FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2734

C 157 L 10

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

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, there is a specified 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; (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:

Federally qualified community health centers, as defined in state law, are added to the list of persons and entities entitled to purchase surplus real property from the WSDOT, until June 30, 2012, when the act expires.

Votes on Final Passage: