Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Technology & Economic Development Committee |
HB 1954
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: Relating to utility relocation costs.
Sponsors: Representatives Morris, Harmsworth, DeBolt, Tarleton, Santos, Smith and Slatter.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/8/17, 2/14/17
Staff: Lily Smith (786-7175).
Background:
The Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (Sound Transit) was formed in 1993 to serve Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties. Sound Transit plans, builds, and operates express bus, light rail and commuter train services.
In 2016 voters approved Sound Transit 3, which adds 37 new stations and 62 miles to the existing light rail system.
A "rail fixed guideway system" is defined as a light, heavy, or rapid rail system, monorail, inclined plane, funicular, trolley, or other fixed rail guideway component of a high-capacity transportation system that is not regulated by the federal railroad administration or its successor. "Rail fixed guideway system" does not mean elevators, moving sidewalks or stairs, and vehicles suspended from aerial cables, unless they are an integral component of a station served by a rail fixed guideway system.
Summary of Bill:
A regional transit authority must pay any utility facility removal or relocation costs made necessary by the construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of a rail fixed guideway system. A utility must pay for any elective upgrades to the utility facility. The transit authority and affected utility must negotiate to minimize disruption and costs to the utility facility.
Any cost disputes must be submitted to a mutually agreed-upon auditor.
A "utility facility," for purposes of this subsection, includes cable television, gas, electric, and telecommunications facilities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.