be authorized by the legislature under section 4 of this act.
     (2) As security for the payment of financing described in this section, the revenues from the project may be pledged, but no such pledge of revenues constitutes in any manner or to any extent a general obligation of the state. Any financing described in this section may be structured on a senior, parity, or subordinate basis to any other financing.
     (3) For any transportation project developed under this chapter that is owned, leased, used, or operated by the state, as a public facility, if indebtedness is issued, it must be issued by the state treasurer for the transportation project.
     (4) For other public projects defined in RCW 47.29.050(2) that are developed in conjunction with a transportation project, financing necessary to develop, construct, or operate the public project must be approved by the state finance committee or by the governing board of a public benefit corporation as provided in the federal Internal Revenue Code section 63-20;
     (5) For projects that are developed in conjunction with a transportation project but are not themselves a public facility or public project, any lawful means of financing may be used.

Sec. 19   RCW 47.58.030 and 1984 c 7 s 290 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as otherwise provided in section 7 of this act, the secretary shall have full charge of the construction of all such improvements and reconstruction work and the construction of any additional bridge, including approaches and connecting highways, that may be authorized under this chapter and the operation of such bridge or bridges, as well as the collection of tolls and other charges for services and facilities thereby afforded. The schedule of charges for the services and facilities shall be fixed and revised from time to time by the commission so that the tolls and revenues collected will yield annual revenue and income sufficient, after payment or allowance for all operating, maintenance, and repair expenses, to pay the interest on all revenue bonds outstanding under the provisions of this chapter for account of the project and to create a sinking fund for the retirement of the revenue bonds at or prior to maturity. The charges shall be continued until all such bonds and interest thereon and unpaid advancements, if any, have been paid.

Sec. 20   RCW 47.60.010 and 1984 c 18 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department is authorized to acquire by lease, charter, contract, purchase, condemnation, or construction, and partly by any or all of such means, and to thereafter operate, improve, and extend, a system of ferries on and crossing Puget Sound and any of its tributary waters and connections thereof, and connecting with the public streets and highways in the state. The system of ferries shall include such boats, vessels, wharves, docks, approaches, landings, franchises, licenses, and appurtenances as shall be determined by the department to be necessary or desirable for efficient operation of the ferry system and best serve the public. Subject to section 4 of this act, the department may in like manner acquire by purchase, condemnation, or construction and include in the ferry system such toll bridges, approaches, and connecting roadways as may be deemed by the department advantageous in channeling traffic to points served by the ferry system. In addition to the powers of acquisition granted by this section, the department is empowered to enter into any contracts, agreements, or leases with any person, firm, or corporation and to thereby provide, on such terms and conditions as it shall determine, for the operation of any ferry or ferries or system thereof, whether acquired by the department or not.
     The authority of the department to sell and lease back any state ferry, for federal tax purposes only, as authorized by 26 U.S.C., Sec. 168(f)(8) is confirmed. Legal title and all incidents of legal title to any ferry sold and leased back (except for the federal tax benefits attributable to the ownership thereof) shall remain in the state of Washington.

Sec. 21   RCW 53.34.010 and 1984 c 7 s 365 are each amended to read as follows:
     In addition to all other powers granted to port districts, any such district may, with the consent of the department of transportation, acquire by condemnation, purchase, lease, or gift, and may construct, reconstruct, maintain, operate, furnish, equip, improve, better, add to, extend, and lease to others in whole or in part and sell in whole or in part any one or more of the following port projects, within or without or partially within and partially without the corporate limits of the district whenever the commission of the district determines that any one or more of such projects are necessary for or convenient to the movement of commercial freight and passenger traffic a part of which traffic moves to, from, or through the territory of the district:
     (1) Toll bridges;
     (2) Tunnels under or upon the beds of any river, stream, or other body of water, or through mountain ranges.
     In connection with the acquisition or construction of any one or more of such projects the port districts may, with the consent of the state department of transportation, further acquire or construct, maintain, operate, or improve limited or unlimited access highway approaches of such length as the commission of such district deems advisable to provide means of interconnection of the facilities with public highways and of ingress and egress to any such project, including plazas and toll booths, and to construct and maintain under, along, over, or across any such project telephone, telegraph, or electric transmission wires and cables, fuel lines, gas transmission lines or mains, water transmission lines or mains, and other mechanical equipment not inconsistent with the appropriate use of the project, all for the purpose of obtaining revenues for the payment of the cost of the project.
     Consistent with section 7 of this act, any toll, including any change in an existing toll rate, proposed under this section must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in section 7 of this act if the toll, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 22   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 47.56.0761 (Regional transportation investment district--Tolls on Lake Washington bridges) and 2006 c 311 s 20; and
     (2) RCW 47.56.080 (Construction of toll bridges and issuance of bonds authorized) and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 68 & 1961 c 13 s 47.56.080.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 23   Sections 1 through 7 of this act are each added to chapter 47.56 RCW under the subchapter heading "toll facilities created after July 1, 2008."