SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1943

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

State & Local Government, March 21, 2001

Title:  An act relating to county rail districts.

Brief Description:  Expanding purposes of county rail districts.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Mulliken, Grant, G. Chandler and Dunshee.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  3/15/01, 3/21/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Patterson, Chair; Fairley, Vice Chair; Hale, Haugen, Horn, Kline, McCaslin, Roach, T. Sheldon and Swecker.

Staff:  Aaron Jennings (786‑7445)

Background:  Counties may establish one or more county rail districts to provide and fund improved rail freight service.  The county legislative authority may submit a proposal to create a rail district subject to a majority vote of the people, or property owners may petition the county legislative authority to create a rail district. A district is governed by the county legislative authority.  A district boundary must include any area next to the rail service from which goods may be shipped by rail and may not include an area that does not or is not expected to produce goods shipped by the rail service.

Summary of Bill:  In addition to establishing a district for rail freight service, counties may establish county rail districts to provide and fund improved passenger rail service.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This would provide a funding method for Kittitas to build to railroad depots.  The plan is to create a passenger rail line through Stampede Pass.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Louis Musso, Coal Mines Trail Commission (pro); Steve Gano, Trend West Resorts (pro).