1928-S AAS 3/1/94 S5464.1

1928-S AAS 3/1/94 S5464.1

SHB 1928 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Transportation

ADOPTED 3/1/94

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. LEGISLATIVE INTENT. The legislature recognizes that recent legislative enactments have significantly added to the complexity of and to the potential for benefits from integrated transportation and comprehensive planning and that there is currently a unique opportunity for integration of local comprehensive plans and regional goals with state and local transportation programs. Further, approaches to transportation demand management initiatives and local and state transportation funding can be better coordinated to insure an efficient, effective transportation system that insures mobility and accessibility, and addresses community needs.

The legislature further finds that transportation and land use share a critical relationship that policy makers can better utilize to address regional strategies.

Prudent and cost-effective investment by the state and by local governments in highway facilities, local streets and arterials, rail facilities, marine facilities, nonmotorized transportation facilities and systems, public transit systems, transportation system management, transportation demand management, and the development of high capacity transit systems can help to effectively address mobility needs. Such investment can also enhance local and state objectives for effective comprehensive planning, economic development strategies, and clean air policies.

The legislature finds that addressing public initiatives regarding transportation and comprehensive planning necessitates an innovative approach. Improved integration between transportation and comprehensive planning among public institutions, particularly in the state's largest metropolitan areas is considered by the state to be imperative, and to have significant benefit to the citizens of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. ORGANIZATION'S DUTIES. Each regional transportation planning organization shall have the following duties:

(1) Prepare and periodically update a transportation strategy for the region. The strategy shall address alternative transportation modes and transportation demand management measures in regional corridors and shall recommend preferred transportation policies to implement adopted growth strategies. The strategy shall serve as a guide in preparation of the regional transportation plan.

(2) Prepare a regional transportation plan as set forth in RCW 47.80.030 that is consistent with county-wide planning policies if such have been adopted pursuant to chapter 36.70A RCW, with county, city, and town comprehensive plans, and state transportation plans.

(3) Certify by December 31, 1996, that the transportation elements of comprehensive plans adopted by counties, cities, and towns within the region reflect the guidelines and principles developed pursuant to section 3 of this act, are consistent with the adopted regional transportation plan, and, where appropriate, conform with the requirements of RCW 36.70A.070.

(4) Where appropriate, certify that county-wide planning policies adopted under RCW 36.70A.210 and the adopted regional transportation plan are consistent.

(5) Develop, in cooperation with the department of transportation, operators of public transportation services and local governments within the region, a six-year regional transportation improvement program which proposes regionally significant transportation projects and programs and transportation demand management measures. The regional transportation improvement program shall be based on the programs, projects, and transportation demand management measures of regional significance as identified by transit agencies, cities, and counties pursuant to RCW 35.58.2795, 35.77.010, and 36.81.121, respectively. The program shall include a priority list of projects and programs, project segments and programs, transportation demand management measures, and a specific financial plan that demonstrates how the transportation improvement program can be funded. The program shall be updated at least every two years for the ensuing six-year period.

(6) Designate a lead planning agency to coordinate preparation of the regional transportation plan and carry out the other responsibilities of the organization. The lead planning agency may be a regional organization, a component county, city, or town agency, or the appropriate Washington state department of transportation district office.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. COMPREHENSIVE PLANS, TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES, AND PRINCIPLES. Each regional transportation planning organization, with cooperation from component cities, towns, and counties, shall establish guidelines and principles by July 1, 1995, that provide specific direction for the development and evaluation of the transportation elements of comprehensive plans, where such plans exist, and to assure that state, regional, and local goals for the development of transportation systems are met. These guidelines and principles shall address at a minimum the relationship between transportation systems and the following factors: Concentration of economic activity, residential density, development corridors and urban design that, where appropriate, supports high capacity transit, freight transportation and port access, development patterns that promote pedestrian and nonmotorized transportation, circulation systems, access to regional systems, effective and efficient highway systems, the ability of transportation facilities and programs to retain existing and attract new jobs and private investment and to accommodate growth in demand, transportation demand management, joint and mixed use developments, present and future railroad right-of-way corridor utilization, and intermodal connections.

Examples shall be published by the organization to assist local governments in interpreting and explaining the requirements of this section.

