BILL REQ. #:  H-3880.1 

Read first time 01/16/2004.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to transportation governance; amending RCW 47.01.041, 43.17.020, 35.58.2795, 36.57A.070, 36.79.120, 36.120.020, 43.160.074, 46.44.080, 46.61.450, 47.01.012, 47.01.071, 47.01.250, 47.01.280, 47.05.021, 47.05.030, 47.05.035, 47.05.051, 47.06.030, 47.06.050, 47.12.242, 47.12.330, 47.24.010, 47.26.170, 47.28.010, 47.80.060, 36.79.010, 36.79.130, 46.44.042, 46.44.090, 46.44.092, 46.44.096, 47.02.120, 47.02.140, 47.10.843, 47.10.844, 47.12.200, 47.12.220, 47.17.132, 47.26.440, 47.38.060, 47.46.090, 47.46.120, 47.52.133, 47.52.145, 47.52.210, 47.56.030, 47.56.032, 47.56.070, 47.56.076, 47.56.080, 47.56.110, 47.56.120, 47.56.250, 47.60.013, 47.60.445, 47.60.800, 47.64.011, and 47.64.170; reenacting and amending RCW 43.160.010; adding a new section to chapter 47.01 RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 47.01.051 and 47.01.061; and providing effective dates.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes the need to streamline governance of the transportation system in order to increase efficiency and accountability to the people it serves. The legislature intends to create a single point of accountability for the performance of the state's transportation system by making the management of the department of transportation directly accountable to the governor. The legislature also desires to further streamline governance structures. A review and analysis of the current duties and responsibilities of the transportation commission must be conducted to determine where these functions are best carried out.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The legislative transportation committee shall conduct a review and analysis of the statutory duties, roles, and functions of the transportation commission. The committee shall determine which responsibilities are administrative or ministerial in nature and should be transferred to the executive, and which responsibilities are policy setting in nature and should be transferred to the legislature. The review and analysis must include at least the following authorities: (1) To establish toll facilities; (2) to set tolls and fares; (3) to request bond issuances by the state treasurer; (4) to adopt the twenty-year state transportation policy plan; (5) to conduct public involvement processes; (6) to develop and monitor attainment of benchmarks directed in RCW 47.01.012; (7) to review and approve six-year transit plans and proposed public transportation benefit area plans; (8) to set operational policies for state highways, including access issues and hours of operation for high-occupancy vehicles. By December 15, 2004, the legislative transportation committee shall make recommendations to the house and senate transportation committees for streamlining, consolidating, or eliminating the duties, roles, and functions of the transportation commission. The legislative transportation committee shall consult with affected agencies and other stakeholders in conducting its analysis. The committee may consult with and retain private professional and technical experts as necessary to ensure an independent review and analysis.

Sec. 3   RCW 47.01.041 and 1983 1st ex.s. c 53 s 28 are each amended to read as follows:
     The executive head of the department of transportation shall be the secretary of transportation, who shall be appointed by the ((transportation commission)) governor and confirmed by the senate, and shall be paid a salary to be fixed by the governor in accordance with the provisions of RCW 43.03.040. ((The secretary shall be an ex officio member of the commission without a vote. The secretary shall be the chief executive officer of the commission and be responsible to it, and shall be guided by policies established by it.)) The secretary shall serve ((until removed by the commission, but only for incapacity, incompetence, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, or failure to carry out the commission's policies. Before a motion for dismissal shall be acted on by the commission, the secretary shall be granted a hearing on formal written charges before the full commission. An action by the commission to remove the secretary shall be final)) at the pleasure of the governor.

Sec. 4   RCW 43.17.020 and 1995 1st sp.s. c 2 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     There shall be a chief executive officer of each department to be known as: (1) The secretary of social and health services, (2) the director of ecology, (3) the director of labor and industries, (4) the director of agriculture, (5) the director of fish and wildlife, (6) the secretary of transportation, (7) the director of licensing, (8) the director of general administration, (9) the director of community, trade, and economic development, (10) the director of veterans affairs, (11) the director of revenue, (12) the director of retirement systems, (13) the secretary of corrections, ((and)) (14) the secretary of health, and (15) the director of financial institutions.
     Such officers, except the ((secretary of transportation and the)) director of fish and wildlife, shall be appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate, and hold office at the pleasure of the governor. ((The secretary of transportation shall be appointed by the transportation commission as prescribed by RCW 47.01.041.)) The director of fish and wildlife shall be appointed by the fish and wildlife commission as prescribed by RCW 77.04.055.

Sec. 5   RCW 35.58.2795 and 1994 c 158 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     By April 1st of each year, the legislative authority of each municipality, as defined in RCW 35.58.272, and each regional transit authority shall prepare a six-year transit development plan for that calendar year and the ensuing five years. The program shall be consistent with the comprehensive plans adopted by counties, cities, and towns, pursuant to chapter 35.63, 35A.63, or 36.70 RCW, the inherent authority of a first class city or charter county derived from its charter, or chapter 36.70A RCW. The program shall contain information as to how the municipality intends to meet state and local long-range priorities for public transportation, capital improvements, significant operating changes planned for the system, and how the municipality intends to fund program needs. The six-year plan for each municipality and regional transit authority shall specifically set forth those projects of regional significance for inclusion in the transportation improvement program within that region. Each municipality and regional transit authority shall file the six-year program with the state department of transportation, the transportation improvement board, and cities, counties, and regional planning councils within which the municipality is located.
     In developing its program, the municipality and the regional transit authority shall consider those policy recommendations affecting public transportation contained in the state transportation policy plan approved by the ((state)) legislative transportation ((commission)) committee and, where appropriate, adopted by the legislature. The municipality shall conduct one or more public hearings while developing its program and for each annual update.

Sec. 6   RCW 36.57A.070 and 1985 c 6 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     The comprehensive transit plan adopted by the authority shall be reviewed by the ((state)) legislative transportation ((commission)) committee to determine:
     (1) The completeness of service to be offered and the economic viability of the transit system proposed in such comprehensive transit plan;
     (2) Whether such plan integrates the proposed transportation system with existing transportation modes and systems that serve the benefit area;
     (3) Whether such plan coordinates that area's system and service with nearby public transportation systems;
     (4) Whether such plan is eligible for matching state or federal funds;
     After reviewing the comprehensive transit plan, the ((state)) legislative transportation ((commission shall have)) committee has sixty days in which to approve such plan and to certify to the state treasurer that such public transportation benefit area shall be eligible to receive the motor vehicle excise tax proceeds authorized pursuant to RCW 35.58.273, as now or hereafter amended in the manner prescribed by chapter 82.44 RCW, as now or hereafter amended. To be approved a plan shall provide for coordinated transportation planning, the integration of such proposed transportation program with other transportation systems operating in areas adjacent to, or in the vicinity of the proposed public transportation benefit area, and be consistent with the public transportation coordination criteria adopted pursuant to the urban mass transportation act of 1964 as amended as of July 1, 1975. In the event such comprehensive plan is disapproved and ruled ineligible to receive motor vehicle tax proceeds, the ((state)) legislative transportation ((commission)) committee shall provide written notice to the authority within thirty days as to the reasons for such plan's disapproval and such ineligibility. The authority may resubmit such plan upon reconsideration and correction of such deficiencies in the plan cited in such notice of disapproval.

Sec. 7   RCW 36.79.120 and 1988 c 26 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     Counties receiving funds from the rural arterial trust account for construction of arterials and the construction of replacement bridges funded by the federal bridge replacement program on access roads in rural areas shall provide such matching funds as established by rules recommended by the board, subject to review, revision, and final approval by the ((state)) legislative transportation ((commission)) committee. Matching requirements shall be established after appropriate studies by the board, taking into account financial resources available to counties to meet arterial needs.

Sec. 8   RCW 36.120.020 and 2002 c 56 s 102 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Board" means the governing body of a regional transportation investment district.
     (2) "Department" means the Washington state department of transportation.
     (3) "Highway of statewide significance" means an existing or proposed state route or federal interstate designated as a highway of statewide significance by the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee, its successor entity, or the legislature.
     (4) "Lead agency" means a public agency that by law can plan, design, and build a transportation project and has been so designated by the district.
     (5) "Regional transportation investment district" or "district" means a municipal corporation whose boundaries are coextensive with two or more contiguous counties and that has been created by county legislative authorities and a vote of the people under this chapter to implement a regional transportation investment plan.
     (6) "Regional transportation investment district planning committee" or "planning committee" means the advisory committee created under RCW 36.120.030 to create and propose to county legislative authorities a regional transportation investment plan to develop, finance, and construct transportation projects.
     (7) "Regional transportation investment plan" or "plan" means a plan to develop, construct, and finance a transportation project or projects.
     (8) "Transportation project" means:
     (a) A capital improvement or improvements to a highway that has been designated, in whole or in part, as a highway of statewide significance, including an extension, that:
     (i) Adds a lane or new lanes to an existing state or federal highway; or
     (ii) Repairs or replaces a lane or lanes damaged by an event declared an emergency by the governor before January 1, 2002.
     (b) A capital improvement or improvements to all or a portion of a highway of statewide significance, including an extension, and may include the following associated multimodal capital improvements:
     (i) Approaches to highways of statewide significance;
     (ii) High-occupancy vehicle lanes;
     (iii) Flyover ramps;
     (iv) Park and ride lots;
     (v) Bus pullouts;
     (vi) Vans for vanpools;
     (vii) Buses; and
     (viii) Signalization, ramp metering, and other transportation system management improvements.
     (c) A capital improvement or improvements to all or a portion of a city street, county road, or existing highway or the creation of a new highway that intersects with a highway of statewide significance, if all of the following conditions are met:
     (i) The project is included in a plan that makes highway improvement projects that add capacity to a highway or highways of statewide significance;
     (ii) The secretary of transportation determines that the project would better relieve traffic congestion than investing that same money in adding capacity to a highway of statewide significance;
     (iii) Matching money equal to one-third of the total cost of the project is provided by local entities, including but not limited to a metropolitan planning organization, county, city, port, or private entity in which a county participating in a plan is located. Local entities may use federal grants to meet this matching requirement;
     (iv) In no case may the cumulative regional transportation investment district contribution to all projects constructed under this subsection (8)(c) exceed ten percent of the revenues generated by the district;
     (v) In no case may the cumulative regional transportation investment district contribution to all projects constructed under this subsection (8)(c) exceed one billion dollars; and
     (vi) The specific projects are included within the plan and submitted as part of the plan to a vote of the people.
     (d) Operations, preservation, and maintenance are excluded from this definition and may not be included in a regional transportation investment plan.
     (9) "Weighted vote" means a vote that reflects the population each board or planning committee member represents relative to the population represented by the total membership of the board or planning committee. Population will be determined using the federal 2000 census or subsequent federal census data.

