BILL REQ. #:  S-1753.1 

Read first time 02/19/2007.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to a feasibility study on commuter rail service between Everett and Leavenworth; creating a new section; making an appropriation; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The department of transportation shall conduct a feasibility study to provide information on whether commuter rail service between Everett and Leavenworth can be a meaningful component of the region's future transportation system. The study must:
     (a) Assess how many riders might be attracted to commuter rail service in this region;
     (b) Identify and evaluate potential station sites;
     (c) Estimate costs for securing rights and constructing platforms and stations;
     (d) Provide a general analysis of the ability of the Everett to Leavenworth rail system to accommodate commuter and/or passenger rail service and the effect of this service on existing and planned rail freight operations, including an estimate on congestion mitigation; and
     (e) Provide an economic and cost-benefit analysis of increased tourism to small towns along state route number 2 with the addition of commuter and/or passenger rail service in this region, including a description of the impact on land use development and planning in this region along with potential environmental mitigation costs.
     (2) The department shall deliver a report of this feasibility study to the transportation committees of the house of representatives and senate by February 1, 2008.
     (3) This section expires December 31, 2008.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of transportation to conduct a feasibility study on providing commuter rail service between Everett and Leavenworth.