HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6408

BYSenators Patterson, Bender, Thorsness, Hansen and Talmadge; by request of Governor

Adopting the supplemental transportation budget.

House Committe on Transportation

House Staff:Robin Rettew (786-7306); Brad Lovaas (786-7307)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The 1989 Legislature adopted a $2.0 billion budget for the 1989-91 biennium for all transportation agencies.  This was a "no tax" increase budget.

SUMMARY:

The Governor's 1990 transportation supplemental budget adds $151.5 million, bringing the 1989-91 biennium total to $2.2 billion, an increase of 7.3 percent.  This budget assumes passage of the comprehensive 1990 revenue bill.  Major enhancements include:

1) $12.4 million for a new county arterial preservation program;

2) $6.9 million for increased funding for the county rural arterial program;

3) $41.3 million for the Transportation Improvement Board which has been unfunded since it was created in 1988;

4) $50.0 million for the regular Category C program at the Department of Transportation;

5) $5.0 million for special Category C projects including the First Avenue South Bridge, SR 18 between Auburn and I-90, and the North-South corridor in Spokane;

6) $3.1 million for removal of toll booths and preliminary engineering for the Spokane River Bridge and redemption of outstanding bonds;

7) $4.1 million for the new high capacity transit program including $3.4 million for high capacity planning grants, $.2 million for high capacity administration, $.2 million for freight rail administration, and $.2 million for Amtrak studies;

8) $1.5 million for acquisition of a fourth passenger only vessel, completion of passenger only terminal construction, and preliminary design work at the Sidney terminal;

9) $4.1 million for passenger only operating funds, continuation of the Sidney terminal lease, and completion of the payroll project;

10) $24 million for a new State Patrol headquarters facility (contingent on bond bill/bond bill not introduced);

11) $.5 million for completion of the county auditor automation project (CAAP) at the Department of Licensing;

12) $1.9 million reduction of transportation funds to complete cost accounting study fund shifts; and

13) $.4 million for strategic planning for information services at the Department of Licensing.

Appropriation:    $148.5 million

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 94; Nays 3 - 3/2

Voting Nay: Bennett, Morris and H. Myers