Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
ESB 6044
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring the consideration of public access when designing a transportation facility adjacent to or across a waterway.
Sponsors: Senators Ericksen and Hobbs.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/23/15
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is not generally required to consider or report on the feasibility of providing a means of public access to a navigable river or waterway for public recreational purposes when constructing, rehabilitating, or reconstructing a bridge over a navigable river or constructing another transportation facility that is adjacent to or crosses a waterway. However, bridge projects that are required to document the environmental impacts of the project through either an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment would likely be required to consider the issue of public access as part of that process.
Summary of Bill:
The WSDOT is required, during the design process for state highway projects, to consider and report on the feasibility of providing public access for recreational purposes to a navigable river or waterway when constructing, rehabilitating, or reconstructing a bridge across a navigable river or constructing a transportation facility that is adjacent to or crosses a waterway.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.