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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Transportation, March 31, 2011
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.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/21/11, 3/31/11 [DPA, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; White, Vice Chair; Fain, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Ericksen, Hobbs, Litzow, Nelson, Prentice, Ranker, Sheldon, Shin and Swecker.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators King, Ranking Minority Member; Hill.
Staff: Amanda Cecil (786-7429)
Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or local jurisdiction may fund non-motorized transportation facilities using fuel tax revenues if the project increases motor vehicle safety. Additionally, cities and counties are authorized to use funds available for transportation projects for bicycle improvements.
WSDOT and local jurisdictions are generally required to spend between 0.3 and 0.42 percent of the total amount received from the motor vehicle fund on facilities for non-motorized transportation.
For the purposes of chapter 47.30 RCW, non-motorized paths and trails are deemed to be for highway, road, and street purposes.
Both cities and counties have a design standards committee that adopts uniform design standards for the primary roads within their jurisdiction.
Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendments): Cities are authorized to use funds available for transportation projects for pedestrian improvement projects.
The design standards committees for both cities and counties must adopt standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): Removes the provision that requires WSDOT to consult with local jurisdictions when making improvements to a state highway that is also a main street.
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 on Substitute House Bill: PRO: The current standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities are either out dated or non existent. This bill will make things easier for local governments by updating the guidelines.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Fitzgibbon, prime sponsor; Carrie Dolwick, Transportation Choices Coalition.