Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

SB 5272

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 heavy haul industrial corridors.

Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Sheldon, Fain, Hatfield, King, Hewitt and Parlette.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Designates a section of State Route 128 and State Route 193 as a heavy-haul corridor.

Hearing Date: 3/12/15

Staff: Alyssa Ball (786-7140).

Background:

State law allows the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to enter into agreements with ports to designate short, heavy-haul industrial corridors on state highways within port district property. These corridors allow for the movement of overweight sealed containers used in international trade. The WSDOT may issue special permits to vehicles on these corridors so long as certain weight limit requirements are met. The entity operating the overweight vehicles in the corridor is responsible for paying a special permit fee of $100 per month or $1,000 per year, which is deposited in the Motor Vehicle Account.

Summary of Bill:

A new 4.5-mile heavy-haul corridor is designated on State Route 128 from the Idaho border, continuing onto State Route 193, and ending at the Port of Wilma. The WSDOT may issue special permits to overweight vehicles not exceeding 129,000 pounds in the heavy-haul corridor as long as certain other federal and state requirements are met.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 1, 2016.