SB 6736 - DIGEST

Declares that applying up to twenty percent of existing revenues to complete priority projects will reduce traffic delay to significantly below today's level, and substantially improve Washington's economic climate. Long-term implementation of this Traffic Congestion Relief Act will make such improvements possible statewide.

Provides that, in order to create jobs and economic growth, it is necessary to act to reduce traffic delay by requiring dedication of up to twenty percent of some existing funds as provided in this act to construct the most cost-effective projects. The legislature directs that the provisions of this act be implemented without impact on education funding.

Establishes criteria for highway project funding and construction--state and regional efforts.

Provides that the department of transportation is required to implement the act.

Provides for cost controls and waiver of sales and use taxes on traffic congestion relief projects.

Establishes accountability and performance audits.

Creates a traffic congestion relief account.

Authorizes traffic congestion relief bonds.

Provides funding for bond payments.

Dedicates taxes and fees.

Provides that the funds credited and distributed to cities and counties under RCW 46.68.090 through 46.68.120 and 35.76.050 and to the transportation improvement board under chapter 47.26 RCW are not affected by the provisions of this act, and those payments must continue as otherwise provided by law. However, each such entity shall apply twenty percent of those funds in accordance with this act emphasizing improvement to principal arterial.

Provides that existing statewide motor vehicle fuel and special fuel taxes, at the distribution rates in effect on January 1, 2004, and sales and use taxes on vehicles are not to be raised or altered by this act.