Leg Track

HB 1431, Significant state highways, [Sells][H Rules 3C]

AN ACT Relating to the designation of certain state routes as highways of statewide significance; and adding a new section to chapter 47.05 RCW.

Adds the following as highways of statewide significance:(1) That portion of SR 11 that runs from I-5 to 12th Street near the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry terminal in Bellingham; (2) That portion of SR 529 from the port of Everett north to I-5 near Marysville; and (3) SR 599.

EHB 1499, Utility facility relocations, [Eddy][H Rules 3C]

AN ACT Relating to notice of relocation of utility facilities; and adding a new section to chapter 80.04 RCW.

If a public agency is planning a project in a right-of-way that may require relocation of utility facilities, the public agency must notify the affected utility as soon as practicable. The public agency must include the utility in a preliminary design meeting, during which the public agency must review with the affected utility the impact of any proposed utility facility relocation. Public agencies and affected utilities must make reasonable efforts to avoid or minimize (1) factors that could delay the project; (2) relocation of existing utility facilities and associated costs; and (3) costs to public agencies. The bill does not preempt specific provisions in existing franchises, permits, or contracts between public agencies and utility facility operators, nor does it apply to unforeseen emergencies.

SHB 2010, State funds/local projects, [Dunshee][H Cap Budget]

AN ACT Relating to state funding for local projects; amending RCW 43.155.070, 43.160.060, 43.160.900, 39.102.040, and 47.26.282; and creating a new section.

Beginning in 2011, the Public Works Board (PWB) and the Local Infrastructure Financing Tool (LIFT) are required, when reviewing projects for the award of funds, to consider whether the applicant has adopted policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The policies must be consistent with the requirements of the state's limits on the emissions of greenhouse gases, the state's goals to reduce annual per capita vehicle miles traveled, and federal emissions reduction requirements. The CERB must consider whether projects located in rural areas maximize a reduction of vehicle miles traveled instead of being consistent with state goals to reduce annual per capita vehicle miles traveled. The bill has amended by the Senate Ways & Means Committee to remove CERB and TIB from the requirements and delayed the implementation until the 2011-13 biennium.

SHB 2441, Railroad grade crossings, [Clibborn][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to vehicles at railroad grade crossings; and amending RCW 46.61.350.

Modifies requirements of certain vehicles at railroad grade crossings. Current law requires vehicles carrying explosive substances or flammable liquids as a cargo or part of a cargo to stop at uncontrolled railroad crossings. The law would further define these vehicles to include those defined by federal regulations. It is unclear whether the new requirements will add vehicles not currently required to stop.

ESHB 2464, Vehicles in emergency zones, [Liias][H Passed 3rd]

AN ACT Relating to approaching certain emergency, roadside assistance, or police vehicles in emergency zones; amending RCW 46.61.212, 46.63.020, 46.20.342, and 46.63.110; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; providing an effective

Establishes the areas surrounding an emergency vehicle as an emergency zone and prescribes penalties for endangering emergency workers. Emergency workers are presumed to be policemen, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, etc. Whether it applies to county personnel responding emergencies like floods or natural disasters is unclear.

SHB 2494, Facilities/100-yr floodplain, [White][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to the purchase or construction of public facilities in one hundred year floodplains; and adding a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW.

Modifies the prohibitions for expansion of urban areas in flood plains. Adds provisions for public infrastructure such as roads, streets, flood control structures, and utilities to be placed within 100-year flood plains.

SHB 2517, Housing authorities, [Dammeier][H Rules R]

Exempting housing authorities from certain state requirements when certain federal law requirements are applicable.

Exempts housing authorities from laws governing the construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of property by other public bodies. Current law exempts housing authorities from other public bodies' laws for acquisition, operation or disposition of property. The bill expands this exemption to give housing authorities exemptions from any state law affecting their capital projects.

HB 2573, Regional transit facilities, [Simpson][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to the clarification of regional transit authority facilities as essential public facilities; and amending RCW 36.70A.200.

Clarifies regional transit authority facilities as essential public facilities.

SHB 2577, Community facilities distr's, [Sullivan][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to creating community facilities districts; adding a new section to chapter 82.02 RCW; and adding a new chapter to Title 36 RCW.

