Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
SB 5307
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 deficit reimbursement agreements with counties owning and operating ferry systems.
Sponsors: Senators O'Ban, Ranker and Dammeier.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/16/15
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
Counties are authorized to operate ferry systems under the control of the county legislative authority. The Washington State Department of Transportation is allowed to enter into agreements to reimburse Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties for up to 50 percent of any deficit incurred during the previous fiscal year in the operation and maintenance of a ferry system that is owned and operated by one of these three counties, with the reimbursement funds coming from the portion of the state motor vehicle fuel taxes allocated to the counties. The total collective amount of reimbursement to Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties for any such deficit is capped at $1 million per biennium.
Summary of Bill:
The total collective amount of reimbursement to Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties for any deficit incurred in the operation and maintenance of a ferry system operated by one of the counties is increased to $1.8 million in the 2015-17 biennium. The amount of deficit reimbursement is indexed to the fiscal growth factor for future biennia.
The tolls charged by the counties must be at least equal to the tolls in place on January 1, 2015.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.