SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1701

BYHouse Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Walk, Schmidt and Baugher; by request of Office of Financial Management)

Adopting the supplemental transportation budget.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 3, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Conner, DeJarnatt, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)

                  March 4, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature must make appropriations for each agency's operating budget and capital improvements.  The transportation budget provides funding for the agencies and programs supported by transportation revenues through June 30, 1988.

SUMMARY:

Transportation agencies' appropriation authority for the 1987-89 biennium is reduced by over $12 million.  Additional funding is provided for the Rail Development Commission, Everett Homeport access roads ($6 million federal funds), second auto deck on two ferries ($5 million) and several Washington State Patrol (WSP) capital projects.

$13 million for the capacity improvement program (Category C) is shifted from the current biennium to the 1989-91 biennium.  Miscellaneous reductions in DOT nonconstruction programs exceed $7 million.  Funding for the WSP headquarters facility is eliminated.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Appropriation authority is $33 million below the House version.  Reductions reflect the loss of federal revenues and some delays in major construction projects.  The state preservation (Category A) and bridge (Category H) programs will be fully funded in the 1989-91 biennium.

Appropriation:    yes

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Committee - Testified: Jim Sainsbury, DOT Marine Division (for); George Tellevik, WSP (for); Bob Benson, OFM (for); Bob Schuster, DOT (for); Gary Molyneaux, Rail Development Commission (for); Steve Lindstrom, Washington State Transit Association (for)