Facilitates voluntary landowner financing of community facilities and local, sub-regional, and regional infrastructure by authorizing the creation of community facilities districts. Formation of a community facilities district requires 100% of property owners within the district to sign a petition agreeing to be assessed fees and charges and optionally the method and amount of assessment or fees.

SHB 2583, Pub record request violation, [Haigh][H Gen Gov Apps]

AN ACT Relating to conferences regarding public records requests violations; and reenacting and amending RCW 42.56.550.

Makes provisions for a records requester and responding agency to confer over any dispute in responding to a records request. Also provides fifteen days for the conference to occur. No penalties will accrue during the fifteen day conference period.

HB 2635, Wireless communications, [Carlyle][H Trans]

AN ACT Relating to the use of wireless communications devices while driving; and amending RCW 46.20.055, 46.20.075, 46.61.667, and 46.61.668.

Restricts the use of wireless communication devices (cell phones, etc.) for holders of learner permits and intermediate licenses and restricts use to hands free for regular licenses. Allows use for reporting illegal activities, emergencies, or while operating emergency vehicles. Removes the secondary action requirement so violators may be ticketed without another citation.

HB 2637, Local government taxation, [Hunter][H Finance]

AN ACT Relating to local government taxation; amending RCW 82.14.450, 82.14.450, 82.14.460, 82.14.460, 84.55.050, 82.46.035, 82.12.010, and 82.14.230; reenacting and amending RCW 82.46.035; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding

Makes several changes to local option taxes by eliminating non-supplant language, authorizing a county utility tax, authorizing a city tax on water-sewer districts, allowing use of local REET for park operations, and clarifying the location of first use for brokered natural gas.

HB 2908, Transportation cost-benefit, [Liias][H Trans]

AN ACT Relating to transportation cost-benefit modeling; amending RCW 47.05.035; and creating a new section.

Establishes requirements for transportation demand modeling tools used by the WSDOT including life-cycle cost analysis to determine the most cost-effective investments including, but not limited to, benefits for investments in each mode or modes from reductions in vehicle delay, emissions of greenhouse gases, as defined in RCW 70.235.010, health impacts, barrier effects (degradation or loss of mobility in the nonmotorized travel environment resulting from high volumes of motor vehicle traffic), habitat loss, and great bodily harm as defined in RCW 17 9A.04.110 or death from motor vehicle crashes.

SHB 2911, Complete streets grant progr, [Moeller][H TRDPS]

AN ACT Relating to creating a complete streets grant program; adding new sections to chapter 47.04 RCW; and creating a new section.

Requires the department of transportation to: (1) Establish a complete streets grant program to encourage local governments to adopt urban arterial retrofit street ordinances designed to provide safe access to all users; and (2) When constructing, retrofitting, or making major repairs to certain streets, consult with local jurisdictions in the design and planning phases and consider the needs of all users. Creates the complete streets grant program account.

HB 2918, State route number 908, [Eddy][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to removing state route number 908 from the state highway system; and repealing RCW 47.17.855.

SR 908, Redmond Way, between I-405 and SR 202 is removed as a state highway and becomes, presumably, a city street.

ESHB 2921, Operating supp 2010, [Linville][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to fiscal matters; amending 2009 c 564 ss 120, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 137, 139, 143, 151, 153, 154, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 215, 219, 222, 223, 225, 302, 303, 306, 307, 309, 311, 401, 40

Supplemental appropriations- Takes the first step toward balancing the state's 2009-11 operating budget by capturing early savings prior to the adoption of the 2010 supplemental omnibus appropriations act.

SHB 2929, SR 520 tolling revenue use, [Eddy][H TRDPS]

AN ACT Relating to the use of revenue generated from tolling the state route number 520 corridor; and amending RCW 47.56.870 and 47.56.875.

Adds HOV program as an allowable expense for the replacement of the SR 520 bridge.

HB 2937, Trans system policy goals, [Clibborn][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to modifying the transportation system policy goals to include economic vitality; and amending RCW 47.04.280.

Adds economic vitality as a policy goal to the existing policy goals of preservation, safety, mobility, environment, and stewardship.