Sec. 9   RCW 43.160.010 and 1999 c 164 s 101 and 1999 c 94 s 5 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that it is the public policy of the state of Washington to direct financial resources toward the fostering of economic development through the stimulation of investment and job opportunities and the retention of sustainable existing employment for the general welfare of the inhabitants of the state. Reducing unemployment and reducing the time citizens remain jobless is important for the economic welfare of the state. A valuable means of fostering economic development is the construction of public facilities which contribute to the stability and growth of the state's economic base. Strengthening the economic base through issuance of industrial development bonds, whether single or umbrella, further serves to reduce unemployment. Consolidating issues of industrial development bonds when feasible to reduce costs additionally advances the state's purpose to improve economic vitality. Expenditures made for these purposes as authorized in this chapter are declared to be in the public interest, and constitute a proper use of public funds. A community economic revitalization board is needed which shall aid the development of economic opportunities. The general objectives of the board should include:
     (a) Strengthening the economies of areas of the state which have experienced or are expected to experience chronically high unemployment rates or below average growth in their economies;
     (b) Encouraging the diversification of the economies of the state and regions within the state in order to provide greater seasonal and cyclical stability of income and employment;
     (c) Encouraging wider access to financial resources for both large and small industrial development projects;
     (d) Encouraging new economic development or expansions to maximize employment;
     (e) Encouraging the retention of viable existing firms and employment; and
     (f) Providing incentives for expansion of employment opportunities for groups of state residents that have been less successful relative to other groups in efforts to gain permanent employment.
     (2) The legislature also finds that the state's economic development efforts can be enhanced by, in certain instances, providing funds to improve state highways, county roads, or city streets for industries considering locating or expanding in this state.
     (a) The legislature finds it desirable to provide a process whereby the need for diverse public works improvements necessitated by planned economic development can be addressed in a timely fashion and with coordination among all responsible governmental entities.
     (b) Transportation improvements on state highways that have been approved by the community economic revitalization board must be approved by the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee in accordance with the procedures established by RCW 43.160.074 and 47.01.280 to receive funding.
     (3) The legislature also finds that the state's economic development efforts can be enhanced by, in certain instances, providing funds to assist development of telecommunications infrastructure that supports business development, retention, and expansion in rural natural resources impact areas and rural counties of the state.
     (4) The legislature also finds that the state's economic development efforts can be enhanced by providing funds to improve markets for those recyclable materials representing a large fraction of the waste stream. The legislature finds that public facilities which result in private construction of processing or remanufacturing facilities for recyclable materials are eligible for consideration from the board.
     (5) The legislature finds that sharing economic growth statewide is important to the welfare of the state. Rural counties and rural natural resources impact areas do not share in the economic vitality of the Puget Sound region. The ability of these communities to pursue business and job retention, expansion, and development opportunities depends on their capacity to ready necessary economic development project plans, sites, permits, and infrastructure for private investments. Project-specific planning, predevelopment, and infrastructure are critical ingredients for economic development. Rural counties and rural natural resources impact areas generally lack these necessary tools and resources to diversify and revitalize their economies. It is, therefore, the intent of the legislature to increase the amount of funding available through the community economic revitalization board for rural counties and rural natural resources impact areas, and to authorize flexibility for available resources in these areas to help fund planning, predevelopment, and construction costs of infrastructure and facilities and sites that foster economic vitality and diversification.

Sec. 10   RCW 43.160.074 and 1985 c 433 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) An application to the board from a political subdivision may also include a request for improvements to an existing state highway or highways. The application is subject to all of the applicable criteria relative to qualifying types of development set forth in this chapter, as well as procedures and criteria established by the board.
     (2) Before board consideration of an application from a political subdivision that includes a request for improvements to an existing state highway or highways, the application shall be forwarded by the board to the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee.
     (3) The board may not make its final determination on any application made under subsection (1) of this section before receiving approval, as submitted or amended or disapproval from the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee as specified in RCW 47.01.280. Notwithstanding its disposition of the remainder of any such application, the board may not approve a request for improvements to an existing state highway or highways without the approval as submitted or amended of the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee as specified in RCW 47.01.280.
     (4) The board shall notify the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee of its decision regarding any application made under this section.

Sec. 11   RCW 46.44.080 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 29 are each amended to read as follows:
     Local authorities with respect to public highways under their jurisdiction may prohibit the operation thereon of motor trucks or other vehicles or may impose limits as to the weight thereof, or any other restrictions as may be deemed necessary, whenever any such public highway by reason of rain, snow, climatic or other conditions, will be seriously damaged or destroyed unless the operation of vehicles thereon be prohibited or restricted or the permissible weights thereof reduced: PROVIDED, That whenever a highway has been closed generally to vehicles or specified classes of vehicles, local authorities shall by general rule or by special permit authorize the operation thereon of school buses, emergency vehicles, and motor trucks transporting perishable commodities or commodities necessary for the health and welfare of local residents under such weight and speed restrictions as the local authorities deem necessary to protect the highway from undue damage: PROVIDED FURTHER, That the governing authorities of incorporated cities and towns shall not prohibit the use of any city street designated by the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee as forming a part of the route of any primary state highway through any such incorporated city or town by vehicles or any class of vehicles or impose any restrictions or reductions in permissible weights unless such restriction, limitation, or prohibition, or reduction in permissible weights be first approved in writing by the department of transportation.
     The local authorities imposing any such restrictions or limitations, or prohibiting any use or reducing the permissible weights shall do so by proper ordinance or resolution and shall erect or cause to be erected and maintained signs designating the provisions of the ordinance or resolution in each end of the portion of any public highway affected thereby, and no such ordinance or resolution shall be effective unless and until such signs are erected and maintained.
     The department shall have the same authority as hereinabove granted to local authorities to prohibit or restrict the operation of vehicles upon state highways. The department shall give public notice of closure or restriction. The department may issue special permits for the operation of school buses and motor trucks transporting perishable commodities or commodities necessary for the health and welfare of local residents under specified weight and speed restrictions as may be necessary to protect any state highway from undue damage.

Sec. 12   RCW 46.61.450 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 39 are each amended to read as follows:
     It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle or any combination of vehicles over any bridge or other elevated structure or through any tunnel or underpass constituting a part of any public highway at a rate of speed or with a gross weight or of a size which is greater at any time than the maximum speed or maximum weight or size which can be maintained or carried with safety over any such bridge or structure or through any such tunnel or underpass when such bridge, structure, tunnel, or underpass is sign posted as hereinafter provided. The secretary of transportation, if it be a bridge, structure, tunnel, or underpass upon a state highway, or the governing body or authorities of any county, city, or town, if it be upon roads or streets under their jurisdiction, may restrict the speed which may be maintained or the gross weight or size which may be operated upon or over any such bridge or elevated structure or through any such tunnel or underpass with safety thereto. The secretary or the governing body or authorities of any county, city, or town having jurisdiction shall determine and declare the maximum speed or maximum gross weight or size which such bridge, elevated structure, tunnel, or underpass can withstand or accommodate and shall cause suitable signs stating such maximum speed or maximum gross weight, or size, or either, to be erected and maintained on the right hand side of such highway, road, or street and at a distance of not less than one hundred feet from each end of such bridge, structure, tunnel, or underpass and on the approach thereto: PROVIDED, That in the event that any such bridge, elevated structure, tunnel, or underpass is upon a city street designated by the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee as forming a part of the route of any state highway through any such incorporated city or town the determination of any maximum speed or maximum gross weight or size which such bridge, elevated structure, tunnel, or underpass can withstand or accommodate shall not be enforceable at any speed, weight, or size less than the maximum allowed by law, unless with the approval in writing of the secretary. Upon the trial of any person charged with a violation of this section, proof of either violation of maximum speed or maximum weight, or size, or either, and the distance and location of such signs as are required, shall constitute conclusive evidence of the maximum speed or maximum weight, or size, or either, which can be maintained or carried with safety over such bridge or elevated structure or through such tunnel or underpass.

Sec. 13   RCW 47.01.012 and 2002 c 5 s 101 are each amended to read as follows:
     It is the intent of the legislature to establish policy goals for the operation, performance of, and investment in, the state's transportation system. The policy goals shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following benchmark categories, adopted by the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation on November 30, 2000. In addition to improving safety, public investments in transportation shall support achievement of these and other priority goals:
     No interstate highways, state routes, and local arterials shall be in poor condition; no bridges shall be structurally deficient, and safety retrofits shall be performed on those state bridges at the highest seismic risk levels; traffic congestion on urban state highways shall be significantly reduced and be no worse than the national mean; delay per driver shall be significantly reduced and no worse than the national mean; per capita vehicle miles traveled shall be maintained at 2000 levels; the nonauto share of commuter trips shall be increased in urban areas; administrative costs as a percentage of transportation spending shall achieve the most efficient quartile nationally; and the state's public transit agencies shall achieve the median cost per vehicle revenue hour of peer transit agencies, adjusting for the regional cost-of-living.
     These policy goals shall be the basis for establishment of detailed and measurable performance benchmarks.
     It is the intent of the legislature that the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee establish performance measures to ensure transportation system performance at local, regional, and state government levels, and the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee should work with appropriate government entities to accomplish this.
     If legislation creating citizen oversight of the transportation performance benchmarks becomes law, the legislative transportation committee shall work in conjunction with the citizen oversight panel to monitor the attainment of transportation performance benchmarks.

