Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1955

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.

Sponsors: Representatives Clibborn, Moscoso, Fey, Ryu, Riccelli, Farrell, Liias, Pollet, Ormsby, Tarleton, Roberts, Wylie, Morris, Bergquist and Moeller.

Brief Summary of Bill

Appropriates from several state accounts approximately $700 million for various transportation-related projects.

Background:

The Washington State Constitution provides that public funds may be expended only by appropriation. Such appropriations are provided in a biennial omnibus Transportation Budget (Budget) adopted by the Legislature in odd-numbered years. The Budget provides appropriations to the major transportation agencies including: the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Washington State Patrol, the Department of Licensing, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the Transportation Improvement Board, the County Road Administration Board, and the Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. The Budget also provides appropriations out of transportation funds to many smaller agencies with transportation functions. Alternatively, the Legislature may also appropriate state funds through a stand-alone bill.

Summary of Bill:

The bill appropriates a total of $371 million for projects and activities listed in LEAP Transportation Document 2013-1, as developed February 20, 2013. This appropriation includes $230 million solely for the purpose of the Interstate-5/Columbia River Crossing project. The bill appropriates $107 million from various state accounts to provide for state and local government compliance with the WSDOT's national pollution discharge elimination system permit. The WSDOT is also appropriated $110 million to construct a ferry vessel holding more than 144 cars and $28.4 million for the Mukilteo and Seattle ferry terminal replacement projects. Finally, the balance of the appropriated amounts is provided for various other transportation-related projects.