SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1843

BYRepresentatives Cantwell, Schmidt, Sanders, Walk, Ferguson, Patrick, Heavey, Ebersole, S. Wilson, Day, R. King, J. Williams, Beck, Wineberry, Meyers, Betrozoff, Todd, Winsley, May and P. King 

Considering economic development in state highway construction programs.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988

Senate Staff:Judy Burns (786-7301); Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In the priority programming process, by which the Transportation Commission and Department of Transportation select specific highway construction projects, factors such as the structural, geometric, safety and operational adequacy of the highway are considered.  Although existing congestion levels are considered, there is no provision for considering development which is planned or underway and which will lead to future congestion.  Thus, the opportunity is often lost to make highway improvements at a time when the cost will be substantially lower than after an area is fully developed.

Six factors/conditions are enumerated for which the commission may deviate from a previously approved list of projects--in any construction program (Categories A, B, C and H).  However, there is no requirement for the commission to reconsider the established priority when any of the factors/conditions are present.

SUMMARY:

For transportation purposes, "economic development" is defined to mean actions which produce new employment or accommodate population expansion.

The definition of Category C construction is amended to expressly include improvements necessitated by economic development.  "Growth due to economic development" is added to the list of factors to be considered by the commission in selecting Category C construction projects through the priority programming process.

Private sector and local government contributions to a project (in Categories A, B, C and H) are added to the list of factors or conditions under which the commission may deviate from the established priority of projects.  The commission is required to review the established priority whenever any of the stated factors/conditions are present.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested