SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5095

BYSenators Saling and West

Planning for removal of the toll on Spokane's Maple Street Bridge.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1988; January 26, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5095 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)

                  January 27, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, JANUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Transportation is required to establish and maintain toll on the Maple Street Bridge.  The toll revenues must cover the cost of operating and maintaining the bridge, as well as pay off the cost of construction bonds.  The tolls started June 1, 1956 and will end on June 1, 1996.  Currently, there is $3.105 million outstanding in principal and interest on the 40 year construction bonds.  State motor vehicle funds are also pledged for any amounts for which the toll revenues are insufficient to pay.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Transportation is required to develop a plan for removing the toll from the Maple Street Bridge by June 1, 1990.  The plan is to be submitted to the Legislature by January 15, 1989.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Department of Transportation is required to develop optional plans for removing the tolls from the Maple Street bridge.  The optional plans shall be submitted to the Legislative Transportation Committee by December 15, 1988.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Saling, prime sponsor