BILL REQ. #:  S-0769.1 

Read first time 01/31/13.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring the tolling agreement for the Columbia river crossing project to contain certain provisions; amending RCW 47.56.892; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 47.56.892 and 2012 c 36 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1)(a) For the Columbia river crossing project, the tolling authority may enter into agreements with the Oregon state transportation commission regarding the mutual or joint setting, adjustment, and review of toll rates as the tolling authority may find necessary to carry out the purposes of this section. Any agreement reached pursuant to this section, prior to or after the effective date of this section, must contain the following:
     (i) A provision ensuring that the tolls will be set at a rate that will financially impact both Washington and Oregon residents equitably;
     (ii) A provision reflecting that only emergency response vehicles will be given authority to cross the bridge without paying the toll. All other vehicles crossing the bridge must pay the full toll;
     (iii) A provision creating a bistate citizen tolling advisory committee that complies with RCW 47.56.840; and
     (iv) A provision that clearly sets the process by which the tolling authorities will reach an agreement and set a toll rate in the event that the tolling authorities are unable to agree upon a toll rate.
     (b) Any agreement that does not contain the provisions required in (a) of this subsection is neither binding nor enforceable.
     (2) Any agreement between the tolling authority and the Oregon state transportation commission made pursuant to this section takes effect, and is not binding and enforceable until, thirty days after adjournment of the next ensuing regular legislative session. If the tolling authority has not entered into an agreement with the Oregon state transportation commission by December 31, 2015, this section expires.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act applies to any agreement reached pursuant to RCW 47.56.892 regardless of when the agreement was initially signed by both parties. To this extent, this act applies retroactively, but in all other respects it applies prospectively.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.