SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5791

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 23, 2011

Title: An act relating to commercial activity at certain park and ride lots.

Brief Description: Allowing certain commercial activity at certain park and ride lots.

Sponsors: Senators Hobbs, Fain, King, Haugen and White.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/23/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff: Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background: Various local transit agencies own and operate park and ride lots as part of the agencies' public transportation service. Many of these park and ride lots received state transportation funding. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) owns and operates park and ride lots.

Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.

Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): WSDOT, or any local transit agency that has received state funding for a park and ride lot, may contract with private vendors to provide various services at the park and ride lots such as food or beverage services, grocery and convenience store services, or other private enterprise services that are of benefit to the traveling public. Before entering into a contract with a private entity, WSDOT or the local transit agency must provide a 60-day absolute right of first refusal to neighboring private vendors within a one mile radius from the applicable park and ride lot, after which time WSDOT or the local transit agency must open up the bid process to all interested parties. Lease payments derived from the arrangement must first be applied towards maintenance and operations of the applicable park and ride lot and the remainder must be deposited into the state Multimodal Transportation Account.

Appropriation: None.

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: This is a creative, outside the box way for transit programs to raise revenue. Local transit agencies are struggling financially and this bill would help provide financial support and at the same time add services for the traveling public. WSDOT would like a bit more flexibility in its rulemaking regarding prioritizing neighboring businesses. Excess revenue should go partly to the motor vehicle fund and partly to the multimodal transportation account.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Duke Schaub, Associated General Contractors of WA; Davor Gjurasic, Community Transit; Brian Lagerberg, WSDOT; David Johnson, WA State Building Trades.