SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 308

BYRepresentatives Zellinsky, Schmidt and Brough

Dividing funding of the state ferry system between ferry revenues and the motor vehicle fund.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 31, 1987; April 2, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Peterson, Chairman; Bailey, Bender, Conner, Halsan, Johnson, Nelson, Sellar, Smitherman, von Reichbauer.

Senate Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)

                  April 2, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, APRIL 2, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Transportation Commission is required each biennium to recommend to the Governor and the Legislature a budget for the Marine Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation.  The source of revenue to support the operating budget of the Marine Division is primarily from tax subsidy and ferry fares.  The Transportation Commission operating budget recommendations the last several biennia have assumed a fare subsidy ratio of approximately 70 percent fares and 30 percent subsidy.

SUMMARY:

The Transportation Commission will submit, in addition to other budget proposals, a Ferry System operating budget proposal based on 50 percent fare and 50 percent subsidy revenues.  Should existing state tax sources be insufficient to provide 50 percent subsidy, the Commission shall recommend statutory changes necessary to generate the additional revenue required.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Representative Zellinsky, prime sponsor