HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 1454

BYRepresentatives Todd, Patrick, Cantwell, Walk and P. King 

Specifying ownership of transportation improvements in a transportation benefit district.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (26)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair; Schmidt, Ranking Republican Member; Wood, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Betrozoff, Cantwell, Cooper, Day, G. Fisher, R. Fisher, Gallagher, Haugen, Heavey, Jones, Kremen, R. Meyers, Nelson, Patrick, Prentice, Prince, Smith, D. Sommers, Todd, Walker, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Louise Bray (786-7322)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the Legislature authorized the creation of transportation benefit districts.  These districts are separate and distinct local government units whose governing bodies are either a county or city legislative authority.  These districts have the power to make improvements, both within an incorporated or unincorporated area and on city streets, county roads or state highways.

SUMMARY:

Ownership of improvements made by transportation benefit districts is clarified.  Benefit district improvements are under the following jurisdictions:  of a county, in an unincorporated area; of the city, in an incorporated area; and of the state and where it is or becomes a state highway.  All such transportation improvements are to be administered and maintained as other public streets, roads and highways.

Members of the county and city legislative authority, acting ex officio and independently of the county and city, are to compose the governing body of their respective transportation benefit district.  The district may be governed through an interlocal agreement when those improvements are not within its boundaries.

It is clarified that the district may be established by a county or a city to acquire, construct, and improve any city street, county road or state highway, in addition to the current provision for funding those improvements.

A transportation benefit district is specifically authorized to acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property.

A severability clause is provided.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Ron Main, King County.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    In 1987 the Legislature authorized formation of transportation benefit districts to include areas within the county, cities or a mix of both for the purpose of funding transportation improvements, principally by voter-approved general obligation bonds.  The bill incorporated needed technical amendments suggested by bond counsel.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.