Sec. 14   RCW 47.01.071 and 1981 c 59 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislative transportation ((commission shall have)) committee has the following functions, powers, and duties:
     (1) To propose policies to be adopted by the legislature designed to assure the development and maintenance of a comprehensive and balanced statewide transportation system which will meet the needs of the people of this state for safe and efficient transportation services. Wherever appropriate the policies shall provide for the use of integrated, intermodal transportation systems to implement the social, economic, and environmental policies, goals, and objectives of the people of the state, and especially to conserve nonrenewable natural resources including land and energy. To this end the ((commission)) committee shall:
     (a) Develop transportation policies which are based on the policies, goals, and objectives expressed and inherent in existing state laws;
     (b) Inventory the adopted policies, goals, and objectives of the local and area-wide governmental bodies of the state and define the role of the state, regional, and local governments in determining transportation policies, in transportation planning, and in implementing the state transportation plan;
     (c) Propose a transportation policy for the state, and after notice and public hearings, submit the proposal to ((the legislative transportation committee and)) the senate and house transportation committees ((by January 1, 1978,)) for consideration in the next legislative session;
     (d) Establish a procedure for review and revision of the state transportation policy and for submission of proposed changes to the legislature;
     (e) To integrate the statewide transportation plan with the needs of the elderly and handicapped, and to coordinate federal and state programs directed at assisting local governments to answer such needs;
     (2) To establish the policy of the department to be followed by the secretary on each of the following items:
     (a) To provide for the effective coordination of state transportation planning with national transportation policy, state and local land use policies, and local and regional transportation plans and programs;
     (b) To provide for public involvement in transportation designed to elicit the public's views both with respect to adequate transportation services and appropriate means of minimizing adverse social, economic, environmental, and energy impact of transportation programs;
     (c) To provide for the administration of grants in aid and other financial assistance to counties and municipal corporations for transportation purposes;
     (d) To provide for the management, sale, and lease of property or property rights owned by the department which are not required for transportation purposes;
     (3) To direct the secretary to prepare and submit to the ((commission)) committee a comprehensive and balanced statewide transportation plan which shall be based on the transportation policy adopted by the legislature and applicable state and federal laws. After public notice and hearings, the ((commission)) committee shall adopt the plan and submit it to ((the legislative transportation committee and to)) the house and senate standing committees on transportation before January 1, 1980, for consideration in the 1980 regular legislative session. The plan shall be reviewed and revised prior to each regular session of the legislature during an even-numbered year thereafter. A preliminary plan shall be submitted to such committees by January 1, 1979.
     The plan shall take into account federal law and regulations relating to the planning, construction, and operation of transportation facilities;
     (4) To propose to the governor and the legislature prior to the convening of each regular session held in an odd-numbered year a recommended budget for the operations of the ((commission as required by RCW 47.01.061)) committee;
     (5) ((To approve and propose to the governor and to the legislature prior to the convening of each regular session during an odd-numbered year a recommended budget for the operation of the department and for carrying out the program of the department for the ensuing biennium. The proposed budget shall separately state the appropriations to be made from the motor vehicle fund for highway purposes in accordance with constitutional limitations and appropriations and expenditures to be made from the general fund, or accounts thereof, and other available sources for other operations and programs of the department;
     (6) To review and authorize all departmental requests for legislation;
     (7) To approve the issuance and sale of all bonds authorized by the legislature for capital construction of state highways, toll facilities, Columbia Basin county roads (for which reimbursement to the motor vehicle fund has been provided), urban arterial projects, and aviation facilities;
     (8) To adopt such rules, regulations, and policy directives as may be necessary to carry out reasonably and properly those functions expressly vested in the commission by statute;
     (9))) To delegate any of its powers to the secretary of transportation whenever it deems it desirable for the efficient administration of the department and consistent with the purposes of this title;
     (((10))) (6) To exercise such other specific powers and duties as may be vested in the ((transportation commission)) committee by this or any other provision of law.

Sec. 15   RCW 47.01.250 and 1998 c 245 s 92 are each amended to read as follows:
     The chief of the Washington state patrol, the director of the traffic safety commission, the executive director of the county road administration board, and the director of licensing are designated as official consultants to the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee so that the goals and activities of their respective agencies which relate to transportation are fully coordinated with other related responsibilities of the department of transportation. In this capacity, the chief of the Washington state patrol, the director of the traffic safety commission, the executive director of the county road administration board, and the director of licensing shall consult with the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee and the secretary of transportation on the implications and impacts on the transportation related functions and duties of their respective agencies of any proposed comprehensive transportation plan, program, or policy.
     In order to develop fully integrated, balanced, and coordinated transportation plans, programs, and budgets the chief of the Washington state patrol, the director of the traffic safety commission, the executive director of the county road administration board, and the director of licensing shall consult with the secretary of transportation on the matter of relative priorities during the development of their respective agencies' plans, programs, and budgets as they pertain to transportation activities.

Sec. 16   RCW 47.01.280 and 1999 c 94 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Upon receiving an application for improvements to an existing state highway or highways pursuant to RCW 43.160.074 from the community economic revitalization board, the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee shall, in a timely manner, determine whether or not the proposed state highway improvements:
     (a) Meet the safety and design criteria of the department of transportation;
     (b) Will impair the operational integrity of the existing highway system;
     (c) Will affect any other improvements planned by the department; and
     (d) Will be consistent with its policies developed pursuant to RCW 47.01.071.
     (2) Upon completion of its determination of the factors contained in subsection (1) of this section and any other factors it deems pertinent, the ((transportation commission)) committee shall forward its approval, as submitted or amended or disapproval of the proposed improvements to the board, along with any recommendation it may wish to make concerning the desirability and feasibility of the proposed development. If the ((transportation commission)) committee disapproves any proposed improvements, it shall specify its reasons for disapproval.
     (3) Upon notification from the board of an application's approval pursuant to RCW 43.160.074, the ((transportation commission)) department shall ((direct the department of transportation to)) carry out the improvements in coordination with the applicant.
     (4) The ((transportation commission)) department shall notify the ((legislative)) house and senate standing committees on transportation ((committee)) of all state highway improvements to be carried out pursuant to RCW 43.160.074 and this section.

Sec. 17   RCW 47.05.021 and 2002 c 56 s 301 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The ((transportation commission is hereby directed to)) department shall conduct periodic analyses of the entire state highway system, report thereon to the chairs of the transportation committees of the senate and house of representatives, including one copy to the staff of each of the committees, biennially and based thereon, ((to)) subdivide, classify, and subclassify according to their function and importance all designated state highways and those added from time to time and periodically review and revise the classifications into the following three functional classes:
     (a) The "principal arterial system" shall consist of a connected network of rural arterial routes with appropriate extensions into and through urban areas, including all routes designated as part of the interstate system, which serve corridor movements having travel characteristics indicative of substantial statewide and interstate travel;
     (b) The "minor arterial system" shall, in conjunction with the principal arterial system, form a rural network of arterial routes linking cities and other activity centers which generate long distance travel, and, with appropriate extensions into and through urban areas, form an integrated network providing interstate and interregional service; and
     (c) The "collector system" shall consist of routes which primarily serve the more important intercounty, intracounty, and intraurban travel corridors, collect traffic from the system of local access roads and convey it to the arterial system, and on which, regardless of traffic volume, the predominant travel distances are shorter than on arterial routes.
     (2) In making the functional classification the ((transportation commission)) department shall adopt and give consideration to criteria consistent with this section and federal regulations relating to the functional classification of highways, including but not limited to the following:
     (a) Urban population centers within and without the state stratified and ranked according to size;
     (b) Important traffic generating economic activities, including but not limited to recreation, agriculture, government, business, and industry;
     (c) Feasibility of the route, including availability of alternate routes within and without the state;
     (d) Directness of travel and distance between points of economic importance;
     (e) Length of trips;
     (f) Character and volume of traffic;
     (g) Preferential consideration for multiple service which shall include public transportation;
     (h) Reasonable spacing depending upon population density; and
     (i) System continuity.
     (3) The ((transportation commission or the)) legislature shall designate state highways of statewide significance under RCW 47.06.140. ((If the commission designates a state highway of statewide significance, it shall submit a list of such facilities for adoption by the legislature.)) This statewide system shall include at a minimum interstate highways and other statewide principal arterials that are needed to connect major communities across the state and support the state's economy.
     (4) The legislative transportation ((commission)) committee shall designate a freight and goods transportation system. This statewide system shall include state highways, county roads, and city streets. The ((commission)) committee, in cooperation with cities and counties, shall review and make recommendations to the legislature regarding policies governing weight restrictions and road closures which affect the transportation of freight and goods.

Sec. 18   RCW 47.05.030 and 2002 c 5 s 402 are each amended to read as follows:
     The legislative transportation ((commission)) committee shall adopt a comprehensive six-year investment program specifying program objectives and performance measures for the preservation and improvement programs defined in this section. In the specification of investment program objectives and performance measures, the legislative transportation ((commission, in consultation with the Washington state department of transportation,)) committee shall define and adopt standards for effective programming and prioritization practices including a needs analysis process. The analysis process must ensure the identification of problems and deficiencies, the evaluation of alternative solutions and trade-offs, and estimations of the costs and benefits of prospective projects. The investment program must be revised biennially, effective on July 1st of odd-numbered years. The investment program must be based upon the needs identified in the state-owned highway component of the statewide transportation plan as defined in RCW 47.01.071(3).
     (1) The preservation program consists of those investments necessary to preserve the existing state highway system and to restore existing safety features, giving consideration to lowest life cycle costing. The preservation program must require use of the most cost-effective pavement surfaces, considering:
     (a) Life-cycle cost analysis;
     (b) Traffic volume;
     (c) Subgrade soil conditions;
     (d) Environmental and weather conditions;
     (e) Materials available; and
     (f) Construction factors.
     The comprehensive six-year investment program for preservation must identify projects for two years and an investment plan for the remaining four years.
     (2) The improvement program consists of investments needed to address identified deficiencies on the state highway system to increase mobility, address congestion, and improve safety, support for the economy, and protection of the environment. The six-year investment program for improvements must identify projects for two years and major deficiencies proposed to be addressed in the six-year period giving consideration to relative benefits and life cycle costing. The legislative transportation ((commission)) committee shall give higher priority for correcting identified deficiencies on those facilities classified as facilities of statewide significance as defined in RCW 47.06.140. Project prioritization must be based primarily upon cost-benefit analysis, where appropriate.
     The legislative transportation ((commission)) committee shall approve and present the comprehensive six-year investment program to the legislature in support of the biennial budget request under RCW 44.40.070 and 44.40.080.

Sec. 19   RCW 47.05.035 and 2002 c 5 s 403 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department ((and the commission)) shall use the transportation demand modeling tools developed under subsection (2) of this section to evaluate investments based on the best mode or improvement, or mix of modes and improvements, to meet current and future long-term demand within a corridor or system for the lowest cost. The end result of these demand modeling tools is to provide a cost-benefit analysis by which the department ((and the commission)) can determine the relative mobility improvement and congestion relief each mode or improvement under consideration will provide and the relative investment each mode or improvement under consideration will need to achieve that relief. The department must forward the results of its analysis to the legislative transportation committee for approval.
     (2) The department will participate in the refinement, enhancement, and application of existing transportation demand modeling tools to be used to evaluate investments. This participation and use of transportation demand modeling tools will be phased in.
     (3) In developing program objectives and performance measures, the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee shall evaluate investment trade-offs between the preservation and improvement programs. In making these investment trade-offs, the ((commission)) committee shall evaluate, using cost-benefit techniques, roadway and bridge maintenance activities as compared to roadway and bridge preservation program activities and adjust those programs accordingly.
     (4) The ((commission)) legislative transportation committee shall allocate the estimated revenue between preservation and improvement programs giving primary consideration to the following factors:
     (a) The relative needs in each of the programs and the system performance levels that can be achieved by meeting these needs;
     (b) The need to provide adequate funding for preservation to protect the state's investment in its existing highway system;
     (c) The continuity of future transportation development with those improvements previously programmed; and
     (d) The availability of dedicated funds for a specific type of work.