Sec. 4. RCW 47.80.030 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 55 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Each regional transportation planning organization shall((:

(a) Certify that the transportation elements of comprehensive plans adopted by counties, cities, and towns within the region conform with the requirements of RCW 36.70A.070, and are consistent with regional transportation plans as provided for in (b) of this subsection;

~~(b)~~)) develop ((~~and adopt~~)) in cooperation with the department of transportation, providers of public transportation and high capacity transportation, ports, and local governments within the region, adopt, and periodically update a regional transportation plan that ((is consistent with county, city, and town comprehensive plans and state transportation plans. Regional transportation planning organizations are encouraged to use county, city, and town comprehensive plans that existed prior to July 1, 1990, as the basis of its regional transportation plan whenever possible. Such plans shall address)):

(a) Is based on a least cost planning methodology that identifies the most cost-effective facilities, services, and programs.

(b) Identifies existing or planned transportation facilities ((~~and~~)), services, and programs, including but not limited to major roadways including state highways and regional arterials, transit and nonmotorized services and facilities, multimodal and intermodal facilities, marine ports and airports, railroads, and noncapital programs including transportation demand management that should function as an integrated regional transportation system, giving emphasis to those facilities, services, and programs that exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:

(i) Physically crosses member county lines;

(ii) Is or will be used by a significant number of people who live or work outside the county in which the facility, service, or project is located;

(iii) Significant impacts are expected to be felt in more than one county;

(iv) Potentially adverse impacts of the facility, service, program, or project can be better avoided or mitigated through adherence to regional policies; and

(v) Transportation needs addressed by a project have been identified by the regional transportation planning process and the remedy is deemed to have regional significance;

(c) ((Designate a lead planning agency to coordinate preparation of the regional transportation plan. The lead planning agency may be a regional council, a county, city, or town agency, or a Washington state department of transportation district)) Establishes level of service standards at a minimum for all state highways and state ferry routes. These regionally established level of service standards for state highways and state ferries shall be developed jointly with the department of transportation, to encourage consistency across jurisdictions. In establishing level of service standards for state highways and state ferries, consideration shall be given for the necessary balance between providing for the free interjurisdictional movement of people and goods and the needs of local commuters using state facilities;

(d) Includes a financial plan demonstrating how the regional transportation plan can be implemented, indicating resources from public and private sources that are reasonably expected to be made available to carry out the plan, and recommending any innovative financing techniques to finance needed facilities, services, and programs;

(e) Assesses regional development patterns, capital investment and other measures necessary to:

(i) Ensure the preservation of the existing regional transportation system, including requirements for operational improvements, resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of existing and future major roadways, as well as operations, maintenance, modernization, and rehabilitation of existing and future transit, railroad systems and corridors, and nonmotorized facilities; and

(ii) Make the most efficient use of existing transportation facilities to relieve vehicular congestion and maximize the mobility of people and goods;

(f) Sets forth a proposed regional transportation approach, including capital investments, service improvements, programs, and transportation demand management measures to guide the development of the integrated, multimodal regional transportation system; and

(g) Where appropriate, sets forth the relationship of high capacity transportation providers and other public transit providers with regard to responsibility for, and the coordination between, services and facilities.

(2) The organization shall review the regional transportation plan biennially for currency((;)) and

((~~(e)~~)) forward the adopted plan((~~, and~~)) along with documentation of the biennial review ((~~of it,~~)) to the state department of transportation.

((~~(2)~~)) (3) All transportation projects, programs, and transportation demand management measures within the region that have an impact upon regional facilities or services must be consistent with the plan and with the adopted regional growth and transportation strategies.

((~~(3) In order to ensure state-wide consistency in the regional transportation planning process, the state department of transportation shall:~~

~~(a) In cooperation with regional transportation planning organizations, establish minimum standards for development of a regional transportation plan;~~

~~(b) Facilitate coordination between regional transportation planning organizations; and~~

(c) Through the regional transportation planning process, and through state planning efforts as required by RCW 47.01.071, identify and jointly plan improvements and strategies within those corridors important to moving people and goods on a regional or state-wide basis.))

