2190-S AMH RIVE REDF 067

SHB 2190 - H AMD 1256

By Representative Rivers

ADOPTED 03/05/2012

    On page 9, after line 27, insert the following:

    "(5) The Columbia River Crossing bridge project is a major initiative to address congestion problems on I-5 between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington that requires support by not only the Governors of both states but the Legislatures as well.  The joint transportation committee must convene a subcommittee for legislative oversight of the I-5/Columbia River Crossing bridge replacement project.  The Columbia River Crossing legislative oversight subcommittee will be made up of six members, two appointed by the chair and ranking member of the Senate transportation committee, two appointed by the chair and ranking member of the House transportation committee, one designee of the Governor, and one citizen jointly appointed by the four members of the joint transportation executive committee.  The citizen appointee must be a Washington state resident of the area served by the bridge.  At least two of the legislative members must be from the legislative districts served by the bridge.  In addition to reviewing project and financing information, the subcommittee must also coordinate with the Oregon legislative oversight committee for the Columbia River Crossing bridge."

    On page 52, after line 3, insert the following:

"(d) The Washington state department of transportation budget includes resources to continue work on solutions that advance the Columbia River Crossing project to completion of the required environmental impact statement.  The department must report to the Columbia River Crossing legislative oversight subcommittee of the joint transportation committee, established in section 204(5) of this act, on the progress made on the Columbia River Crossing project at each meeting of the oversight committee.  Reporting must include updated information on cost estimates, right-of-way purchases and procurement schedules, and financing plans for the Columbia River crossing project, including projected traffic volumes, fuel and gas price assumptions, toll rates, costs of toll collections, as well as potential need for general transportation funding.  By January 1, 2013, the department shall provide to the oversight subcommittee of the joint transportation committee a phased master plan for the Columbia River crossing project."

EFFECT:   Directs the Joint Transportation Committee to convene a Columbia River Crossing (CRC) Oversight subcommittee.  The subcommittee will have four legislative members, a designee of the Governor, and a citizen appointee.  The citizen appointee and two of the legislative appointees must be residents of the area served by the bridge.  Directs the Department of Transportation to report on the progress of the CRC project at each meeting of the Oversight subcommittee.  Reporting is required on cost estimates, right of way purchases, financing plans, projected traffic volumes, assumed toll rates, and other information.  Requires DOT to provide a phased master plan for the CRC project.

FISCAL IMPACT: No net change to appropriated levels.

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