SHB 2941, I-405 express toll lanes, [Clibborn][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to the use of express toll lanes in the Interstate 405 corridor; amending RCW 47.56.810; adding new sections to chapter 47.56 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

Adds I-405 between Bellevue and I-5 to the North as an additional corridor to SR 167 for use of the HOV lanes by single-occupant vehicles by paying a toll.

HB 2949, Vacation of roads by county, [Parker][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to streamlining the process for the vacation of roads by counties; and amending RCW 36.87.060.

Streamlines the process by removing the requirement for the county engineer to provide a report to the county legislative authority.

HB 2967, Washington park arboretum, [White][H Trans]

AN ACT Relating to mitigating the impacts of the state route number 520 corridor project on the Washington park arboretum; amending RCW 47.56.820, 47.56.870, and 47.56.875; adding a new section to chapter 47.56 RCW; and creating a new secti

Creates a program to support the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of the grounds and collections at the Washington park arboretum in order to partially offset the impacts from the current configuration of SR 520 and its associated ramps, as well as the impacts from proposed changes to the SR 520 corridor. Funding will come specifically from tolls imposed on the state route number 520 corridor, and not from the state's general fund.

SHB 2985, Local govt infrastructure, [Maxwell][H Finance]

AN ACT Relating to infrastructure financing for local governments; amending RCW 39.104.020, 39.104.040, 39.104.060, 39.104.100, 39.104.110, 82.14.505, 82.14.510, 82.32.765, 39.104.050, and 39.104.080; reenacting and amending RCW 39.102.020;

Modifies provisions regarding the local infrastructure financing tool program and local revitalization financing.

HB 2988, Local improvement districts, [Simpson][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to local improvement districts in flood control zone districts; adding new sections to chapter 86.15 RCW; and declaring an emergency.

Adds new provisions to local flood control zone districts authorizing improvement through the creation of local improvement districts with a petition of 51% of the land in the proposed area.

SHB 2992, Comprehensive land use plan, [Simpson][H Ways & Means]

Extending the deadlines for the review and evaluation of comprehensive land use plan and development regulations for three years.

Changes deadlines for adopting local comprehensive plans by adding three years to current statutory deadlines.

SHB 3067, Impact fee payment process, [Williams][H Rules R]

Establishing a process for the payment of impact fees through provisions stipulated in recorded covenants.

Would allow developers to put off payment of impact fees until a lot sells by placing a covenant on the property to require payments at the time of sale. It is unknown how many lots remain unsold that developers have yet to pay impact fees on. It is also unclear how this would affect impact fees on properties that are not anticipated to be sold.

HB 3079, Electric vehicles, [Morris][H Trans]

AN ACT Relating to expanding the use of certain electric vehicles; and amending RCW 46.04.295, 46.61.723, and 46.61.725.

(companion to SB 6346)

HB 3109, Golf cart zones/local govts, [Schmick][H Trans]

AN ACT Relating to allowing local governments to create golf cart zones; amending RCW 46.04.320, 46.04.670, 46.16.010, 46.61.687, and 46.61.688; reenacting and amending RCW 46.37.010; adding a new section to chapter 46.04 RCW; and adding a

(companion to SB 6207)

SHB 3136, Water pollution control, [Dunshee][H Rules R]

AN ACT Relating to funding criteria for publically owned nonindustrial water pollution control facilities; and amending RCW 90.50A.030 and 90.48.110.

Establishes new criteria for the selection of projects using water pollution control revolving funds. The criteria includes requirements to be designated as a puget sound partner.

SB 5127, Fish & wildlife governance, [Jacobsen][S Rules X]

AN ACT Relating to the governance of the department of fish and wildlife; amending RCW 43.17.020, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.04.030, and 77.04.060; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.

Modifies the governance of the department of fish and wildlife by making the position an appointee of the governor.

SB 5363, Significant state highways, [Ranker][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to the designation of certain state routes as highways of statewide significance; and adding a new section to chapter 47.05 RCW.

SSB 5548, Pub facilities & impact fees, [Haugen][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to expanding certain public facilities eligible to be credited against the imposition of impact fees; and amending RCW 82.02.090.