Sec. 20   RCW 47.05.051 and 2002 c 189 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The comprehensive six-year investment program shall be based upon the needs identified in the state-owned highway component of the statewide multimodal transportation plan as defined in RCW 47.01.071(3) and priority selection systems that incorporate the following criteria:
     (a) Priority programming for the preservation program shall take into account the following, not necessarily in order of importance:
     (i) Extending the service life of the existing highway system, including using the most cost-effective pavement surfaces, considering:
     (A) Life-cycle cost analysis;
     (B) Traffic volume;
     (C) Subgrade soil conditions;
     (D) Environmental and weather conditions;
     (E) Materials available; and
     (F) Construction factors;
     (ii) Ensuring the structural ability to carry loads imposed upon highways and bridges; and
     (iii) Minimizing life cycle costs. The legislative transportation ((commission)) committee in carrying out the provisions of this section may delegate to the department of transportation the authority to select preservation projects to be included in the six-year program.
     (b) Priority programming for the improvement program must be based primarily upon the following, not necessarily in order of importance:
     (i) Traffic congestion, delay, and accidents;
     (ii) Location within a heavily traveled transportation corridor;
     (iii) Except for projects in cities having a population of less than five thousand persons, synchronization with other potential transportation projects, including transit and multimodal projects, within the heavily traveled corridor; and
     (iv) Use of benefit/cost analysis wherever feasible to determine the value of the proposed project.
     (c) Priority programming for the improvement program may also take into account:
     (i) Support for the state's economy, including job creation and job preservation;
     (ii) The cost-effective movement of people and goods;
     (iii) Accident and accident risk reduction;
     (iv) Protection of the state's natural environment;
     (v) Continuity and systematic development of the highway transportation network;
     (vi) Consistency with local comprehensive plans developed under chapter 36.70A RCW including the following if they have been included in the comprehensive plan:
     (A) Support for development in and revitalization of existing downtowns;
     (B) Extent that development implements local comprehensive plans for rural and urban residential and nonresidential densities;
     (C) Extent of compact, transit-oriented development for rural and urban residential and nonresidential densities;
     (D) Opportunities for multimodal transportation; and
     (E) Extent to which the project accommodates planned growth and economic development;
     (vii) Consistency with regional transportation plans developed under chapter 47.80 RCW;
     (viii) Public views concerning proposed improvements;
     (ix) The conservation of energy resources;
     (x) Feasibility of financing the full proposed improvement;
     (xi) Commitments established in previous legislative sessions;
     (xii) Relative costs and benefits of candidate programs.
     (d) Major projects addressing capacity deficiencies which prioritize allowing for preliminary engineering shall be reprioritized during the succeeding biennium, based upon updated project data. Reprioritized projects may be delayed or canceled by the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee if higher priority projects are awaiting funding.
     (e) Major project approvals which significantly increase a project's scope or cost from original prioritization estimates shall include a review of the project's estimated revised priority rank and the level of funding provided. Projects may be delayed or canceled by the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee if higher priority projects are awaiting funding.
     (2) The ((commission)) legislative transportation committee may depart from the priority programming established under subsection (1) of this section: (a) To the extent that otherwise funds cannot be utilized feasibly within the program; (b) as may be required by a court judgment, legally binding agreement, or state and federal laws and regulations; (c) as may be required to coordinate with federal, local, or other state agency construction projects; (d) to take advantage of some substantial financial benefit that may be available; (e) for continuity of route development; or (f) because of changed financial or physical conditions of an unforeseen or emergent nature. The ((commission or secretary of)) legislative transportation committee shall maintain in its files information sufficient to show the extent to which the ((commission)) committee has departed from the established priority.
     (3) The ((commission)) committee shall identify those projects that yield freight mobility benefits or that alleviate the impacts of freight mobility upon affected communities.

Sec. 21   RCW 47.06.030 and 1997 c 369 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((commission)) legislative transportation committee shall develop a state transportation policy plan that (1) establishes a vision and goals for the development of the statewide transportation system consistent with the state's growth management goals, (2) identifies significant statewide transportation policy issues, and (3) recommends statewide transportation policies and strategies to the legislature to fulfill the requirements of RCW 47.01.071(1). The state transportation policy plan shall be the product of an ongoing process that involves representatives of significant transportation interests and the general public from across the state. The plan shall address how the department of transportation will meet the transportation needs and expedite the completion of industrial projects of statewide significance.

Sec. 22   RCW 47.06.050 and 2002 c 5 s 413 are each amended to read as follows:
     The state-owned facilities component of the statewide transportation plan shall consist of:
     (1) The state highway system plan, which identifies program and financing needs and recommends specific and financially realistic improvements to preserve the structural integrity of the state highway system, ensure acceptable operating conditions, and provide for enhanced access to scenic, recreational, and cultural resources. The state highway system plan shall contain the following elements:
     (a) A system preservation element, which shall establish structural preservation objectives for the state highway system including bridges, identify current and future structural deficiencies based upon analysis of current conditions and projected future deterioration, and recommend program funding levels and specific actions necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the state highway system consistent with adopted objectives. Lowest life cycle cost methodologies must be used in developing a pavement management system. This element shall serve as the basis for the preservation component of the six-year highway program and the two-year biennial budget request to the legislature;
     (b) A highway maintenance element, establishing service levels for highway maintenance on state-owned highways that meet benchmarks established by the legislative transportation ((commission)) committee. The highway maintenance element must include an estimate of costs for achieving those service levels over twenty years. This element will serve as the basis for the maintenance component of the six-year highway program and the two-year biennial budget request to the legislature;
     (c) A capacity and operational improvement element, which shall establish operational objectives, including safety considerations, for moving people and goods on the state highway system, identify current and future capacity, operational, and safety deficiencies, and recommend program funding levels and specific improvements and strategies necessary to achieve the operational objectives. In developing capacity and operational improvement plans the department shall first assess strategies to enhance the operational efficiency of the existing system before recommending system expansion. Strategies to enhance the operational efficiencies include but are not limited to access management, transportation system management, demand management, and high-occupancy vehicle facilities. The capacity and operational improvement element must conform to the state implementation plan for air quality and be consistent with regional transportation plans adopted under chapter 47.80 RCW, and shall serve as the basis for the capacity and operational improvement portions of the six-year highway program and the two-year biennial budget request to the legislature;
     (d) A scenic and recreational highways element, which shall identify and recommend designation of scenic and recreational highways, provide for enhanced access to scenic, recreational, and cultural resources associated with designated routes, and recommend a variety of management strategies to protect, preserve, and enhance these resources. The department, affected counties, cities, and towns, regional transportation planning organizations, and other state or federal agencies shall jointly develop this element;
     (e) A paths and trails element, which shall identify the needs of nonmotorized transportation modes on the state transportation systems and provide the basis for the investment of state transportation funds in paths and trails, including funding provided under chapter 47.30 RCW.
     (2) The state ferry system plan, which shall guide capital and operating investments in the state ferry system. The plan shall establish service objectives for state ferry routes, forecast travel demand for the various markets served in the system, develop strategies for ferry system investment that consider regional and statewide vehicle and passenger needs, support local land use plans, and assure that ferry services are fully integrated with other transportation services. The plan must provide for maintenance of capital assets. The plan must also provide for preservation of capital assets based on lowest life cycle cost methodologies. The plan shall assess the role of private ferries operating under the authority of the utilities and transportation commission and shall coordinate ferry system capital and operational plans with these private operations. The ferry system plan must be consistent with the regional transportation plans for areas served by the state ferry system, and shall be developed in conjunction with the ferry advisory committees.

Sec. 23   RCW 47.12.242 and 1991 c 291 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The term "advance right of way acquisition" means the acquisition of property and property rights, generally not more than ten years in advance of programmed highway construction projects, together with the engineering costs necessary for such advance right of way acquisition. Any property or property rights purchased must be in designated highway transportation corridors and be for projects approved by the ((commission)) committee as part of the state's six-year plan or included in the state's route development planning effort.

Sec. 24   RCW 47.12.330 and 1998 c 181 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     For the purpose of environmental mitigation of transportation projects, the department may acquire or develop, or both acquire and develop, environmental mitigation sites in advance of the construction of programmed projects. The term "advanced environmental mitigation" means mitigation of adverse impacts upon the environment from transportation projects before their design and construction. Advanced environmental mitigation consists of the acquisition of property; the acquisition of property, water, or air rights; the development of property for the purposes of improved environmental management; engineering costs necessary for such purchase and development; and the use of advanced environmental mitigation sites to fulfill project environmental permit requirements. Advanced environmental mitigation must be conducted in a manner that is consistent with the definition of mitigation found in the council of environmental quality regulations (40 C.F.R. Sec. 1508.20) and the governor's executive order on wetlands (EO 90-04). Advanced environmental mitigation is for projects approved by the ((transportation commission)) committee as part of the state's six-year plan or included in the state highway system plan. Advanced environmental mitigation must give consideration to activities related to fish passage, fish habitat, wetlands, and flood management. Advanced environmental mitigation may also be conducted in partnership with federal, state, or local government agencies, tribal governments, interest groups, or private parties. Partnership arrangements may include joint acquisition and development of mitigation sites, purchasing and selling mitigation bank credits among participants, and transfer of mitigation site title from one party to another. Specific conditions of partnership arrangements will be developed in written agreements for each applicable environmental mitigation site.

Sec. 25   RCW 47.24.010 and 1998 c 245 s 97 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((transportation commission)) committee shall determine what streets, together with bridges thereon and wharves necessary for use for ferriage of motor vehicle traffic in connection with such streets, if any, in any incorporated cities and towns shall form a part of the route of state highways and between the first and fifteenth days of July of any year the department of transportation shall identify by brief description, the streets, together with the bridges thereon and wharves, if any, in such city or town which are designated as forming a part of the route of any state highway; and all such streets, including curbs and gutters and street intersections and such bridges and wharves, shall thereafter be a part of the state highway system and as such shall be constructed and maintained by the department of transportation from any state funds available therefor: PROVIDED, That the responsibility for the construction and maintenance of any such street together with its appurtenances may be returned to a city or a town upon certification by the department of transportation to the clerk of any city or town that such street, or portion thereof, is no longer required as a part of the state highway system: PROVIDED FURTHER, That any such certification that a street, or portion thereof, is no longer required as a part of the state highway system shall be made between the first and fifteenth of July following the determination by the department that such street or portion thereof is no longer required as a part of the state highway system, but this shall not prevent the department and any city or town from entering into an agreement that a city or town will accept responsibility for such a street or portion thereof at some time other than between the first and fifteenth of July of any year.

Sec. 26   RCW 47.26.170 and 1994 c 179 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each county having within its boundaries an urban area and cities and towns shall prepare and submit to the transportation improvement board arterial inventory data required to determine the long-range arterial construction needs. The counties, cities, and towns shall revise the arterial inventory data every four years to show the current arterial construction needs through the advanced planning period, and as revised shall submit them to the transportation improvement board during the first week of January every four years beginning in 1996. The inventory data shall be prepared pursuant to guidelines established by the transportation improvement board. As information is updated, it shall be made available to the ((commission and the)) legislative transportation committee.

