FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5314

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.

Background: Under current law, local government utilities can charge the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) 30 percent of the rate for comparable real property for the construction, operation, and maintenance of storm water control facilities. Local government utilities must use these funds for storm water control facilities that directly reduce state highway storm water runoff impacts or implementation of best management practices that will reduce the need for such facilities. Local government utilities coordinate with WSDOT to develop a plan of expenditure for storm water charges each year, and report on the use of the charges assessed for the prior year.

The 2014 supplemental transportation budget temporarily expanded the types of storm water control facilities that local governments can address with the storm water charges received from WSDOT to include facilities that directly reduce runoff impacts, regardless of whether the impacts are related to state highways. Annual local government utility planning and reporting requirements on the use of storm water charges from WSDOT are currently suspended. These temporary changes are set to expire on June 30, 2015.

Summary: The types of storm water control facilities that local governments can address with the storm water charges received from WSDOT are expanded to include facilities that directly reduce runoff impacts, regardless of whether the impacts are related to state highways. The authority to use charges received prior to the effective date of the act for non-highway storm water runoff facilities is provided. Annual local government utility planning and reporting requirements on the use of storm water charges to WSDOT are eliminated.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	48	0
House	92	6