SENATE BILL REPORT

 

 

                                   ESB 6262

 

 

BYSenators Nelson, Bender and von Reichbauer; by request of Department of Transportation

 

 

Extending the length of permits for I-90 construction.

 

 

Senate Committee on Transportation

 

      Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1898

 

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Conner, Garrett, Hansen, Kiskaddon, McMullen, Metcalf, Owen, Sellar.

 

      Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

                  January 22, 1988

 

 

                      AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

 

BACKGROUND:

 

State law requires that all projects impacting the shorelines of the state get substantial development permits from the Department of Ecology before construction can proceed.  This administrative authority is provided under Chapter 90.58 RCW.  The administrative rules and regulations adopted by DOE to implement this authority provide, in part, that permits issued are limited to five years and allow one-year extension.

 

The substantial development permits for constructing I-90 in Seattle and Mercer Island expire in April, 1988.  No extensions to the permits are possible due to the time limitations outlined in WAC 173-14, "permits for developments on shorelines of the state."

 

Without the permits in place, the Department would have to stop work on bridge and shoreline related work on the I-90 project.  If existing permits expire, new permit applications would have to be made to the cities of Seattle and Mercer Island to complete work under existing permits.  The permit process would take approximately nine months and could impose new conditions on the project.

 

Current plans call for the I-90 project to be completed by 1992.

 

SUMMARY:

 

The Shoreline Management Act is amended by making the existing permits on I-90 construction on or adjacent to Lake Washington, or any that may be issued in the future, to be in force until December 31, 1995.

 

Appropriation:    none

 

Revenue:    yes

 

Fiscal Note:      available

 

Senate Committee - Testified: Clyde Slemmer, Department of Transportation