SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1700
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 17, 2012
Title: An act relating to modifying the requirements related to designing various transportation projects.
Brief Description: Modifying the requirements related to designing various transportation projects.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Fitzgibbon, Angel, Appleton, Armstrong, Rolfes, Johnson, Clibborn, Rivers, Reykdal, Ormsby, Upthegrove, Liias, Billig and Moeller).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/05/11, 67-31; 1/23/12, 63-32.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/21/11, 3/31/11 [DPA, w/oRec]; 2/16/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Ericksen, Hobbs, Litzow, Nelson, Prentice, Ranker, Sheldon, Shin, Swecker and White.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators King, Ranking Minority Member; Hill.
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: Cities, towns, and counties may use any funds that are available for streets or roads to make existing streets and roads more suitable and safe for bicycle traffic. Bicycle facilities must meet or exceed the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) design standards.
Both cities and counties have a design standards committee that adopts uniform design standards for the primary roads within the city or county.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Amendment): Cities, towns, and counties are authorized to use any funds that are available for streets or roads to make existing streets and roads more suitable and safe for pedestrian travel.
The design standards committees must adopt design standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities by July 1, 2012 and from time to time thereafter.
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities that are constructed or modified after December 31, 2012, must meet the updated design standards adopted by the cities or counties design standards committees.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: This bill allows cities and counties to update the standards for designing bicycle and pedestrian facilities based on the context sensitive needs of those users. This will allow projects to move forward faster by allowing the same people that set the design standards for all other transportation facilities to set these standards.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Fitzgibbon, prime sponsor; Aaron Butters, WSDOT; Carrie Dolwick, Transportation Choices Coalition.