SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2098

BYRepresentatives Walk and Patrick

Modifying provisions for computing county road costs.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 29, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Conner, Hansen, McMullen, Murray, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)

                  March 30, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, MARCH 29, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state-imposed gas tax is 18 cents per gallon.  Of the 18 cents, 17 cents is distributed through a percentage formula to programs and activities.  The counties receive 22.78 percent of the revenue generated by the 17-cent gas tax.

The counties' share of the fuel tax is distributed to individual counties on a formula basis.  One component of this formula is the calculation of annual road costs by the County Road Administration Board (CRAB).  From this data CRAB establishes a single statewide cost-per-mile rate for each category of roadway.

The Road Jurisdiction Committee (RJC) study recognized cost differences on a geographical basis.  Data is available through the RJC study which would enable the CRAB to take into consideration geographical cost variances.

SUMMARY:

The present requirement for a single statewide cost per mile is eliminated.  This change would permit, but not obligate, the County Road Administration Board to use RJC data to establish cost per mile on a regional basis.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one