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. STATE-WIDE CONSISTENCY. In order to ensure state-wide consistency in the regional transportation planning process, the state department of transportation, in conformance with chapter 34.05 RCW, shall:

(1) In cooperation with regional transportation planning organizations, establish minimum standards for development of a regional transportation plan;

(2) Facilitate coordination between regional transportation planning organizations; and

(3) Through the regional transportation planning process, and through state planning efforts as required by RCW 47.01.071, identify and jointly plan improvements and strategies within those corridors important to moving people and goods on a regional or state-wide basis.

Sec. 6. RCW 35.58.2795 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 60 are each amended to read as follows:

By April 1st of each year, the legislative authority of each municipality, as defined in RCW 35.58.272, and each regional transit authority shall prepare a six-year transit development ((~~and financial program~~)) plan for that calendar year and the ensuing five years. The program shall be consistent with the comprehensive plans adopted by counties, cities, and towns, pursuant to chapter 35.63, 35A.63, or 36.70 RCW, the inherent authority of a first class city or charter county derived from its charter, or chapter 36.70A RCW. The program shall contain information as to how the municipality intends to meet state and local long-range priorities for public transportation, capital improvements, significant operating changes planned for the system, and how the municipality intends to fund program needs. The six-year plan for each municipality and regional transit authority shall specifically set forth those projects of regional significance for inclusion in the transportation improvement program within that region. Each municipality and regional transit authority shall file the six-year program with the state department of transportation, the transportation improvement board, and cities, counties, and regional planning councils within which the municipality is located.

In developing its program, the municipality and the regional transit authority shall consider those policy recommendations affecting public transportation contained in the state transportation policy plan approved by the state transportation commission and, where appropriate, adopted by the legislature. The municipality shall conduct one or more public hearings while developing its program and for each annual update.

Sec. 7. RCW 35.77.010 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 59 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The legislative body of each city and town, pursuant to one or more public hearings thereon, shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive ((~~street~~)) transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years. If the city or town has adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to chapter 35.63 or 35A.63 RCW, the inherent authority of a first class city derived from its charter, or chapter 36.70A RCW, the program shall be consistent with this comprehensive plan.

The program shall be filed with the secretary of transportation not more than thirty days after its adoption. Annually thereafter the legislative body of each city and town shall review the work accomplished under the program and determine current city ((~~street~~)) transportation needs. Based on these findings each such legislative body shall prepare and after public hearings thereon adopt a revised and extended comprehensive ((~~street~~)) transportation program before July 1st of each year, and each one-year extension and revision shall be filed with the secretary of transportation not more than thirty days after its adoption. The purpose of this section is to assure that each city and town shall perpetually have available advanced plans looking to the future for not less than six years as a guide in carrying out a coordinated ((~~street construction~~)) transportation program. The program may at any time be revised by a majority of the legislative body of a city or town, but only after a public hearing.

((The six-year program of each city lying within an urban area shall contain a separate section setting forth the six-year program for arterial street construction based upon its long range construction plan and formulated in accordance with rules of the transportation improvement board. The six-year program for arterial street construction shall be submitted to the transportation improvement board forthwith after its annual revision and adoption by the legislative body of the city. The six-year program for arterial street construction shall be based upon estimated revenues available for such construction together with such additional sums as the legislative authority may request for urban arterials from the urban arterial trust account or the transportation improvement account for the six-year period. The arterial street construction program shall provide for a more rapid rate of completion of the long-range construction needs of principal arterial streets than for minor and collector arterial streets, pursuant to rules of the transportation improvement board: PROVIDED, That urban arterial trust funds made available to the group of incorporated cities lying outside the boundaries of federally approved urban areas within each region need not be divided between functional classes of arterials but shall be available for any designated arterial street.))

The six-year plan for each city or town shall specifically set forth those projects and programs of regional significance for inclusion in the transportation improvement program within that region.

(2) Each six-year transportation program forwarded to the secretary in compliance with subsection (1) of this section shall contain information as to how a city or town will expend its moneys, including funds made available pursuant to chapter 47.30 RCW, for ((~~bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian~~)) nonmotorized transportation purposes.

(3) Each six-year transportation program forwarded to the secretary in compliance with subsection (1) of this section shall contain information as to how a city or town shall act to preserve railroad right-of-way in the event the railroad ceases to operate in the city's or town's jurisdiction.

