BILL REQ. #:  S-1822.1 

Read first time 02/25/2003.   Referred to Committee on Highways & Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to prohibiting a regional transit authority from implementing a light rail transit system in certain areas; adding a new section to chapter 81.112 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that light rail transit service in certain counties is more costly, and provides substantially less service, than other transit alternatives, and should therefore be prohibited. The legislature further finds that regional transit authorities should consider alternatives to light rail transit service in certain counties to ensure that the most cost-effective transit service is provided throughout the service area. However, the legislature finds that in those counties where light rail transit service is not cost-effective, a regional transit authority should not be prohibited from implementing other high-capacity transportation systems, such as commuter rail, monorail, intercity bus service, and park and ride lots. Additionally, light rail transit service in the less populous counties of a service area should remain as a viable option for a regional transit authority.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 81.112 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, a regional transit authority may not make any expenditure, incur any debt, issue any bonds, or enter into any agreement, for the purpose of implementing a light rail transit system in a county with a population over one million five hundred thousand persons.
     (2) A regional transit authority may make expenditures under this section solely for the purpose of retiring debt, if any, relative to a light rail transit system that was incurred before the effective date of this act.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.