SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2840
BYRepresentatives R. Fisher, Schmidt and R. Meyers
Creating the position of executive director of the county road administration board.
House Committe on Transportation
Senate Committee on Transportation
Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Conner, DeJarnatt, Hansen, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Nelson, Patrick, Sellar.
Senate Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)
February 21, 1990
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 20, 1990
BACKGROUND:
In 1948, a comprehensive study was made of the county road program. The report identified a number of deficiencies. In 1962, another study was undertaken and the findings indicated that the county road programming deficiencies had not been corrected. After further studies, legislation was passed in 1965 creating the County Road Administration Board (CRAB).
The legislation provided for the appointment of a County Road Administration Engineer to be the chief executive officer for the new board. The responsibilities of this position were specifically related to county road planning and engineering standards for construction and maintenance. Logically, the position required a licensed professional engineer with experience as a county engineer.
As the role of CRAB has expanded over the years, so have the responsibilities of the County Road Administrative Engineer who now has a major role in overall state transportation policy.
SUMMARY:
The requirement that the administrator for the County Road Administration Board be a licensed professional engineer with experience in county engineering is eliminated. The title is changed from County Road Administration Engineer to Executive Director. The executive director is exempt from civil service and the salary is set by the board.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
Senate Committee - Testified: Ernie Geissler, CRAB