1147-S AMH TAYL BALL 193

SHB 1147 - H AMD 414

By Representative Taylor

NOT CONSIDERED 01/05/2018

    On page 39, beginning on line 29, after "(23)" strike all material through "reached" on page 40, line 11 and insert the following:

    "The legislature has long recognized that the city of Mercer Island has a unique geography and unique access issues that make it dependent on Interstate 90 for access on and off the island and that this access may be impeded by the I-90/Two Way Transit and HOV Improvements project and subsequent leasing of the center roadway. Now and hereafter, the department must implement the 2007 Revised Access Plan for Mercer Island on I-90 from I-5 to I-405, as mandated by prior legislatures, and continue to work with the city of Mercer Island to ensure such implementation complies with federal law.

    (24) The legislature recognizes the leasing of a critical highway corridor has far-reaching impacts for the entire state. Before the department transfers or leases any rights to a regional transit agency for the I-90 center lane corridor from I-5 to I-405, the legislature shall hold hearings and the department shall report the following findings to the legislature for approval:

    (a) The results of a full and comprehensive updated appraisal by a three member panel of independent appraisers of the fair market value of the I-90 center lane corridor from I-5 to I-405 using all generally accepted valuation procedures;

    (b) An analysis of the impact to regional bus and auto commuters from, and the necessity of closing the I-90 center lane corridor from I-5 to I-405 for six or more years prior to light rail operation;

    (c) A new, full and comprehensive environmental impact statement that shall include a review of all changes in the configuration and proposed operation of the I-90 center lane corridor and a review of all potential alternative transportation technologies, including new bus rapid transit technologies;

    (d) An independent, full and comprehensive review of the public safety of the I-90 corridor from I-5 to I-405 resulting from the I-90/Two Way Transit and HOV Improvements project, including but not limited to the impact of narrower lanes on smaller shoulders"

    Renumber the remaining subsections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

EFFECT:   Removes the requirement that the WSDOT work with the city of Mercer Island to preserve access provided to Mercer Island residents for the Island Crest Way on-ramp, and instead does the following:

· Requires the WSDOT to implement the 2007 Revised Access Plan for Mercer Island on I-90 and to work with the city to ensure such implementation complies with federal law;

· Requires the WSDOT to complete various reviews and the legislature to hold hearings prior to the leasing or transferring highway rights to a regional transit agency, including an updated appraisal of the fair market value of the center lane corridor, an analysis of the impact to bus and auto commuter from closing the center lane corridor for six or more years, and a review of the public safety of the new corridor. Additionally, a new environmental impact statement must be completed.

FISCAL IMPACT: No net change to appropriated levels.

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