3096-S AMH ERIC MUNN 123

SHB 3096 - H AMD 1360

By Representative Ericksen

NOT ADOPTED 2/29/2008

   Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the replacement of the vulnerable state route number 520 bridge is a matter of urgency for the safety of Washington's traveling public and the needs of the transportation system in central Puget Sound. The state route number 520 bridge is forty-four years old and one hundred fifteen thousand vehicles travel on the bridge each day. There is an ever present likelihood that wind or an earthquake could suddenly destroy the bridge or render it unusable. Therefore, the state must develop a comprehensive approach to fund a state route number 520 bridge replacement to be constructed as quickly as possible.

   The legislature further finds that one billion seven hundred million dollars in state and federal funding sources have been allocated to the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project. Therefore, all current resources must be used as efficiently as possible and constructing immediate improvements for SR 520 will provide safety and congestion relief benefits.

   NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 82.32 RCW to read as follows:

   The tax imposed and collected under chapters 82.08 and 82.12 RCW on the construction of the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project must be transferred to the project to defray the costs or pay debt service on that project.

   NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 47.01 RCW to read as follows:

   (1) The SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project shall proceed in two phases. Phase one will provide immediate safety and congestion reduction benefits and phase two will provide additional improvements as funding becomes available. All improvements identified in this section shall be constructed on pontoons that provide capacity for six lanes and provide for additional lanes or dedicated right-of-way for high-capacity transportation without additional retrofitting or construction.

   (2) Within existing resources allocated by the legislature to the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project, the department shall immediately proceed with design and construction of phase one of the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project. Phase one shall include the following elements:

   (a) Replacement of the floating bridge with eight lanes or six lanes and dedicated right-of-way for high-capacity transportation;

   (b) Replacement of over water approach structures from the Montlake interchange to 84th Avenue Northeast and elimination of the west side s-curve; and

   (c) Replacement of the Portage Bay Viaduct with a structure that meets the needs of the preferred alternative.

   (3) As additional funding becomes available, phase two shall include all other elements of the preferred alternative not constructed as part of phase one including rebuilding the over land segments of the SR 520 corridor and ramps to and from the Interstate 5 Express Lanes."

   Correct the title.

EFFECT:

   •     Removes all sections of the underlying bill.

   •     Declares that the replacement of the SR 520 floating bridge is a matter of urgency and must be done as quickly and efficiently as possible.

   •     Transfers sales tax collected on the project back to the project.

   •     Requires the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV project to be conducted in two phases, with the first phase beginning immediately and utilizing the funding available in order to replace the floating bridge, the western approach to the bridge, and the Portage Bay Viaduct. The second phase, which will begin when funding is available, will consist of the remaining elements of the preferred alternative.