SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1469

BYHouse Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Walk, Betrozoff, Patrick, Cantwell and Meyers; by request of Department of Transportation)

Authorizing the department of transportation to exchange land for improvements.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1988; February 24, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Barr, Bender, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Metcalf, Owen, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Louise Bray (786-7322)

                  February 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 24, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Transportation has had several opportunities recently to obtain lands and/or improvements required for transportation purposes in exchange for surplus lands owned by the department.  Law allows a property exchange only with an abutting landowner, and further restricts exchanges to consideration for other lands owned by such property owner.

SUMMARY:

The department is authorized to exchange surplus lands for property other than that owned by an abutting property owner.  It also is authorized to accept improvements or construction of improvements as payment for surplus lands.

Exchanges must be at fair market value.  When construction of an improvement is part of the transaction, the normal competitive bid process must be utilized.

The provisions dealing with the sale and/or exchange of surplus land is consolidated into one section of the Revised Code of Washington.

All exchanges must be for fair market value.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Abutting property owners have priority over all other governmental entities or persons with respect to the sale or exchange of surplus property.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Bernard, Chief Right of Way Agent, DOT (for)