BILL REQ. #:  H-4285.1 

Read first time 01/16/08.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to the provision of ferry service by port districts; and amending RCW 47.01.350, 47.60.645, 47.60.662, and 53.08.295.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 47.01.350 and 2007 c 223 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department of transportation shall establish a ferry grant program subject to availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose. The purpose of the grant program is to provide operating or capital grants for ferry systems as provided in chapters 36.54 ((and)), 36.57A, and 53.08 RCW to operate passenger-only ferry service.
     (2) In providing grants under this section, the department may enter into multiple year contracts with the stipulation that future year allocations are subject to the availability of funding as provided by legislative appropriation.

Sec. 2   RCW 47.60.645 and 2006 c 332 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     There is hereby established in the transportation fund the passenger ferry account. Money in the account shall be used for operating or capital grants for ferry systems as provided in chapters 36.54 ((and)), 36.57A, and 53.08 RCW. Moneys in the account shall be expended with legislative appropriation.

Sec. 3   RCW 47.60.662 and 2007 c 223 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     The Washington state ferry system shall collaborate with new and potential passenger-only ferry service providers, as described in chapters 36.54 ((and)), 36.57A, and 53.08 RCW, for terminal operations at its existing terminal facilities.

Sec. 4   RCW 53.08.295 and 1980 c 110 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     A port district may acquire, lease, construct, purchase, maintain, and operate passenger carrying vessels on Puget Sound, interstate navigable rivers of the state, and intrastate waters of adjoining states. Service provided shall be under terms, conditions, and rates to be fixed and approved by the port commission. Operation of such vessels shall be subject to applicable state and federal laws pertaining to such service.