FINAL BILL REPORT

EHB 2948

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.

C 100 L 18

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the responsibilities for state routes in cities or towns.

Sponsors: Representatives Graves, Sullivan, Haler, Hargrove, Pike and Senn.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

Certain city streets are designated as part of the state highway system, and the jurisdiction and control of these streets are defined in statute. In cities or towns with a population of 25,000 or less, the Department of Transportation is responsible and has authority for:

In 1991 a task force was created to study the maintenance responsibilities of cities and towns and to examine the population threshold. Following the completion of the task force's recommendations, the Legislature raised the population threshold from 15,000 to 22,500. In 2007 the population threshold was raised to 25,000.Once a city or town is determined to have exceeded the population threshold, the transfer of maintenance responsibilities takes effect three years from the date of the determination. During this time, cities and towns may plan for additional staffing, budgetary, and equipment requirements.

Summary:

The population threshold, at which a city or town must assume additional responsibility for streets within its boundaries that are also part of the state highway system, is raised from 25,000 to 35,000, in five-year increments of 2,500, through 2033.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

86

12

Senate

44

4

Effective:

June 7, 2018