SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5373

BYSenate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Patterson, Bender, Nelson and Conner; by request of Governor)

Making transportation appropriations for the 1989-91 biennium.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 4, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5373 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass with committee amendments.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Benitz, Hansen, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Sellar, Sutherland, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)

                  April 27, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, APRIL 21, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature must make biennial appropriations for each agency's operating budget and capital improvements.  The transportation budget provides funding for the agencies and programs supported by transportation revenues.

SUMMARY:

The state transportation agencies Omnibus Capital and Operating Appropriations Act for the 1989-91 biennium is enacted.  The budget totals $2.3 billion and assumes new revenues will be available to fund identified shortfalls in 1989-91.  The budget includes the following:

For the Washington State Patrol:

      -An additional 50 traffic troopers at a cost of $4.1 million.

      -$1.8 million for the replacement of a 20 year old airplane.

      -$1.3 million for 15 additional commercial vehicle officers.

      -The safety education program is continued.

      -$.6 million for the self-supporting vehicle identification number (VIN) program.

      -An additional 3 percent salary increase effective January 1, 1990 and January 1, 1991 for commissioned officers above the salary increases provided for in the Omnibus Appropriations Act.

For the Department Of Licensing:

      -$3.6 million for new self-supporting classified driver's license program.

      -$.6 million for two new driver license stations.

      -$1.5 million for continuation of the county auditor automation program (CAAP).

For the Department of Transportation--Marine Division:

      -$2.9 million for acquisition of one passenger only vessel conditional upon passage of the 1989 comprehensive transportation revenue bill.

      -$4.8 million to operate a total of three passenger only vessels servicing Seattle-Bremerton and Seattle-Vashon, conditional upon passage of the 1989 comprehensive revenue bill.

      -$3.4 million in route enhancements conditional upon passage of the 1989 major comprehensive revenue bill.

      -Provides for an aggressive marine capital program to refurbish the vessels and improve terminals.

For the Department of Transportation--State Roads, Bridges, and Highways:

      -Highway preservation work is maintained at 1987-89 levels plus inflation.

      -The interstate program continues toward its 1992 completion date.

      -Category C is fully funded at $160 million conditional upon passage of the 1989 comprehensive transportation revenue bill.  Otherwise the appropriation is reduced to $35 million and the program ends.

      -A new super Cat C program, program "J", is established. $8 million is appropriated conditional upon passage of the 1989 comprehensive transportation revenue bill; otherwise the appropriation is eliminated.  The request includes $4.6 million for the 1st Avenue South Bridge.

      -The bridge replacement program continues at 1987-89 levels plus inflation.

For the Department of Transportation--Other Programs:

      -$.4 million for freight rail; $7.6 million for high capacity transit; and $.5 million for Amtrak.

      -$3 million for regional transportation planning contingent upon enactment of the 1989 comprehensive transportation revenue bill and ESHB 2152.

      -$3 million for continuation of joint city/county/state studies.

Budget Highlights--Other Agencies:

      -$3.5 million of state funds are reappropriated for the Everett Homeport.

      -$6.7 million is provided for the Puyallup Tribal Settlement contingent upon passage of a 1989 comprehensive transportation revenue bill.

      -The Transportation Improvement Board is appropriated an additional $60 million if the 1989 comprehensive transportation revenue bill is enacted.

      -The County Road Administration Board is appropriated an additional $35 million if the 1989 comprehensive transportation revenue bill is enacted.

Appropriation:    $2,292,360,170

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none

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