FINAL BILL REPORT

2SHB 1081

C 435 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing local improvement district financing of railroad crossing protection devices.

Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Wallace, Ericksen, Clibborn, Armstrong, Moeller and Jacks).

House Committee on Local Government & Housing

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

Cities and towns are granted broad authority to create a local improvement district for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing, or repairing a wide range of publicly owned structures, facilities, and infrastructure, including:

• specified types of public buildings;

• community facilities for recreation, entertainment, and cultural activities;

• bridges and trestles;

• dikes and embankments;

• parks and playgrounds;

• street lighting systems;

• infrastructure for public transportation systems; and

• water and sewer system infrastructure.

A local improvement district may be created by an ordinance passed by the city or town council in accordance with specified statutory procedures. The passage of the ordinance must be in response to either a petition or resolution proposing the creation of the district and which is subject to a public hearing. Under certain circumstances the proceedings necessary to establish a local improvement district must be initiated by the petition of the affected property owners.

The costs of creating a local improvement district are financed, in whole or in part, through special assessments on property that is specially benefited by the improvement.

Summary:

A city or town is authorized to create a local improvement district for financing the construction, maintenance, and repair of railroad crossing protection devices. Property owned by a railroad, railroad company, street railroad, street railroad company, or regional transit authority is exempt from levies assessed by such a district.

Votes on Final Passage: