SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5394

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 of February 11, 2009

Title: An act relating to a state route number 2 route development plan.

Brief Description: Requiring a state route number 2 route development plan.

Sponsors: Senators Berkey, Hobbs, Haugen, Stevens, Shin and McAuliffe.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/11/09.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)

Background: SR 2 serves as a critical east-west connection for the commuter and freight traffic between Snohomish County and the Everett/Seattle metropolitan area and I-5.

Summary of Bill: Four hundred thousand dollars is provided for the Washington State Department of Transportation to conduct an SR 2 development plan that will identify essential improvements needed between the Port of Everett and the SR 9 interchange near the city of Snohomish.

Appropriation: $400,000 from the Multimodal Account to support the study.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The U.S. 2 trestle between Snohomish and Everett is becoming increasingly dangerous and congested. The temporary fixes are a "Band-Aid" to keep the highway functional, but a long-term cure will come from the trestle's replacement and other work as identified in the route development plan.

The total cost of the route development plan is $800,000. Snohomish County and Everett are each committing $200,000 to this project.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Fred Walser, U.S. 2 Safety Coalition; Will Hall, Snohomish County; Ryan Sass, City of Everett; Kevin Weed, Snohomish County Committee for Improved Transportation; Patrick Pierce, Everett Area Chamber of Commerce.