Sec. 27   RCW 47.28.010 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 59 are each amended to read as follows:
     Whenever the general route of any state highway shall be designated and laid out as running to or by way of certain designated points, without specifying the particular route to be followed to or by way of such points, the ((transportation commission)) committee shall determine the particular route to be followed by said state highway to or by way of said designated points, and shall be at liberty to select and adopt as a part of such state highway, the whole or any part of any existing public highway previously designated as a county road, primary road, or secondary road or now or hereafter classified as a county road. The ((commission)) committee need not select and adopt the entire routes for such state highways at one time, but may select and adopt parts of such routes from time to time as it deems advisable. Where a state highway is designated as passing by way of a certain point, this shall not require the ((commission)) committee to cause such state highway to pass through or touch such point but such designation is directional only and may be complied with by location in the general vicinity. The department of transportation is empowered to construct as a part of any state highway as designated and in addition to any portion meeting the limits of any incorporated city or town a bypass section either through or around any such incorporated city or town.

Sec. 28   RCW 47.80.060 and 1992 c 101 s 31 are each amended to read as follows:
     In order to qualify for state planning funds available to regional transportation planning organizations, the regional transportation planning organizations containing any county with a population in excess of one million shall provide voting membership on its executive board to the ((state)) legislative transportation ((commission)) committee, the state department of transportation, and the three largest public port districts within the region as determined by gross operating revenues. It shall further assure that at least fifty percent of the county and city local elected officials who serve on the executive board also serve on transit agency boards or on a regional transit authority.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 29   A new section is added to chapter 47.01 RCW to read as follows:
     The secretary of transportation has the following powers and duties:
     (1) Propose to the governor and to the legislature before the convening of each regular session during an odd-numbered year a recommended budget for the operation of the department and for carrying out the program of the department for the ensuing biennium. The proposed budget must separately state the appropriations to be made from the motor vehicle fund for highway purposes in accordance with constitutional limitations and appropriations and expenditures to be made from the general fund, or accounts thereof, and other available sources for other operations and programs of the department;
     (2) Review and authorize all departmental requests for legislation;
     (3) Approve the issuance and sale of all bonds authorized by the legislature for capital construction of state highways, toll facilities, Columbia Basin county roads (for which reimbursement to the motor vehicle fund has been provided), urban arterial projects, and aviation facilities.

Sec. 30   RCW 36.79.010 and 1997 c 81 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The definitions set forth in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
     (1) "Rural arterial program" means improvement projects on those county roads in rural areas classified as rural arterials and collectors in accordance with the federal functional classification system and the construction of replacement bridges funded by the federal bridge replacement program on access roads in rural areas.
     (2) "Rural area" means every area of the state outside of areas designated as urban areas by the state department of transportation ((commission)) with the approval of the secretary of the United States Department of Transportation in accordance with federal law.
     (3) "Board" means the county road administration board created by RCW 36.78.030.

Sec. 31   RCW 36.79.130 and 1983 1st ex.s. c 49 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:
     Not later than November 1st of each even-numbered year the board shall prepare and present to the ((state)) legislative transportation ((commission)) committee a recommended budget for expenditures from the rural arterial trust account during the ensuing biennium. The budget shall contain an estimate of the revenues to be credited to the rural arterial trust account.
     The ((state)) department of transportation ((commission)) shall review the budget as recommended, revise the budget as it deems proper, and include the budget as revised as a separate section of the transportation budget which it shall submit to the governor pursuant to chapter 43.88 RCW.

Sec. 32   RCW 36.120.050 and 2003 c 350 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A regional transportation investment district planning committee may, as part of a regional transportation investment plan, recommend the imposition of some or all of the following revenue sources, which a regional transportation investment district may impose upon approval of the voters as provided in this chapter:
     (a) A regional sales and use tax, as specified in RCW 82.14.430, of up to 0.5 percent of the selling price, in the case of a sales tax, or value of the article used, in the case of a use tax, upon the occurrence of any taxable event in the regional transportation investment district;
     (b) A local option vehicle license fee, as specified under RCW 82.80.100, of up to one hundred dollars per vehicle registered in the district. As used in this subsection, "vehicle" means motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.320. Certain classes of vehicles, as defined under chapter 46.04 RCW, may be exempted from this fee;
     (c) A parking tax under RCW 82.80.030;
     (d) A local motor vehicle excise tax under RCW 81.100.060 and chapter 81.104 RCW;
     (e) A local option fuel tax under RCW 82.80.120;
     (f) An employer excise tax under RCW 81.100.030; and
     (g) Vehicle tolls on new or reconstructed facilities. Unless otherwise specified by law, the department shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls on designated facilities, and the ((state)) department of transportation ((commission)), or its successor, shall be the tolling authority.
     (2) Taxes, fees, and tolls may not be imposed without an affirmative vote of the majority of the voters within the boundaries of the district voting on a ballot proposition as set forth in RCW 36.120.070. Revenues from these taxes and fees may be used only to implement the plan as set forth in this chapter. A district may contract with the state department of revenue or other appropriate entities for administration and collection of any of the taxes or fees authorized in this section.
     (3) Existing statewide motor vehicle fuel and special fuel taxes, at the distribution rates in effect on January 1, 2001, are not intended to be altered by this chapter.

Sec. 33   RCW 46.44.042 and 1996 c 116 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     Subject to the maximum gross weights specified in RCW 46.44.041, it is unlawful to operate any vehicle upon the public highways with a gross weight, including load, upon any tire concentrated upon the surface of the highway in excess of six hundred pounds per inch width of such tire. An axle manufactured after July 31, 1993, carrying more than ten thousand pounds gross weight must be equipped with four or more tires. Effective January 1, 1997, an axle carrying more than ten thousand pounds gross weight must have four or more tires, regardless of date of manufacture. Instead of the four or more tires per axle requirements of this section, an axle may be equipped with two tires limited to five hundred pounds per inch width of tire. This section does not apply to vehicles operating under oversize or overweight permits, or both, issued under RCW 46.44.090, while carrying a nonreducible load.
     The following equipment may operate at six hundred pounds per inch width of tire: (1) A nonliftable steering axle or axles on the power unit; (2) a tiller axle on fire fighting apparatus; (3) a rear booster trailing axle equipped with two tires on a ready-mix concrete transit truck; and (4) a straddle trailer manufactured before January 1, 1996, equipped with single-tire axles or a single axle using a walking beam supported by two in-line single tires and used exclusively for the transport of fruit bins between field, storage, and processing. A straddle trailer manufactured after January 1, 1996, meeting this use criteria may carry five hundred fifteen pounds per inch width of tire on sixteen and one-half inch wide tires.
     For the purpose of this section, the width of tire in case of solid rubber or hollow center cushion tires, so long as the use thereof may be permitted by the law, shall be measured between the flanges of the rim. For the purpose of this section, the width of tires in case of pneumatic tires shall be the maximum overall normal inflated width as stipulated by the manufacturer when inflated to the pressure specified and without load thereon.
     The department of transportation, under rules adopted by ((the transportation commission)) it with respect to state highways, and a local authority, with respect to a public highway under its jurisdiction, may extend the weight table in RCW 46.44.041 to one hundred fifteen thousand pounds. However, the extension must be in compliance with federal law, and vehicles operating under the extension must be in full compliance with the 1997 axle and tire requirements under this section.

Sec. 34   RCW 46.44.090 and 2001 c 262 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department of transportation, pursuant to rules adopted by ((the transportation commission)) it with respect to state highways, and local authorities, with respect to public highways under their jurisdiction, may, upon application in writing and good cause being shown therefor, issue a special permit in writing, or electronically, authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size, weight of vehicle, or load exceeding the maximum set forth in RCW 46.44.010, 46.44.020, 46.44.030, 46.44.034, and 46.44.041 upon any public highway under the jurisdiction of the authority granting such permit and for the maintenance of which such authority is responsible.

Sec. 35   RCW 46.44.092 and 1989 c 398 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     Special permits may not be issued for movements on any state highway outside the limits of any city or town in excess of the following widths:
     On two-lane highways, fourteen feet;
     On multiple-lane highways where a physical barrier serving as a median divider separates opposing traffic lanes, twenty feet;
     On multiple-lane highways without a physical barrier serving as a median divider, thirty-two feet.
     These limits apply except under the following conditions:
     (1) In the case of buildings, the limitations referred to in this section for movement on any two lane state highway other than the national system of interstate and defense highways may be exceeded under the following conditions: (a) Controlled vehicular traffic shall be maintained in one direction at all times; (b) the maximum distance of movement shall not exceed five miles; additional contiguous permits shall not be issued to exceed the five-mile limit: PROVIDED, That when the department of transportation, pursuant to general rules adopted by ((the transportation commission)) it, determines a hardship would result, this limitation may be exceeded upon approval of the department of transportation; (c) prior to issuing a permit a qualified transportation department employee shall make a visual inspection of the building and route involved determining that the conditions listed herein shall be complied with and that structures or overhead obstructions may be cleared or moved in order to maintain a constant and uninterrupted movement of the building; (d) special escort or other precautions may be imposed to assure movement is made under the safest possible conditions, and the Washington state patrol shall be advised when and where the movement is to be made;
     (2) Permits may be issued for widths of vehicles in excess of the preceding limitations on highways or sections of highways which have been designed and constructed for width in excess of such limitations;
     (3) Permits may be issued for vehicles with a total outside width, including the load, of nine feet or less when the vehicle is equipped with a mechanism designed to cover the load pursuant to RCW 46.61.655;
     (4) These limitations may be rescinded when certification is made by military officials, or by officials of public or private power facilities, or when in the opinion of the department of transportation the movement or action is a necessary movement or action: PROVIDED FURTHER, That in the judgment of the department of transportation the structures and highway surfaces on the routes involved are capable of sustaining widths in excess of such limitation;
     (5) These limitations shall not apply to movement during daylight hours on any two lane state highway where the gross weight, including load, does not exceed eighty thousand pounds and the overall width of load does not exceed sixteen feet: PROVIDED, That the minimum and maximum speed of such movements, prescribed routes of such movements, the times of such movements, limitation upon frequency of trips (which limitation shall be not less than one per week), and conditions to assure safety of traffic may be prescribed by the department of transportation or local authority issuing such special permit.
     The applicant for any special permit shall specifically describe the vehicle or vehicles and load to be operated or moved and the particular state highways for which permit to operate is requested and whether such permit is requested for a single trip or for continuous operation.

