HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2734

As Passed House:

February 15, 2010

Title: An act relating to allowing federally qualified community health centers to buy surplus real property from the department of transportation.

Brief Description: Allowing federally qualified community health centers to buy surplus real property from the department of transportation.

Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Liias, Chase, Miloscia, Clibborn, Wallace, Maxwell, Nelson, Simpson and Santos.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 1/21/10, 2/1/10 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/15/10, 77-21.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Driscoll, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Moeller, Morris, Nealey, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Williams and Wood.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Kristiansen.

Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).

Background:

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) often acquires land in anticipation of constructing highway or transportation projects. When these properties owned by the state are no longer needed for future transportation projects, state law specifies a process for the WSDOT to dispose of this surplus property. 

If the WSDOT determines that any real property is no longer needed for transportation purposes, the WSDOT can sell the property or exchange it for other land at fair market value to the following entities or persons:  (1) any other state agency; (2) the city or county where the property is situated; (3) any other municipal corporation; (4) regional transit authorities under chapter 81.112 RCW; (5) the former owner of the property from whom the state acquired title; (6) if the property is used as a residence, to the tenant of the property, so long as the tenant has lived there at least six months and paid rent on time; (7) any abutting property owner, unless there is more than one interested abutting property owner, in which case an auction procedure applies; (8) any other person, through written solicitation of bids; (9) any other owner of real property, where that property is required for transportation purposes; (10) if it is residential property, any non-profit organization dedicated to affordable housing, as further specified in state law; or (11) a federally recognized Indian tribe within whose reservation boundaries the property is located.

State law does not specify which of these entities or persons has priority to acquire the WSDOT's surplus property.  The proceeds from the sale of surplus properties must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.

Summary of Bill:

Federally qualified community health centers, as defined in RCW 82.04.4311, are added to the list of persons and entities entitled to purchase surplus real property from the WSDOT.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The City of Shoreline has a population of approximately 60,000, but does not currently have a community health clinic. However, a clinic operator is interested in purchasing property currently owned by the WSDOT in order to build such a clinic. The International Community Health Services has identified the Shoreline area as an area where the population it generally serves experiences a lack of healthcare services. By adding clinics to the list of entities that can purchase surplus properties, this clinic operator can move forward with its plan to build a community health clinic, and do so in a location that is close to Highway 99 and various public transit options.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Kagi, prime sponsor; Representative Liias; and Vajra Allan, International Community Health Services.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.