SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5498

BYSenators Pullen, Warnke and Thorsness

Revising the governing of a transportation benefit district.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5498 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Nelson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, McMullen, Madsen, Sellar, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Gene Baxstrom (786-7303)

                  February 22, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 21, 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.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

A new section is added including transportation benefit districts among special purpose districts authorized to impose a property tax in excess of the 1 percent property tax limitation.  The amendment of RCW 84.52.052 was omitted in 1987 when these districts were granted such property tax authority.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ron Main, King County