SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1447
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, April 2, 2013
Title: An act relating to heavy haul corridors.
Brief Description: Modifying the boundaries of certain heavy haul corridors.
Sponsors: Representatives Fey, Hargrove, Clibborn and Zeiger.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/13, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/26/13, 4/02/13 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Eide, Co-Chair; King, Co-Chair; Benton, Vice Co-Chair; Hobbs, Vice Co-Chair; Fain, Budget Leadership Cabinet; Billig, Brown, Ericksen, Harper, Litzow, Mullet, Rolfes, Schlicher, Sheldon and Smith.
Staff: Clint McCarthy (786-7319)
Background: State law allows the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to enter into agreements with ports to designate short, heavy-haul industrial corridors on state highways within port district property. These corridors allow for the movement of overweight sealed containers used in international trade. WSDOT may issue special permits to vehicles on these corridors so long as certain weight limit requirements are met.
Current law allows a 3.63 mile-long segment of State Route 509 to be designated as a heavy-haul corridor. In the 2012 Supplemental Transportation Budget, a proviso extended the heavy-haul corridor by 1.82 miles to the vicinity of Norpoint Way Northeast. The extension will expire at the end of the 2011-2013 biennium.
Summary of Bill: The heavy-haul corridor on State Route 509 may be extended by 1.82 miles to the vicinity of Norpoint Way Northeast upon agreement by WSDOT and the port.
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: The bill is essential to assisting certain businesses near the Port of Tacoma to reduce their costs of doing business through using permits rather than needing to rent expensive equipment to offload heavy and oversized materials. Further, the bill improves efficiencies for businesses who operate on this corridor and reduces the total number of trips necessary to haul material on this corridor, reducing wear on infrastructure.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Fey, prime sponsor; Trent House, Schnitzer Steel.