FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1203

                         C 2 L 99 E1

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing state highway bonds.

Sponsors:  Representatives Pflug, Hurst, Mitchell, Miloscia, Fortunato, Stensen and Cairnes.

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Background:

The Special Category "C" program was established to finance major highway construction projects that could not be accomplished as part of the regular construction program.  The three projects selected were:  (1) the 1st Avenue South bridge in Seattle; (2) SR 18 from Black Diamond vicinity to approximately I-90 in southeast King County; and (3) Division/Ruby Street couplet in Spokane and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the North-South Corridor.

In 1990, the Legislature dedicated 3/4 of 1 cent of the motor vehicle fuel tax to the Special Category "C" program.  In 1993, the Legislature authorized the sale of $240 million of general obligation bonds for the construction of the three selected projects, and pledged 3/4 of 1 cent to debt service.

Summary:

The bond authorization for the Special Category "C" program is increased by $90 million, from $240 million to $330 million.  This additional bond authorization is applied to projects in the Special Category "C" program.

Votes on Final Passage:

House950

First Special Session

House960

Senate451

Effective:August 18, 1999