Sec. 8. RCW 36.81.121 and 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 s 58 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Before July 1st of each year, the legislative authority of each county ((~~with the advice and assistance of the county road engineer, and pursuant to~~)), after one or more public hearings thereon, shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive ((~~road~~)) transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years. If the county has adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to chapter 35.63 or 36.70 RCW, the inherent authority of a charter county derived from its charter, or chapter 36.70A RCW, the program shall be consistent with this comprehensive plan.

The program shall include proposed road and bridge construction work and other transportation facilities and programs deemed appropriate, and for those counties operating ferries shall also include a separate section showing proposed capital expenditures for ferries, docks, and related facilities. Copies of the program shall be filed with the county road administration board and with the state secretary of transportation not more than thirty days after its adoption by the legislative authority. The purpose of this section is to assure that each county shall perpetually have available advanced plans looking to the future for not less than six years as a guide in carrying out a coordinated ((~~road construction~~)) transportation program. The program may at any time be revised by a majority of the legislative authority but only after a public hearing thereon.

(2) ((The six-year program of each county having an urban area within its boundaries shall contain a separate section setting forth the six-year program for arterial road construction based upon its long-range construction plan and formulated in accordance with regulations of the transportation improvement board. The six-year program for arterial road construction shall be submitted to the transportation improvement board forthwith after its annual revision and adoption by the legislative authority of each county. The six-year program for arterial road construction shall be based upon estimated revenues available for such construction together with such additional sums as the legislative authority of each county may request for urban arterials from the urban arterial trust account or the transportation improvement account for the six-year period. The arterial road construction program shall provide for a more rapid rate of completion of the long-range construction needs of principal arterial roads than for minor and collector arterial roads, pursuant to regulations of the transportation improvement board.

~~(3)~~)) Each six-year transportation program forwarded to the secretary in compliance with subsection (1) of this section shall contain information as to how a county will expend its moneys, including funds made available pursuant to chapter 47.30 RCW, for ((~~bicycles, pedestrians, and equestrian~~)) nonmotorized transportation purposes.

(3) Each six-year transportation program forwarded to the secretary in compliance with subsection (1) of this section shall contain information as to how a county shall act to preserve railroad right-of-way in the event the railroad ceases to operate in the county's jurisdiction.

(4) The six-year plan for each county shall specifically set forth those projects and programs of regional significance for inclusion in the transportation improvement program within that region.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. The legislative transportation committee shall coordinate a comprehensive study on the appropriate relationship between state transportation facilities and local comprehensive plans. The legislative transportation committee shall appoint members to a steering committee that shall be comprised of representatives from the department of transportation, the department of community, trade, and economic development, regional transportation planning organizations, cities, counties, and the development community. The study shall, at a minimum, address:

(1) How state transportation facilities and services should be addressed in local comprehensive plans;

(2) Whether state transportation facilities should be included in local concurrency ordinances and the effectiveness of current methods provided for in the Growth Management Act to address concurrency for state transportation facilities;

(3) The long-term effects on state transportation facilities resulting from the development of urban growth areas;

(4) The "specific actions and requirements" adopted by local jurisdictions to bring into compliance a state transportation facility or service that is below the established level of service as set forth in RCW 36.70A.070;

(5) The status and effectiveness of the access management program required by the 1991 legislature to promote a coordinated planning process for the permitting of access points on the state highway system;

(6) Appropriate methods for mitigating land use impacts on state transportation facilities and services;

(7) An analysis of funding alternatives including, but not limited to, consideration of state transportation improvement benefit districts; a state latecomer fee system; fees related to impacts generated under the State Environmental Policy Act; impact fees; allocation of state transportation resources; and other alternatives; and

(8) The appropriate relationship between state transportation programming and prioritization systems and level of service deficiencies.

The preliminary study findings shall be completed no later than December 15, 1994, and the final report shall be submitted no later than September 1, 1995. The report shall contain recommendations for improving the coordination of local land use decisions and state transportation decisions.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. Sections 1 through 3 and 5 of this act are each added to chapter 47.80 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. Captions used in this act do not constitute any part of the law.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 13. This act shall take effect July 1, 1994."

SHB 1928 - S COMM AMD

By Committee on Transportation

ADOPTED 3/1/94

On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "planning;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "amending RCW 47.80.030, 35.58.2795, 35.77.010, and 36.81.121; adding new sections to chapter 47.80 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an effective date."