The bill was introduced in 2009 was passed out of the Senate, amended in the House and the Senate did not concur with the amendments and subsequently died in committee. The bill has been brought back by the sponsor for action. The bill would provide for credits against impact fees for transportation related work done by a developer as part of the requirements of a development where those developments are not part of the system developments that impact fees are determined from. The bill as written could significantly undercut impact fees resulting in reduced system improvements. Efforts are underway to craft language that will address concerns from developers without undermining impact fees.

ESSB 5682, Transportation regions, [Haugen][S Rules X]

AN ACT Relating to the realignment of transportation regions; and adding a new section to chapter 47.01 RCW.

Realigns WSDOTs regional offices by establishing a Puget Sound region including Snohomish, King and Pierce Counties and consolidates the North Central, South Central and Eastern regions into the South Central and Eastern regions. In the 2009 session the WSAC Legislative Steering Committee adopted a position opposing the changes in Eastern Washington regions.

E2SSB 5735, Greenhouse gas emissions, [Rockefeller][S Rules X]

AN ACT Relating to reducing greenhouse gas emissions; adding a new section to chapter 47.38 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 70.235 RCW; and creating new sections.

Establishes a cap and trade program for greenhouse gasses. Receipts from auction of allowances, penalties and other funds are deposited in the climate protection account. Transit and transportation projects that reduce greenhouse gasses are eligible expenditures.

SSB 6207, Golf cart zones/local govts, [Haugen][S 2nd Reading]

Allows local governments to create golf cart zones around golf courses in which the incidental use of golf carts on streets or highways of the state is allowed with a posted speed of 25 MPH or less.

SB 6209, Park & ride lots/road funds, [Haugen][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to allowing moneys paid to county road funds to be used for park and ride lots; and amending RCW 36.82.070.

Allows the use of county road funds for the construction, maintenance or improvement of park and ride lots.

SSB 6213, Railroad grade crossings, [Haugen][S Passed 3rd]

AN ACT Relating to vehicles at railroad grade crossings; and amending RCW 46.61.350.

Modifies requirements for which vehicles are required to stop at railroad crossings to be consistent with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations in order to continue to receive federal grants.

SSB 6241, Community facilities distr's, [Kilmer][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to creating community facilities districts; amending RCW 84.52.052; adding a new section to chapter 82.02 RCW; and adding a new chapter to Title 36 RCW.

Allows creation of community facilities districts by petition executed by 100 percent of all landowners, with the landowners having requested that their property be subject to assessments, fees, and charges designed to provide financing for community facilities and local, subregional, and regional infrastructure.

SSB 6286, Flood control zone districts, [Kline][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to the liability and powers of cities and flood control zone districts; and amending RCW 86.12.037 and 86.15.080.

Expands the immunity provided to counties for work done protecting citizens and property from flooding by adding cities and flood control zone districts to the statute.

SB 6294, 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles, [Benton][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to authorizing the use of four-wheel, all-terrain vehicles on highways under certain conditions; adding a new section to chapter 46.61 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

Allows the use of four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles on a highway of the state having a speed limit of 35 MPH or less. Vehicles are required to have licenses.

SB 6295, Photographing citizens, [Benton][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to government entities photographing or recording images of citizens; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.01 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 46.63 RCW; and adding a new section

Restricts the ability of cities and towns, counties, and the WSDOT from photographing people while driving, and restricts taking pictures of vehicles or vehicle license plates except as authorized by the state. Preempts local governments from passing traffic enforcement laws unless they are consistent with these requirements. It isn't clear whether there is a mechanism for getting authorization for routing traffic studies.

SB 6302, Light rail/I-90 bridge, [Swecker][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to prohibiting the construction or operation of a light rail or other rail system on the Interstate 90 floating bridge; and adding a new section to chapter 47.04 RCW.

Currently WSDOT is evaluating the value of using lanes on the I-90 floating bridge for Sound Transit to build it's east King County extension across the bridge. This bill would prohibit the use of the bridge forcing the extension onto the 520 bridge.

SB 6321, Washington park arboretum, [Jacobsen][S Transportation]

(companion to HB 2967)

SSB 6327, Housing authorities, [Regala][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to the exemption of housing authorities from laws governing the construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of property by other public bodies; and amending RCW 35.82.070.

