SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5603
As of January 16, 2022
Title: An act relating to a comprehensive study of the state route number 2 corridor to improve safety and mobility, including outreach to adjacent communities.
Brief Description: Proposing a comprehensive study of the state route number 2 corridor to improve safety and mobility, including outreach to adjacent communities.
Sponsors: Senators Hawkins, Wagoner, Lovick and Padden.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/17/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the state Department of Transportation to study traffic flow, safety, and mobility along state route number 2 (US 2) between Monroe and Wenatchee, conduct public outreach, and propose future investments.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Daniel Masterson (786-7454)
Background:

State route number 2 (US 2) extends 323 miles in Washington, from Everett in the west to Newport along the Idaho border.  US 2 serves as a critical east-west connection between the Puget Sound region through Stevens Pass to Chelan County and the rest of eastern Washington.
 
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) conducts various project-specific planning activities.  These activities are frequently required in biennial transportation budgets and can also be self-directed by WSDOT.
Summary of Bill:

WSDOT shall study traffic flow, safety, and mobility along the US 2 corridor between Monroe and Wenatchee and propose investments, which may include improvement projects, preservation, and maintenance.
 
WSDOT shall conduct public outreach and engagement with communities along the corridor, including public meetings.  At a minimum, the communities of Wenatchee, Cashmere, Leavenworth, Skykomish, Index, Gold Bar, Sultan, and Monroe must be notified and invited to participate.
 
In conducting this study, WSDOT shall use studies, designs, plans, and other documents that are presented to them by stakeholders along the corridor including, but not limited to, proposed solutions that have been identified by the city of Sultan to address mobility and safety and improvements as well as those proposed solutions identified in the Chelan-Douglas transportation council's upper Wenatchee Valley transportation corridor study.
 
WSDOT shall submit a preliminary report to the Office of Financial Management and the transportation committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2022.  The report must include a list of recommended improvements along the corridor.  Identified improvements shall address mobility, safety, and other concerns with the corridor, as identified through the public outreach and engagement required by the bill.  Each recommended improvement shall include an estimated total cost of all phases, as well as cost estimates for each phase of each identified improvement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.