Brief Description: Directing regional transit authorities to conduct performance audits.

Sponsors: Representatives Murray, Quall and Dickerson.

Hearing Date: 2/26/03

Staff: Gene Baxstrom (786-7303).

Background:

The King, Pierce, and Snohomish County Councils voted in 1993 to establish the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority, now known as Sound Transit. This agency is vested with high capacity transportation system development powers in the three county area, including the imposition of voter-approved taxes for development and operation of such transportation systems.

In 1996, voters in the urban areas of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties approved a plan and authorized funding to provide high capacity transportation services for the Central Puget Sound Region.

The Sound Transit is subject to financial audit review by the State Auditor. In addition, the agency has established a Project Review Committee to provide independent review of the Central Link light rail project. Sound Transit has also been subject to other audits, some required by the U.S. Department of Transportation and others self initiated.

Summary of Bill:

The Sound Transit Board (Board) is directed to appoint an administrative auditor and retain a qualified firm or firms to conduct performance audits. The auditor is to be independently and directly responsible to the Board. The firm is to conduct audits of agency cost control measures, schedules, project design, and other topics determined by the Board. The Board may also direct the firm to analyze technical aspects of the agency's projects.

The firm is to report to the Board at least annually. The auditor is to assist the firm and both are to consult regularly with the Board.

With concurrent request of the Chair of the House Transportation Committee and the Chair of the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee, Sound Transit shall report to the committees on a quarterly basis.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 18, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.