SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6530
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. |
As of January 30, 2018
Title: An act relating to transfer of moneys from transportation accounts.
Brief Description: Concerning the transfer of moneys from transportation accounts.
Sponsors: Senators Saldaña, Zeiger, Liias and Takko.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/29/18.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background: The 16-year transportation financial plan enacted by the Legislature in 2015, often referred to as the Connecting Washington transportation package, includes certain assumed ongoing budgetary transfers to support planned expenditures in a variety of transportation areas. In some cases, these were new programs or grants. In other cases, these were expanding or enhancing existing programs or grants.
The Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) provides grants and funding for programs aimed at urban and small city transportation projects.
The Complete Streets grant program was created in 2015 to provide funding to local jurisdictions that have adopted a complete streets ordinance. Complete Streets is an approach used to provide a transportation network that addresses the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders.
The County Road Administration Board (CRAB) was created by the Legislature to provide statutory oversight of Washington's 39 county road departments. CRAB manages three grant programs to help counties meet their transportation needs.
The Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) is tasked with providing coordination of state programs and funding to facilitate freight movement.
The Regional Mobility Grant program supports local efforts to improve transit mobility and reduce congestion on heavily traveled roadways. The purpose of the Rural Mobility Grant program is to aid small cities and rural areas by supporting their public transit systems. Both of these grant programs are administered by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
The purpose of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Grant Program is to improve the transportation system by enhancing safety and mobility for people who chose to walk and bike. The grant program is administered by DOT.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee not considered.
Summary of Bill (Proposed Substitute): Certain planned future transfers of the 2015 Connecting Washington financial plan are codified. Specifically, the amounts for TIB, the Complete Streets grant program, CRAB, FMSIB, the Regional Mobility Grant program, the Rural Mobility Grant program, and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Grant Program are codified as statutory distributions or allocations.
One new fund, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Account, is created to support the 2015 Connecting Washington financial plan.
The statutory requirements for these distributions and allocations expire June 30, 2031.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2019.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Proposed Substitute: PRO: This honors the commitment made to these essential activities in the Connecting Washington transportation package. The funding supports transportation projects and activities all across the state. The certainty created for these programs will allow cities, counties, and port districts to better plan for these investments. The projects funded provide a great return on investment.
OTHER: We need to make sure that this does not undermine any of the other commitments from Connecting Washington transportation package.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Rebecca Saldaña, Prime Sponsor; Jane Wall, Association of Washington Cities; Ashley Probart, Transportation Improvement Board; John Koster, County Road Administration Board; Brian Ziegler, Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. OTHER: Mike Ennis, Association of Washington Business.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.