Brief Description: Designating highways of statewide significance.

Sponsors: Representatives Cooper, Kristiansen, Sullivan, Campbell and Pearson.

Hearing Date: 2/5/04

Staff: Page Scott (786-7301).

Background:

In 1998 the Legislature directed the Transportation Commission (Commission) to designate highways of statewide significance. At a minimum, this designation was to include interstate highways and other statewide principal arterials needed to connect major communities across the state and support the state's economy.

In 2002 the regional transportation investment district legislation empowered the Legislature to also designate state highways of statewide significance and made that designation of a portion of State Route 509. The legislation also required that 90 percent of district revenues be expended along highways of statewide significance corridors.

Designation of a highway route as a highway of statewide significance means the improvements along the route are higher priority. It also means that improvements are essential public facilities under the Growth Management Act (GMA) plans, GMA concurrency requirements do not apply, and the state is responsible for establishing a level of service standards.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature designates as highways of statewide significance those designated by Transportation Commission Resolution Number 660 as adopted on January 21, 2004. The designation of State Route 509 as a highway of statewide significance is removed (it is included in the Commission's resolution).

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.