SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5091

BYSenators West and Stratton

Planning for removal of the toll on the Maple Street bridge in Spokane.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 5, 1987

Senate Staff:Larry Plummer (786-7321)

AS OF MARCH 5, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Department of Transportation is required by statute to fix and maintain tolls on the Maple Street Bridge in Spokane, to produce revenues sufficient to pay all expenses of operating and maintaining the bridge,  and to pay the principal and interest on bonds remaining from construction financing.  State motor vehicle funds are also pledged for any amounts for which the toll revenues are insufficient to pay.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Washington State Department of Transportation to develop a plan for removing the toll from the Maple Street Bridge in Spokane by June 1, 1990.  The plan must be submitted to the Legislature by January 15, 1988.

As the Department develops a plan for removing the toll, two major considerations must be addressed:

      --Payment of remaining bond debt, totalling about $3.1 million.

      --Bridge deck repair required in 1991, with an estimated cost of $3.5 million.

Fiscal Note:      requested