Adds $100 vehicle license fee for electric powered vehicles with funding to be deposited into the motor vehicle account.

SSB 6345, Wireless communications, [Eide][S Passed 3rd]

AN ACT Relating to the use of wireless communications devices while driving; and amending RCW 46.20.055, 46.20.075, 46.61.667, and 46.61.668.

(companion to HB 2635)

SSB 6346, Electric vehicles, [Ranker][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to expanding the use of certain electric vehicles; and amending RCW 46.04.295, 46.61.723, and 46.61.725.

Allows the use of "medium-speed electric vehicles" (between 25 and 35 MPH) on highways of the state with speed limits of 45 MPH or less. Unlike the proposed golf cart zone, medium-speed electric vehicles require licenses. The bill restricts operating these vehicles on most state highways.

SB 6364, Capital supp budget 2010, [Fraser][S Ways & Means]

AN ACT Relating to the capital budget; making appropriations and authorizing expenditures for capital improvements; amending 2009 c 497 ss 1005, 1013, 1023, 1029, 1031, 1034, 1035, 1039, 1040, 1048, 1054, 1055, 1060, 1061, 1063, 1064, 1068,

Makes supplemental appropriations for expenditures on capital improvements.

SSB 6366, Transp corridor project, [Swecker][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to permits for certain major transportation corridor projects; amending RCW 90.58.140; adding a new section to chapter 36.70A RCW; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.01 RCW; adding

Provides an alternative process for permitting major corridor projects exceeding $1 billion. The process overrides local permitting authorities for appeals, zoning, and clean water act requirements. The bill also restricts local authorities when permitting staging areas for these projects. The substitute bill provides more process for appeals and requirements for project mitigation.

SSB 6367, Agency web sites/pub records, [Hatfield][S Rules 2G]

AN ACT Relating to responses to public records requests; amending RCW 42.56.520; and creating a new section.

(companion to HB 2582)

SB 6377, Electr vehicle licensing fee, [Haugen][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to electric vehicle licensing fees; adding a new section to chapter 46.16 RCW; and creating a new section.

Adds a $100 vehicle license fee to vehicles that are solely propelled by electricity. Funds collected would be deposited into the motor vehicle fund.

SB 6381, Trans supp budget 2009-11, [Haugen][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to transportation funding and appropriations; amending RCW 46.68.290, 36.79.020, 47.12.340, 46.68.320, and 43.19.642; amending 2009 c 470 � 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211,

Provides supplemental appropriations for transportation. The bill (as proposed by the governor) would move the County Road Administration Board, Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board and the Transportation Improvement Board into the WSDOT. Additionally the Governor's proposed supplemental budget moves $16.5 million from the Rural Arterial Trust Account to the Motor Vehicle Account where it would be spent on WSDOT budgeted items. Senator Haugen has indicated there isn't support for these proposed budget changes and that they will not be included in the Senate Transportation Committee .

SSB 6392, SR 520 tolling revenue use, [Tom][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to the use of revenue generated from tolling the state route number 520 corridor; and amending RCW 47.56.870 and 47.56.875.

(companion to HB 2929)

SSB 6408, Remedies/public records act, [Fairley][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to remedies for actions under the public records act; reenacting and amending RCW 42.56.550; and prescribing penalties.

Changes the way penalties are handled under the public records act by eliminating awards to prevailing parties and replacing them with fines against the agency. Fines are required to be deposited into the archives and records management account (RCW 40.14.025). Prevailing parties may be awarded costs, including legal fees.

SB 6420, Local transp revenue options, [Kastama][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to authorizing various local transportation revenue options in order to cover certain transportation project cost overruns; amending RCW 82.14.430, 82.80.100, 82.80.010, and 81.100.030; reenacting and amending RCW 81.100.060

The bill is targeted to the potential for cost overruns for the Alaska Way Viaduct project by providing a number of options for generating local revenues to cover costs over the amount provided by the state. The bill would restrict the WSDOT from entering into contracts for the deep-bore tunnel until local government financing is secured.