Sec. 36   RCW 46.44.096 and 1996 c 92 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     In determining fees according to RCW 46.44.0941, mileage on state primary and secondary highways shall be determined from the planning survey records of the department of transportation, and the gross weight of the vehicle or vehicles, including load, shall be declared by the applicant. Overweight on which fees shall be paid will be gross loadings in excess of loadings authorized by law or axle loadings in excess of loadings authorized by law, whichever is the greater. Loads which are overweight and oversize shall be charged the fee for the overweight permit without additional fees being assessed for the oversize features.
     Special permits issued under RCW 46.44.047, 46.44.0941, or 46.44.095, may be obtained from offices of the department of transportation, ports of entry, or other agents appointed by the department.
     The department may appoint agents for the purposes of selling special motor vehicle permits, temporary additional tonnage permits, and log tolerance permits. Agents so appointed may retain three dollars and fifty cents for each permit sold to defray expenses incurred in handling and selling the permits. If the fee is collected by the department of transportation, the department shall certify the fee so collected to the state treasurer for deposit to the credit of the motor vehicle fund.
     The department may select a third party contractor, by means of competitive bid, to perform the department's permit issuance function, as provided under RCW 46.44.090. Factors the department shall consider, but is not limited to, in the selection of a third party contractor are economic benefit to both the department and the motor carrier industry, and enhancement of the overall level of permit service. For purposes of this section, "third party contractor" means a business entity that is authorized by the department to issue special permits. The department of transportation ((commission)) may adopt rules specifying the criteria that a business entity must meet in order to qualify as a third party contractor under this section.
     Fees established in RCW 46.44.0941 shall be paid to the political body issuing the permit if the entire movement is to be confined to roads, streets, or highways for which that political body is responsible. When a movement involves a combination of state highways, county roads, and/or city streets the fee shall be paid to the state department of transportation. When a movement is confined within the city limits of a city or town upon city streets, including routes of state highways on city streets, all fees shall be paid to the city or town involved. A permit will not be required from city or town authorities for a move involving a combination of city or town streets and state highways when the move through a city or town is being confined to the route of the state highway. When a move involves a combination of county roads and city streets the fee shall be paid to the county authorities, but the fee shall not be collected nor the county permit issued until valid permits are presented showing that the city or town authorities approve of the move in question. When the movement involves only county roads the fees collected shall be paid to the county involved. Fees established shall be paid to the political body issuing the permit if the entire use of the vehicle during the period covered by the permit shall be confined to the roads, streets, or highways for which that political body is responsible.

Sec. 37   RCW 47.02.120 and 1990 c 293 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     For the purpose of providing funds for the acquisition of headquarters facilities for district 1 of the department of transportation and costs incidental thereto, together with all improvements and equipment required to make the facilities suitable for the department's use, there shall be issued and sold upon the request of the ((Washington transportation commission)) department a total of fifteen million dollars of general obligation bonds of the state of Washington.

Sec. 38   RCW 47.02.140 and 1990 c 293 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     Upon the request of the secretary of transportation ((commission)), the state finance committee shall supervise and provide for the issuance, sale, and retirement of the bonds authorized by RCW 47.02.120 through 47.02.190 in accordance with chapter 39.42 RCW. Bonds authorized by RCW 47.02.120 through 47.02.190 shall be sold in such manner, at such time or times, in such amounts, and at such price as the state finance committee shall determine. Except for the purpose of repaying the loan from the motor vehicle fund, no such bonds may be offered for sale without prior legislative appropriation of the net proceeds of the sale of the bonds.
     The state finance committee shall consider the issuance of short-term obligations in lieu of long-term obligations for the purposes of more favorable interest rates, lower total interest costs, and increased marketability and for the purpose of retiring the bonds during the life of the project for which they were issued.

Sec. 39   RCW 47.10.843 and 1998 c 321 s 16 are each amended to read as follows:
     In order to provide funds necessary for the location, design, right of way, and construction of state and local highway improvements, there shall be issued and sold upon the request of the ((Washington state transportation commission)) department a maximum of one billion nine hundred million dollars of general obligation bonds of the state of Washington.

Sec. 40   RCW 47.10.844 and 1998 c 321 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     Upon the request of the ((transportation commission)) department, the state finance committee shall supervise and provide for the issuance, sale, and retirement of the bonds authorized by RCW 47.10.843 through 47.10.848 in accordance with chapter 39.42 RCW. Bonds authorized by RCW 47.10.843 through 47.10.848 shall be sold in such manner, at such time or times, in such amounts, and at such price as the state finance committee shall determine. No such bonds may be offered for sale without prior legislative appropriation of the net proceeds of the sale of the bonds.
     The state finance committee shall consider the issuance of short-term obligations in lieu of long-term obligations for the purposes of more favorable interest rates, lower total interest costs, and increased marketability and for the purpose of retiring the bonds during the life of the project for which they were issued.

Sec. 41   RCW 47.12.200 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 55 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((transportation commission)) department may enter into agreements with the state finance committee for financing the acquisition, by purchase or condemnation, of real property together with engineering costs that the ((transportation commission)) department deems will be necessary for the improvement of the state highway system. Such agreements may provide for the acquisition of an individual parcel or for the acquisition of any number of parcels within the limits of a contemplated highway project.

Sec. 42   RCW 47.12.220 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 56 are each amended to read as follows:
     Each such agreement shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:
     (1) A provision stating the term of the agreement which shall not extend more than seven years from the effective date of the agreement;
     (2) A designation of the specific fund or funds to be used to carry out such agreement;
     (3) A provision that the department of transportation may redeem warrants purchased by the state finance committee at any time prior to the letting of a highway improvement contract utilizing the property; and further, during the effective period of each such agreement the department of transportation shall redeem such warrants whenever such a highway improvement contract is let, or upon the expiration of such agreement, whichever date is earlier;
     (4) A provision stating the rate of interest such warrants shall bear commencing at the time of purchase by the state finance committee;
     (5) Any additional provisions agreed upon by the ((transportation commission)) department and the state finance committee which are necessary to carry out the purposes of such agreement as indicated by RCW 47.12.180 through 47.12.240((, as now or hereafter amended)).

Sec. 43   RCW 47.17.132 and 1997 c 308 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     A state highway to be known as state route number 35 is established as follows:
     Beginning at the Washington-Oregon boundary line thence northerly to a junction with state route number 14 in the vicinity of White Salmon; however, until such time as a bridge across the Columbia River is constructed at a location adopted by the ((transportation commission)) department no existing route may be maintained or improved by the ((transportation commission)) department as a temporary route for state route number 35.

Sec. 44   RCW 47.26.440 and 1994 c 179 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:
     Not later than November 1st of each even-numbered year the transportation improvement board shall prepare and present to the ((commission)) department for comment and recommendation an adopted budget for expenditures from funds administered by the board during the ensuing biennium. The budget shall contain an estimate of the revenues to be credited to the several accounts and the amount, if any, of bond proceeds which the board determines should be made available through the sale of bonds in the ensuing biennium.

Sec. 45   RCW 47.38.060 and 1996 c 172 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The ((transportation commission)) department may designate interstate safety rest areas, as appropriate, as locations for memorial signs to prisoners of war and those missing in action. The ((commission)) department shall adopt policies for the placement of memorial signs on interstate safety rest areas and may disapprove any memorial sign that it determines to be inappropriate or inconsistent with the policies. The policies shall include, but are not limited to, guidelines for the size and location of and inscriptions on memorial signs. The secretary shall adopt rules for administering this program. Nonprofit associations may have their name identified on a memorial sign if the association bears the cost of supplying and maintaining the memorial sign.

Sec. 46   RCW 47.46.090 and 2002 c 114 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) A citizen advisory committee must be created for any project developed under this chapter that imposes toll charges for use of a transportation facility. The governor shall appoint nine members to the committee, all of whom must be permanent residents of the affected project area, as that term is used in RCW 47.46.030.
     (2) The citizen advisory committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the ((commission)) department on all matters related to the imposition of tolls. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation.
     (3) No toll charge may be imposed or modified unless the citizen advisory committee has been given at least twenty days to review and comment on any proposed toll charge schedule. In setting toll rates, the ((commission)) department shall give consideration to any recommendations of the citizen advisory committee.

Sec. 47   RCW 47.46.120 and 2002 c 114 s 9 are each amended to read as follows:
     Pursuant to RCW 43.135.055, the legislature authorizes the department of transportation ((commission)) to increase bridge tolls in excess of the fiscal growth factor.

Sec. 48   RCW 47.52.133 and 1987 c 200 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as provided in RCW 47.52.134, the ((transportation commission)) department and the highway authorities of the counties and incorporated cities and towns, with regard to facilities under their respective jurisdictions, prior to the establishment of any limited access facility, shall hold a public hearing within the county, city, or town wherein the limited access facility is to be established to determine the desirability of the plan proposed by such authority. Notice of such hearing shall be given to the owners of property abutting the section of any existing highway, road, or street being established as a limited access facility, as indicated in the tax rolls of the county, and in the case of a state limited access facility, to the county and/or city or town. Such notice shall be by United States mail in writing, setting forth a time for the hearing, which time shall be not less than fifteen days after mailing of such notice. Notice of such hearing also shall be given by publication not less than fifteen days prior to such hearing in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the county, city, or town. Such notice by publication shall be deemed sufficient as to any owner or reputed owner or any unknown owner or owner who cannot be located. Such notice shall indicate a suitable location where plans for such proposal may be inspected.

Sec. 49   RCW 47.52.145 and 1981 c 95 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     Whenever after the final adoption of a plan for a limited access highway by the ((transportation commission)) department, an additional design public hearing with respect to the facility or any portion thereof is conducted pursuant to federal law resulting in a revision of the design of the limited access plan, the ((commission)) department may modify the previously adopted limited access plan to conform to the revised design without further public hearings providing the following conditions are met:
     (1) As compared with the previously adopted limited access plan, the revised plan will not require additional or different right of way with respect to that section of highway for which the design has been revised, in excess of five percent by area; and
     (2) If the previously adopted limited access plan was modified by a board of review convened at the request of a county, city, or town, the legislative authority of the county, city, or town shall approve any revisions of the plan which conflict with modifications ordered by the board of review.

Sec. 50   RCW 47.52.210 and 1981 c 95 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Whenever the ((transportation commission)) department adopts a plan for a limited access highway to be constructed within the corporate limits of a city or town which incorporates existing city or town streets, title to such streets shall remain in the city or town, and the provisions of RCW 47.24.020 as now or hereafter amended shall continue to apply to such streets until such time that the highway is operated as either a partially or fully controlled access highway. Title to and full control over that portion of the city or town street incorporated into the limited access highway shall be vested in the state upon a declaration by the secretary of transportation that such highway is operational as a limited access facility, but in no event prior to the acquisition of right of way for such highway including access rights, and not later than the final completion of construction of such highway.
     (2) Upon the completion of construction of a state limited access highway within a city or town, the department of transportation may relinquish to the city or town streets constructed or improved as a functional part of the limited access highway, slope easements, landscaping areas, and other related improvements to be maintained and operated by the city or town in accordance with the limited access plan. Title to such property relinquished to a city or town shall be conveyed by a deed executed by the secretary of transportation and duly acknowledged. Relinquishment of such property to the city or town may be expressly conditioned upon the maintenance of access control acquired by the state and the continued operation of such property as a functional part of the limited access highway.

