BILL REQ. #:  H-1915.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/01/13.   

     AN ACT Relating to limiting the scope of the department of transportation's administration of the state's ferry system; adding a new section to chapter 47.60 RCW; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that the continuing operation and maintenance of the state ferry system is an integral part of Washington's economy. The legislature recognizes further that the department of transportation has dedicated substantial funds to designing, redesigning, constructing, and improving ferries and ferry facilities. In order to provide for the continuing viability of the ferry system, the legislature intends to limit the scope of the department's responsibilities and powers with regard to the ferry system to only the maintenance and operation of ferries and ferry facilities and the acquisition of new ferries or ferry facilities when directed by the legislature.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 47.60 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Beginning January 1, 2015, the department may not design, construct, or make substantial alterations to ferries or ferry facilities unless so directed by the legislature. For the purposes of this subsection, "substantial alterations" means any project that is anticipated to cost more than twenty-five percent of the replacement value of the ferry or ferry facility to be altered at the time of the alteration.
     (2) This section does not limit the department's power to purchase or otherwise acquire ferries or ferry facilities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act takes effect January 1, 2014.