SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5272

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 Passed Senate, February 24, 2015

Title: An act relating to heavy haul industrial corridors.

Brief Description: Concerning heavy haul industrial corridors.

Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Sheldon, Fain, Hatfield, King, Hewitt and Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/28/15, 2/02/15 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/24/15, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators King, Chair; Benton, Vice Chair; Hobbs, Ranking Minority Member; Ericksen, Habib, Litzow, Miloscia, Pedersen, Rivers and Sheldon.

Staff: Hayley Gamble (786-7452)

Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) may, at the request of a port, designate highways located on port property as heavy haul industrial corridors, allowing for the movement of overweight, sealed, ocean-going containers from a port to a railhead. The gross vehicle weight must not exceed 105,000 pounds.

Additionally, current law specifies a portion of State Route 97 as a heavy haul industrial corridor, allowing WSDOT to permit the movement of overweight vehicles to and from a railhead. The entity operating the overweight vehicles in the corridor is responsible for paying a special permit fee of $100 per month or $1,000 per year, which is deposited in the motor vehicle fund.

Summary of Bill: A new 4.5 mile heavy haul corridor is designated on State Route 128 from the Idaho border, continuing on to State Route 193, and ending at the Port of Wilma. WSDOT may issue special permits to overweight vehicles not exceeding 129,000 pounds in the heavy haul corridor as long as certain other federal and state requirements are met.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2016.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will help keep the Port of Wilma competitive with companies in Idaho.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Joe Poire, Executive Director, Port of Whitman County.