Sec. 51   RCW 47.56.030 and 2002 c 114 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except as permitted under chapter 47.46 RCW:
     (a) The department of transportation shall have full charge of the construction of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and the operation and maintenance thereof.
     (b) The ((transportation commission)) department shall determine and establish the tolls and charges thereon, and shall perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to the financing, refinancing, and fiscal management of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by law.
     (c) The department shall have full charge of design of all toll facilities.
     (d) Except as provided in this section, the department shall proceed with the construction of such toll bridges and other facilities and the approaches thereto by contract in the manner of state highway construction immediately upon there being made available funds for such work and shall prosecute such work to completion as rapidly as practicable. The department is authorized to negotiate contracts for any amount without bid under (d)(i) and (ii) of this subsection:
     (i) Emergency contracts, in order to make repairs to ferries or ferry terminal facilities or removal of such facilities whenever continued use of ferries or ferry terminal facilities constitutes a real or immediate danger to the traveling public or precludes prudent use of such ferries or facilities; and
     (ii) Single source contracts for vessel dry dockings, when there is clearly and legitimately only one available bidder to conduct dry dock- related work for a specific class or classes of vessels. The contracts may be entered into for a single vessel dry docking or for multiple vessel dry dockings for a period not to exceed two years.
     (2) The department shall proceed with the procurement of materials, supplies, services, and equipment needed for the support, maintenance, and use of a ferry, ferry terminal, or other facility operated by Washington state ferries, in accordance with chapter 43.19 RCW except as follows:
     (a) Except as provided in (d) of this subsection, when the secretary of the department of transportation determines in writing that the use of invitation for bid is either not practicable or not advantageous to the state and it may be necessary to make competitive evaluations, including technical or performance evaluations among acceptable proposals to complete the contract award, a contract may be entered into by use of a competitive sealed proposals method, and a formal request for proposals solicitation. Such formal request for proposals solicitation shall include a functional description of the needs and requirements of the state and the significant factors.
     (b) When purchases are made through a formal request for proposals solicitation the contract shall be awarded to the responsible proposer whose competitive sealed proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the state taking into consideration price and other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposals. No significant factors may be used in evaluating a proposal that are not specified in the request for proposals. Factors that may be considered in evaluating proposals include but are not limited to: Price; maintainability; reliability; commonality; performance levels; life cycle cost if applicable under this section; cost of transportation or delivery; delivery schedule offered; installation cost; cost of spare parts; availability of parts and service offered; and the following:
     (i) The ability, capacity, and skill of the proposer to perform the contract or provide the service required;
     (ii) The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the proposer;
     (iii) Whether the proposer can perform the contract within the time specified;
     (iv) The quality of performance of previous contracts or services;
     (v) The previous and existing compliance by the proposer with laws relating to the contract or services;
     (vi) Objective, measurable criteria defined in the request for proposal. These criteria may include but are not limited to items such as discounts, delivery costs, maintenance services costs, installation costs, and transportation costs; and
     (vii) Such other information as may be secured having a bearing on the decision to award the contract.
     (c) When purchases are made through a request for proposal process, proposals received shall be evaluated based on the evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal. When issuing a request for proposal for the procurement of propulsion equipment or systems that include an engine, the request for proposal must specify the use of a life cycle cost analysis that includes an evaluation of fuel efficiency. When a life cycle cost analysis is used, the life cycle cost of a proposal shall be given at least the same relative importance as the initial price element specified in the request of proposal documents. The department may reject any and all proposals received. If the proposals are not rejected, the award shall be made to the proposer whose proposal is most advantageous to the department, considering price and the other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal.
     (d) If the department is procuring large equipment or systems (e.g., electrical, propulsion) needed for the support, maintenance, and use of a ferry operated by Washington state ferries, the department shall proceed with a formal request for proposal solicitation under this subsection (2) without a determination of necessity by the secretary.

Sec. 52   RCW 47.56.032 and 1984 c 7 s 247 are each amended to read as follows:
     All powers vested in the toll bridge authority as of September 21, 1977, relating to the acquiring, operating, extending, designing, constructing, repairing, and maintenance of the Washington state ferries or any part thereof and the collecting of tolls and charges for use of its facilities, shall be performed by the department. The ((commission)) department shall determine all fares, tolls, and other charges for its facilities and shall directly perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to financing, refinancing, and fiscal management of the system's bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by law.

Sec. 53   RCW 47.56.070 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 67 are each amended to read as follows:
     The department of transportation may((, with the approval of the transportation commission,)) provide for the establishment, construction, and operation of toll tunnels, toll roads, and other facilities necessary for their construction and connection with public highways of the state. It may cause surveys to be made to determine the propriety of their establishment, construction, and operation, and may acquire rights of way and other facilities necessary to carry out the provisions hereof; and may issue, sell, and redeem bonds, and deposit and expend them; secure and remit financial and other assistance in the construction thereof; carry insurance thereon; and handle any other matters pertaining thereto, all of which shall be conducted in the same manner and under the same procedure as provided for the establishing, constructing, operating, and maintaining of toll bridges by the department, insofar as reasonably consistent and applicable. No toll facility, toll bridge, toll road, or toll tunnel, shall be combined with any other toll facility for the purpose of financing unless such facilities form a continuous project, to the end that each such facility or project be self-liquidating and self-sustaining.

Sec. 54   RCW 47.56.076 and 2002 c 56 s 403 are each amended to read as follows:
     Upon approval of a majority of the voters within its boundaries voting on the ballot proposition, and only for the purposes authorized in RCW 36.120.050(1)(((f))) (g), a regional transportation investment district may impose vehicle tolls on state routes where improvements financed in whole or in part by a regional transportation investment district add additional lanes to, or reconstruct lanes on, a highway of statewide significance. The department shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls on designated facilities unless otherwise specified in law, and ((the state transportation commission, or its successor,)) shall be the tolling authority.

Sec. 55   RCW 47.56.080 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 68 are each amended to read as follows:
     Whenever in the judgment of the ((transportation commission)) department it is considered in the best interest of the public highways of the state that any new toll bridge or bridges be constructed upon any public highway and across any stream, body of water, gulch, navigable water, swamp, or other topographical formation and operated by the state the ((commission)) department shall adopt a resolution declaring that public interest and necessity require the construction of such toll bridge or bridges and authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds for the purpose of obtaining funds in an amount not in excess of that estimated to be required for such construction. The issuance of bonds as provided in this chapter for the construction of more than one toll bridge may at the discretion of the ((commission)) department be included in the same authority and issue of bonds.

Sec. 56   RCW 47.56.110 and 1984 c 7 s 255 are each amended to read as follows:
     Before the department proceeds with any action to secure a right of way or with construction of any toll bridge under the provisions of this chapter, the ((commission)) department shall first pass a resolution that public interest and necessity require the acquisition of right of way for and the construction of the toll bridge. The resolution is conclusive evidence (1) of the public necessity of such construction; (2) that the property is necessary therefor; and (3) that the proposed construction is planned or located in a manner which will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. When it becomes necessary for the department to condemn any real estate to be used in connection with any such bridge, the attorney general of the state shall represent the department. In eminent domain proceedings to acquire property for any of the purposes of this chapter, any toll bridge, real property, personal property, franchises, rights, easements, or other property or privileges appurtenant thereto appropriated or dedicated to a public use or purpose by any person, firm, private, public, or municipal corporation, county, city, town, district, or any political subdivision of the state, may be condemned and taken, and the acquisition and use as provided in this chapter for the same public use or purpose to which the property has been so appropriated or dedicated, or for any other public use or purpose, is a superior and permanent right and necessity, and a more necessary use and purpose than the public use or purpose to which the property has already been appropriated or dedicated. It is not necessary in any eminent domain proceedings under this chapter to plead or prove any acts or proceedings preliminary or prior to the adoption of the resolution hereinbefore referred to describing the property sought to be taken and directing such proceedings.

Sec. 57   RCW 47.56.120 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 70 are each amended to read as follows:
     ((In the event that)) If the ((transportation commission should)) department determines that any toll bridge should be constructed, all cost thereof including right of way, survey, and engineering shall be paid out of any funds available for payment of the cost of such toll bridge under this chapter.

Sec. 58   RCW 47.56.250 and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 71 are each amended to read as follows:
     Whenever a proposed toll bridge, toll road, toll tunnel, or any other toll facility of any sort is to be constructed, any city, county, or other political subdivision located in relation to such facility so as to benefit directly or indirectly thereby, may, either jointly or separately, at the request of the ((transportation commission)) department advance or contribute money, or bonds, rights of way, labor, materials, and other property toward the expense of building the toll facility, and for preliminary surveys and the preparation of plans and estimates of cost therefor and other preliminary expenses. Any such city, county, or other political subdivision may, either jointly or separately, at the request of the ((transportation commission)) department advance or contribute money or bonds for the purpose of guaranteeing the payment of interest or principal on the bonds issued by the ((commission)) department to finance the toll facility. Appropriations for such purposes may be made from any funds available, including county road funds received from or credited by the state, or funds obtained by excess tax levies made pursuant to law or the issuance of general obligation bonds for this purpose. General obligation bonds issued by a city, county, or political subdivision may ((with the consent of the commission)) be placed with the department of transportation to be sold by the department to provide funds for such purpose. Money, or bonds, or property so advanced or contributed may be immediately transferred or delivered to the department to be used for the purpose for which contribution was made. The ((commission)) department may enter into an agreement with a city, county, or other political subdivision to repay any money, or bonds or the value of a right of way, labor, materials, or other property so advanced or contributed. The ((commission)) department may make such repayment to a city, county, or other political subdivision and reimburse the state for any expenditures made by it in connection with the toll facility out of tolls and other revenues for the use of the toll facility.

Sec. 59   RCW 47.60.013 and 1981 c 341 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     The governor is authorized to take such actions as may be necessary to insure the continued operation of the Puget Sound ferry and toll bridge system under any emergency circumstances which threaten the continued operation of the system. In the event of such an emergency, the governor may assume all the powers granted by law to the ((transportation commission and)) department of transportation with respect to the ferry system. In addition, notwithstanding the provisions of chapters 47.60 and 47.64 RCW, the governor may contract with any qualified persons for the operation of the Washington state ferry system, or any part thereof, or for ferry service to be provided by privately owned vessels. Administrative costs to the office of the governor incurred in the exercise of this authority shall be reimbursed by the department.

Sec. 60   RCW 47.60.150 and 2003 c 374 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     Subject to the provisions of RCW 47.60.326, the schedule of charges for the services and facilities of the system shall be fixed and revised from time to time by the ((commission)) department so that the tolls and other revenues deposited in the Puget Sound ferry operations account for maintenance and operation, and all moneys in the Puget Sound capital construction account available for debt service will yield annual revenue and income sufficient, after allowance for all operating, maintenance, and repair expenses to pay the interest and principal and sinking fund charges for all outstanding revenue bonds, and to create and maintain a fund for ordinary renewals and replacements: PROVIDED, That if provision is made by any resolution for the issuance of revenue bonds for the creation and maintenance of a special fund for rehabilitating, rebuilding, enlarging, or improving all or any part of the ferry system then such schedule of tolls and rates of charges shall be fixed and revised so that the revenue and income will also be sufficient to comply with such provision.
     All income and revenues as collected by the ferry system from any source shall be paid to the state treasurer for the account of the department and deposited into the Puget Sound ferry operations account. Nothing in this section requires tolls on the Hood Canal bridge except as may be required by any bond covenants.

