Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1667

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning state route number 522.

Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Armstrong, Ryu, Liias, Clibborn, Angel, Goodman, Stanford and Moscoso.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • States that State Route 522 is a vital transportation corridor and that there is a need to improve safety in the corridor.

  • Expresses intent to fund improvements on the State Route 522 corridor.

  • Directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to work with the local community and federal government to secure resources to continue corridor improvements.

  • Directs WSDOT to review projects and prepare a letter to the Legislature regarding unfunded improvements.

Hearing Date: 2/2/11

Staff: Christie Parker (786-7322).

Background:

State Route 522 begins at Interstate 5 in King County and goes eastward to the City of Monroe, where it ends at an intersection with State Route 2. In the 2010 Transportation Budget, the Legislature stated that State Route 522 is an important link between Interstates 5 and 405 and that the route will be impacted by tolling. Tolling on State Route 520 is anticipated to begin in Spring, 2011.

Summary of Bill:

State Route 522 is recognized as a vital transportation corridor in the Puget Sound region that is in need of safety improvements. The Legislature expresses its intent to fund improvements to increase the flow of people and goods on this highway. The WSDOT is directed to work with affected cities, the federal government, and others to secure funding and other resources to continue to make corridor improvements. The WSDOT is also directed to review projects, including business access and transit lanes, so that unfunded improvements can be identified in a future letter to the Legislature.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.