Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SB 6350
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: Repealing the transportation innovative partnerships act.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, King, Eide, Fain and Tom.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/15/12
Staff: Alison Hellberg (786-7152).
Background:
In 2005 the Transportation Innovative Partnerships Act was enacted, establishing a statutory process for securing public-private partnership financing of certain transportation projects. The stated intent was to provide a more desirable and effective approach to developing transportation projects in partnership with the private sector by applying lessons learned from other states and from the state's ten-year experience with the previously enacted public-private partnership program.
The public-private partnership process contains various requirements applicable to both toll and nontoll transportation projects, including detailed evaluation and selection criteria, state-issued debt requirements, and requirements for expert review panels, and advisory committees. Under the 2005 process the Transportation Commission's (Commission) powers and duties include:
approving or reviewing public-private partnership contracts;
adopting rules to govern the program;
adopting guidelines to address security and performance issues; and
selecting potential public-private partnership projects.
The Washington State Department of Transportation was generally required to evaluate potential projects under the Commission's direction.
In 2011 the Legislature directed the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) to conduct a study to evaluate the role public-private partnerships could potentially play in financing state transportation projects with a focus on how best to protect the public interest. The final JTC report was published January 25, 2012. The study made several recommendations regarding the statutory framework governing public-private partnerships, including the repeal of the existing statutes.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature finds that the Transportation Innovative Partnerships Act has not met the needs and expectations of the public or private sectors for the development of transportation projects. It is the intent of the Legislature to continue to search for ways to bring innovate methods of transportation project delivery and finance to Washington.
The Transportation Innovative Partnership Act is repealed.
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.