Sec. 61   RCW 47.60.326 and 2003 c 374 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) In order to maintain an adequate, fair, and economically sound schedule of charges for the transportation of passengers, vehicles, and commodities on the Washington state ferries, the department of transportation each year shall conduct a full review of such charges.
     (2) Prior to February 1st of each odd-numbered year the department shall ((transmit to the transportation commission)) make public a report of its review together with its recommendations for the revision of a schedule of charges for the ensuing biennium. The ((commission)) department on or before July 1st of that year shall adopt as a rule, in the manner provided by the Washington administrative procedure act, a schedule of charges for the Washington state ferries for the ensuing biennium commencing July 1st. The schedule may initially be adopted as an emergency rule if necessary to take effect on, or as near as possible to, July 1st.
     (3) The department in making its review ((and)), formulating recommendations, and ((the commission in)) adopting a schedule of charges may consider any of the following factors:
     (a) The amount of subsidy available to the ferry system for maintenance and operation;
     (b) The time and distance of ferry runs;
     (c) The maintenance and operation costs for ferry runs with a proper adjustment for higher costs of operating outmoded or less efficient equipment;
     (d) The efficient distribution of traffic between cross-sound routes;
     (e) The desirability of reasonable commutation rates for persons using the ferry system to commute daily to work;
     (f) The effect of proposed fares in increasing walk-on and vehicular passenger use;
     (g) The effect of proposed fares in promoting all types of ferry use during nonpeak periods;
     (h) The estimated revenues that are projected to be earned by the ferry system from commercial advertisements, parking, contracts, leases, and other sources;
     (i) Such other factors as prudent managers of a major ferry system would consider.
     (4) If at any time during the biennium it appears that projected revenues from the Puget Sound ferry operations account and any other operating subsidy available to the Washington state ferries will be less than the projected total cost of maintenance and operation of the Washington state ferries for the biennium, the department shall forthwith undertake a review of its schedule of charges to ascertain whether or not the schedule of charges should be revised. The department shall, upon completion of its review report, ((submit)) make public its recommendation ((to the transportation commission which)), and may in its sound discretion revise the schedule of charges as required to meet necessary maintenance and operation expenditures of the ferry system for the biennium or may defer action until the regular annual review and revision of ferry charges as provided in subsection (2) of this section.
     (5) The provisions of RCW 47.60.330 relating to public participation shall apply to the process of revising ferry tolls under this section.
     (6) Under RCW 43.135.055, the ((transportation commission)) department may increase ferry tolls included in the schedule of charges adopted under this section by a percentage that exceeds the fiscal growth factor.
     (7) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section and chapter 81.28 RCW, and using sound business judgment, the chief executive officer of the ferry system may authorize the use of promotional, discounted, and special event fares to the general public and commercial enterprises for the purpose of maximizing capacity use and the revenues collected by the ferry system. The department shall report to the transportation commission a summary of the promotional, discounted, and special event fares offered during each fiscal year and the financial results from these activities.

Sec. 62   RCW 47.60.330 and 2003 c 374 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Before a substantial expansion or curtailment in the level of service provided to ferry users, or a revision in the schedule of ferry tolls or charges, the department of transportation shall consult with affected ferry users. The consultation shall be: (a) By public hearing in affected local communities; (b) by review with the affected ferry advisory committees pursuant to RCW 47.60.310; (c) by conducting a survey of affected ferry users; or (d) by any combination of (a) through (c). Promotional, discount, and special event fares that are not part of the published schedule of ferry charges or tolls are exempt. The department shall ((report)) make public an accounting of all exempt revenues ((to the transportation commission)) each fiscal year.
     (2) There is created a ferry system productivity council consisting of a representative of each ferry advisory committee empanelled under RCW 47.60.310, elected by the members thereof, and two representatives of employees of the ferry system appointed by mutual agreement of all of the unions representing ferry employees, which shall meet from time to time with ferry system management to discuss means of improving ferry system productivity.
     (3) Before increasing ferry tolls the department of transportation shall consider all possible cost reductions with full public participation as provided in subsection (1) of this section and, consistent with public policy, shall consider adapting service levels equitably on a route-by-route basis to reflect trends in and forecasts of traffic usage. Forecasts of traffic levels shall be developed by the bond covenant traffic engineering firm appointed under the provisions of RCW 47.60.450. Provisions of this section shall not alter obligations under RCW 47.60.450. Before including any toll increase in a budget proposal ((by the commission)), the department of transportation shall consult with affected ferry users in the manner prescribed in (1)(b) of this section plus the procedure of either (1)(a) or (c) of this section.

Sec. 63   RCW 47.60.445 and 1990 c 42 s 409 are each amended to read as follows:
     Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 47.56.240 and 47.56.245 the ((transportation commission)) department shall not collect tolls on the Hood Canal bridge for any purpose except where necessary to comply with bond covenants.
     The cost of maintenance, upkeep, and repair may be paid from funds appropriated for the construction and maintenance of the primary state highways of the state of Washington.

Sec. 64   RCW 47.60.800 and 1992 c 158 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     In order to provide funds necessary for vessel and terminal acquisition, construction, and major and minor improvements, including long lead time materials acquisition for the Washington state ferries, there shall be issued and sold upon the request of the ((Washington state)) department of transportation ((commission)) and legislative appropriation a total of two hundred ten million dollars of general obligation bonds of the state of Washington.

Sec. 65   RCW 47.64.011 and 1983 c 15 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions in this section shall apply.
     (1) "Arbitration" means the procedure whereby the parties involved in an impasse submit their differences to a third party for a final and binding decision or as provided in this chapter.
     (2) "Arbitrator" means either a single arbitrator or a panel of three arbitrators as provided in RCW 47.64.240.
     (3) "Collective bargaining representative" means the persons designated by the secretary of transportation and employee organizations to be the exclusive representatives during collective bargaining negotiations.
     (4) "Department of transportation" means the department as defined in RCW 47.01.021.
     (5) "Ferry employee" means any employee of the marine transportation division of the department of transportation who is a member of a collective bargaining unit represented by a ferry employee organization and does not include an exempt employee pursuant to RCW 41.06.079.
     (6) "Ferry employee organization" means any labor organization recognized to represent a collective bargaining unit of ferry employees.
     (7) "Ferry system management" means those management personnel of the marine transportation division of the department of transportation who have been vested with the day-to-day management responsibilities of the Washington state ferry system by the ((transportation commission)) department and who are not members of a collective bargaining unit represented by a ferry employee organization.
     (8) "Lockout" means the refusal of ferry system management to furnish work to ferry employees in an effort to get ferry employee organizations to make concessions during collective bargaining, grievance, or other labor relation negotiations. Curtailment of employment of ferry employees due to lack of work resulting from a strike or work stoppage, as defined in subsection (11) of this section, shall not be considered a lockout.
     (9) "Marine employees' commission" means the commission created in RCW 47.64.280.
     (10) "Office of financial management" means the office as created in RCW 43.41.050.
     (11) "Strike or work stoppage" means a ferry employee's refusal, in concerted action with others, to report to duty, or his or her willful absence from his or her position, or his or her stoppage or slowdown of work, or his or her abstinence in whole or in part from the full, faithful, and proper performance of the duties of employment, for the purpose of inducing, influencing, or coercing a change in conditions, compensation, rights, privileges, or obligations of his, her, or any other ferry employee's employment. A refusal, in good faith, to work under conditions which pose an endangerment to the health and safety of ferry employees or the public, as determined by the master of the vessel, shall not be considered a strike for the purposes of this chapter.
     (12) "Transportation commission" means the commission as defined in RCW 47.01.021.

Sec. 66   RCW 47.64.170 and 1983 c 15 s 8 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Any ferry employee organization certified as the bargaining representative shall be the exclusive representative of all ferry employees in the bargaining unit and shall represent all such employees fairly.
     (2) A ferry employee organization or organizations and the secretary of transportation may each designate any individual as its representative to engage in collective bargaining negotiations.
     (3) Negotiating sessions, including strategy meetings of ferry system management or employee organizations, mediation, and the deliberative process of arbitrators are exempt from the provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW. Hearings conducted by arbitrators may be open to the public by mutual consent of the parties. Any meeting of the ((transportation commission)) department, during which a collective bargaining agreement is subject to ratification, shall be open to the public.
     (4) Terms of any collective bargaining agreement may be enforced by civil action in Thurston county superior court upon the initiative of either party.
     (5) Ferry system employees or any employee organization shall not negotiate or attempt to negotiate directly with ((a member of the transportation commission)) department personnel if the ((commission)) department has appointed or authorized a bargaining representative for the purpose of bargaining with the ferry employees or their representative, unless the ((member of the commission)) department personnel is the designated bargaining representative of the ferry system.
     (6) The negotiation of a proposed collective bargaining agreement by representatives of ferry system management and a ferry employee organization shall commence in each odd-numbered year immediately following adoption by the legislature and approval by the governor of the biennial budget.
     (7) Until a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated, or until an award is made by the arbitrator, the terms and conditions of the previous collective bargaining agreement shall remain in force. The wage and benefit provisions of any collective bargaining agreement, or arbitrator's award in lieu thereof, that is concluded after July 1st of an odd-numbered year shall be retroactive to July 1st. It is the intent of this section that the collective bargaining agreement or arbitrator's award shall commence on July 1st of each odd-numbered year and shall terminate on June 30th of the next odd-numbered year to coincide with the ensuing biennial budget year, as defined by RCW 43.88.020(7), to the extent practical.
     (8) Any ferry union contract terminating before July 1, 1983, shall, with the agreement of the parties, remain in effect until a contract can be concluded under RCW 47.64.006, 47.64.011, and 47.64.120 through 47.64.280. The contract may be retroactive to the expiration date of the prior contract, and the cost to the department of three months retroactive compensation and benefits for this 1983 contract negotiation only shall not be included in calculating the limitation imposed by RCW 47.64.180. If the parties cannot agree to contract extension, any increase agreed to for the three-month period shall be included in calculating the limit imposed by RCW 47.64.180.
     (9) Any ferry union contract which would terminate after July 1, 1983, may, by agreement of the parties, be terminated as of July 1, 1983, and a new contract concluded pursuant to RCW 47.64.006, 47.64.011, and 47.64.120 through 47.64.280. Any contract terminating after July 1, 1983, is subject to this chapter only upon its expiration and shall not be renewed for a period beyond July 1, 1985.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 67   The following acts or parts of acts are each repealed:
     (1) RCW 47.01.051 (Commission created -- Appointment of members -- Terms -- Qualifications -- Removal) and 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 5; and
     (2) RCW 47.01.061 (Commission -- Procedures and internal operations) and 1987 c 364 s 2, 1984 c 287 s 94, 1983 1st ex.s. c 53 s 29, 1981 c 59 s 1, & 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 6.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 68   Any employees impacted by the repeal of the transportation commission in section 67 of this act are transferred to the department of transportation.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 69   Part headings used in this act are not part of the law.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 70   Sections 1 through 4 of this act take effect July 1, 2004. The remainder of this act takes effect January 1, 2005.