SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5752

As of February 13, 2001

Title:  An act relating to requirements for providing transportation funding; and adding a new section to chapter 47.05 RCW.

Brief Description:  Allocating transportation funding.

Sponsors:  Senators Shin, Winsley, Horn, Oke, Haugen and Kastama; by request of The Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Transportation:  2/13/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Staff:  Jennifer Strus (786‑7484)

Background:  The Legislature and the Governor formed the Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation (BRCT) in 1998 to assess the local, regional and state transportation system; ensure that current and future money is spent wisely; make the system more accountable and predictable; and prepare a 20-year plan for funding and investing in the transportation system.

The BRCT made 18 final recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.  Recommendation 13 directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to link maintenance and preservation funds to best practices.

Summary of Bill:  WSDOT, in cooperation with local governments, must direct a baseline allocation of funding for operations, maintenance, preservation, and safety functions of state highways, county roads, city streets, transit, ferries and alternate modes.

As a condition of receiving the baseline allocation, all agencies must demonstrate to the Legislature the use of maintenance and pavement management systems.  To receive any funding, WSDOT, cities and counties must demonstrate within three years that their preservation investments are based on the lowest life cycle lost principles.

Grant programs are not to be used to fund preservation projects funded from baseline fund allocations.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 1, 2001.

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