SB 6426, Boards and commissions, [Prentice][S Ways & Means]

AN ACT Relating to eliminating boards and commissions; amending RCW 28C.18.050, 28C.18.090, 43.03.027, 43.03.028, 34.12.100, 42.17.370, 43.03.040, 70.94.6528, 43.63A.760, 18.250.010, 18.250.020, 18.250.060, 70.47.040, 39.10.210, 39.10.230,

(companion to HB 2617)

SSB 6431, Video camera data/pub trans, [Haugen][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to the use and disclosure of video camera or other recording device data on public transportation facilities; and amending RCW 47.04.240.

Allows the use of audio and video recording devices on public transportation facilities for the purpose of public safety and assisting with crime investigation. Protects these recordings from public records disclosure.

SSB 6448, Hydraulic project permitting, [Jacobsen][S Ways & Means]

AN ACT Relating to providing the department of fish and wildlife authority to improve permitting of hydraulic projects; amending RCW 77.55.011, 77.55.021, 77.15.300, 77.55.291, 77.55.081, and 77.55.091; adding new sections to chapter 77.55

Allows the department to adopt rules for issuing permits without having to issue individual hydraulic permits. The bill allows the department to issue individual permits over multiple sites or within geographic areas. The bill also establishes fees for permits with fees ranging from $100 to $5,250 depending on complexity. Permits involving multiple sites would be charged the regular fee for the first site and 20% of the fee for additional sites under the same permit. The subsitute bill removes the authority to do pamphlet permits and pares back authority to do general permits over water to four pilot projects. The subsitute also makes some changes to permit fees for some forest practice permits and removes permit fees for pamphlet permits.

SSB 6544, Plat approval time limits, [Berkey][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to time limitation for approval of plats; amending RCW 58.17.140 and 58.17.170; and creating a new section.

Extends the time limitations for plat approvals from five years to seven years.

SB 6547, Energy cost savings & jobs, [Kilmer][S Ways & Means]

AN ACT Relating to creating jobs by funding construction of energy cost saving improvements to public facilities; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; creating new sections; making an appropriation; and providing for submission of certain

Entitled the "jobs act", the bill provides funding through the sale of bonds for funding of projects to provide energy savings in schools and other public facilties with an emphasis on local schools and higher education institutions.

SB 6555, State route number 908, [Tom][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to removing state route number 908 from the state highway system; and repealing RCW 47.17.855.

(companion to HB 2918)

SSB 6557, Brake friction material, [Ranker][S Ways & Means]

AN ACT Relating to limiting the use of certain substances in brake friction material; adding a new chapter to Title 70 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

Restricts the use of copper and other materials in brake pads due to environmental impact. The law would go into effect in 2015 for aftermarket products and in 2020 for materials on new vehicles.

SSB 6570, Highway transit only lanes, [Haugen][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to accommodating certain private transportation providers at designated transit only lanes on public highways; and amending RCW 47.04.290.

The bill would allow private transportation vehicles to use designated transit only lanes such as bus pullouts on public highway onramps adjacent to park and ride lots.

SSB 6577, Transportation policy goals, [Kastama][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to modifying the transportation system policy goals; and amending RCW 47.04.280.

(similar to HB 2937) Adds economic vitality as a policy goal to the existing policy goals of preservation, safety, mobility, environment, and stewardship.

SSB 6580, Bridge replacement account, [Swecker][S Rules 2]

AN ACT Relating to creating the local bridge restoration and replacement account; reenacting and amending RCW 43.84.092; and adding a new section to chapter 47.04 RCW.

Establishes a fund that may be used only for restoring and replacing local bridge projects receiving federal emergency funds that are not sufficient to fully restore or replace the facility. A budget appropriation will be needed to appropriate monies for the fund.

SSB 6609, Local govt infrastructure, [Kastama][S Ways & Means]

AN ACT Relating to infrastructure financing for local governments; amending RCW 39.104.020, 39.104.040, 39.104.060, 39.104.100, 39.104.110, 82.14.505, 82.14.510, 82.32.765, and 82.14.475; reenacting and amending RCW 39.102.020; and providin

(companion to HB 2985)

SSB 6613, Rural co. investmnt projects, [Kastama][S Ways & Means]

AN ACT Relating to modifying the sales and use tax deferral program for investment projects in rural counties; amending RCW 82.60.010, 82.60.020, 82.60.030, 82.60.040, 82.60.049, 82.60.060, 82.60.070, 82.32.600, 82.60.100, and 82.62.010; ad

Extends the tax deferral program for private projects that provide economic growth in rural and distressed areas.

