HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6211

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Transportation

Title: An act relating to creating an agricultural scenic corridor within the scenic and recreational highway system.

Brief Description: Creating an agricultural scenic corridor within the scenic and recreational highway system.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Hatfield and Kohl-Welles).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/18/10 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Creates an agricultural scenic corridor designation within the Scenic and Recreational Highway System.
Designates a portion of State Route 5 as part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System and as an agricultural scenic corridor.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 18 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Finn, Johnson, Klippert, Kristiansen, Moeller, Nealey, Rolfes, Sells, Shea, Springer, Takko, Williams and Wood.

Background:

The Scenic and Recreational Highway System was created in statute in 1967. Modifications to the process were made in 1999 to improve Washington highways' competitiveness under the new federal National Scenic Byways Program within the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. A highway does not become part of the Scenic and Recreational Highway System unless approved by the Legislature.

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Summary of Bill:

A new agricultural scenic corridor designation is added within the Scenic and Recreational Highway System. An agricultural scenic corridor is described as an area that showcases the state's historical agricultural areas and promotes the maintenance and enhancement of agricultural areas. A portion of State Route 5 from Starbird Road in Snohomish County to Bow Hill Road in Skagit County is designated as an agricultural scenic corridor and therefore is added to the Scenic and Recreational Highway System.

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Appropriation: None.

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) Agricultural scenic corridors are a good way to showcase agriculture in a region. This designation can help attract federal grant funds. There is no fiscal impact to this bill. This bill is "a good thing" and does no harm.

(Opposed) None.