SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5777

BYSenators Lee, Warnke and von Reichbauer

Requiring the sale of certain highway property to fund environmental impact statements.

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989

Senate Staff:Vicki Fabre' (786-7313)

AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

An extension of State Route 509 from South 188th in King County to SR 516, with a connecting route to Interstate Route 5 is planned to reduce traffic congestion on other roadways in South King County.  This section of roadway is currently underutilized both because of the capacity constraints of the First Avenue South Bridge and because the south end of SR 509 does not currently connect to I-5.  An environmental impact statement is needed before construction of the project can proceed.  The project, however, has been delayed due to lack of funding for major transportation projects.

SUMMARY:

The Secretary of Transportation is required to offer for sale property held by the State Department of Transportation for right of way for a state highway.  The property designated for sale is in the vicinity of 216th Street in King County.  Funds from the sale of such property is to be used to complete environmental impact statements relating to the construction of an extension of SR 509 from South 188th Street to Interstate Route 5.

The environmental impact fund is created in the custody of the State Treasurer.  All receipts from the sale of right of way is deposited in the fund and expenditures therefrom are to be used only for the completion of the environmental impact statements.

Funds remaining after completion of the impact statements are to be used for state highway improvements.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 15, 1989