SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6747

BYSenators Bailey and Vognild

Considering economic development in state highway construction programs.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 4, 1988

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

     Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Conner, Garrett, Kiskaddon, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Judy Burns (786-7301)

                February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 4, 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.  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 expressly to include improvements necessitated by economic development.  "Growth due to economic development" is added to the list of factors to be considered by the Transportation 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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

An element of economic development, population growth is defined to mean county population increases which have exceeded, or are projected to exceed the statewide average increase for a five-year period.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Duane Berentsen, Secretary, Department of Transportation