HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 1330

BYRepresentatives Walk, Schmidt, R. Meyers, Kremen, R. Fisher, Walker, Youngsman, S. Wilson, Winsley, Braddock, Brough, Raiter, Schoon, Pruitt and Spanel; by request of Director of County Road Administration Board

Changing provisions relating to ferry operation.

House Committe on Transportation

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (24)

      Signed by Representatives Walk, Chair; Baugher, Vice Chair; Schmidt, Ranking Republican Member; Wood, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Betrozoff, Cantwell, Day, G. Fisher, R. Fisher, Gallagher, Hankins, Heavey, Jones, Kremen, R. Meyers, Nelson, Patrick, Prentice, Smith, D. Sommers, Todd, Walker, S. Wilson and Zellinsky.

House Staff:Gene Schlatter (786-7316)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 24, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Four counties (Whatcom, Skagit, Pierce and Wahkiakum) have ferry operations.  Over the last 10 years each of these counties has had at least one ferry project funded from federal Highway Trust Fund totalling nearly $4 million.

Review by the Inspector General indicates county ferry systems using federal funds for construction projects must be free from tolls, except in the case of ferries whose operating authority and fares are under the control of a state agency.  The Federal Highway Administration has asked for reimbursement of the $4 million.

Research of state law determined that RCW 47.04.140 requires county ferries to be franchised by the State Department of Transportation in order to be eligible for federal funding, although none of the counties have made such application.

The Inspector General has agreed to drop the request for reimbursement, provided the counties apply for franchises.

SUMMARY:

The process for franchising county ferry systems by the Department of Transportation is simplified.  Definition of eligibility for funding county docks and terminals is clarified.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Ernie Geissler, County Road Administration Board.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This process will enable county ferries to qualify for urban mass transit funds.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.