SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2599
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 of February 25, 2016
Title: An act relating to the freight mobility strategic investment board's authority to remove funding allocation for projects after a certain number of years without construction occurring.
Brief Description: Authorizing the freight mobility strategic investment board to remove funding allocation for projects after a certain number of years without construction occurring.
Sponsors: Representatives Orcutt, Clibborn, Moscoso, Harmsworth, Tarleton, Zeiger, Hayes, Hargrove, Rossetti, McBride and Wilson.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/16, 98-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/24/16.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)
Background: The Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) was created in 1998 and is comprised of 12 members appointed by the Governor. Members represent state, local, private, and other public interests involved in the movement of freight. When making appointments, the Governor must ensure each region of the state has representation. Based on criteria in current law, FMSIB evaluates freight project applications and awards funding to successful applicants.
Current law states that if a project has been allocated funding but is no longer ready to proceed, FMSIB must remove the project from consideration and retain that project's place on the priority list indefinitely.
Summary of Bill: If an FMSIB project has been allocated funding but is no longer ready to proceed, FMSIB must remove the project from consideration and retain that project's place on the priority list for six years. FMSIB may remove a project from consideration after six years if any of the following criteria are met:
the project has not obtained funding needed to proceed;
the project priority designated by the jurisdiction where the project is located has decreased, making construction within two years unlikely; or
the project is highly unlikely to obtain required permits or be constructed as originally proposed.
A project removed for consideration after six years would have to submit a new application to FMSIB to be considered for funding again.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: This bill makes sense. Sideboards are included in the criteria to remove projects so projects cannot be removed on a whim, and can reapply in the future. This legislation will allow the FMSIB board to makes changes to the project list as appropriate for inactive projects.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Orcutt (Sponsor); Ashley Probart, Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board.
Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.