SB 6616, Regulation of urban streets, [Jacobsen][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to the regulation and preservation of urban streets through a local option street maintenance utility and allowing the imposition of a charge; amending RCW 82.80.070; adding a new chapter to Title 35 RCW; repealing RCW 82.80

Allows cities to create street utilities and establish assessments for the maintenance and improvement thereof.

SB 6650, Transportation projects, [Murray][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to financial viability and impact review of certain transportation projects; and adding new sections to chapter 47.01 RCW.

Establishes requirements King county to develop of plans and agreements related to the impacts from the Alaska Way viaduct and the SR 520 floating bridge.

SB 6651, SR 520 bridge & HOV project, [Murray][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to an impact plan on the state route number 520 bridge replacement and HOV project; and adding a new section to chapter 47.01 RCW.

Establishes requirements the city of Seattle to develop of plans and agreements related to the impacts from the Alaska Way viaduct and the SR 520 floating bridge.

SSB 6685, Public information/web sites, [Roach][S Rules 2]

Requires cities, counties and special purpose districts to post their regular meeting and special meeting schedules and agendas on their websites. The bill exempts smaller cities and smaller special purpose districts.

SB 6765, Highway vehicle combinations, [Swecker][S Transportation]

AN ACT Relating to vehicle combinations that may be operated on public highways; and amending RCW 46.44.036.

Increases the number of vehicles in combination from two to three.

SSB 6774, Transp benefit districts, [Marr][S 2nd Reading]

AN ACT Relating to transportation benefit district governance; and amending RCW 36.73.020.

Makes an allowance for the governing body of a Metropolitan Planning Organization to be designated as the governing body of a Tranportation Benefit District.

>> more Legislative Info...

hot topics

NHI Real Solutions Webinar: "Local Agency Traffic Safety as a Priority: Stop Doing the Talk and Start Doing the Walk." This Webinar is a free resource that is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, January 12th from 1:00 -3:00 p.m. (EDT). [more information at NHI]
Local Road Safety Scan Webinar: FHWA recently conducted a scan of local road safety practices in seven states, including Washington. A copy of the .pdf accompanying the webinar is available here.
Sign Retroreflectivity Guidebook available: Through the efforts of NACE, a new sign retroreflectivity guidebook is now available for members. FHWA has provided copies of the guidebook to WSACE and each county will soon be sent one. Contact Managing Director, Gary Rowe, if you would like more than one copy. [m ore information at FHWA]
Nine Proven Crash Countermeasures are listed in the latest FHWA Safety Compass newsletter. Review the countermeasures and other safety information here.
WDFW Draft Guidelines: Bridges Design for Fish Passage and Habitat Protection - NEEDS FEEDBACK!
The 2010 WSAC Fall Legislative Conference registration is now open. [more conference information here].
New LEED rating system for sustainable land development being developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. [more]
AASHTO issues new Manual for Bridge Evaluation. Copies can be ordered on line here.

>> more hot topics...

events

March 6-10, 2010: NACo Legislative Conference, Washington, DC. [more info here]
April 12-16, 2010: First International Conference on Pavement Preservation, Newport Beach, CA. [more info here]
June 8-10, 2010: APWA Sustainability in Public Works Conference, Minneapolis, MN. [more info here]
June 21-24, 2010: North American Travel Monitoring Exposition and Conference (NATMEC); Improving Traffic Data Collection, Analysis, and Use; Seattle, Washington. [more info here]
July 12-16, 2010: ESRI International User Conference, San Diego, CA. [more info here]July 24-27, 2011:10th International Conference on Low-Volume Roads, Lake Buena Vista (Orlando), FL. [more info here]

>> more events...

Welcome to the Washington State Association of County Engineers Website

Senate to consider jobs bill and transportation funding: Senate leaders are considering a finance bill that would extend highway and transit program authorization until Dec. 31 and a job-creation bill that could include transportation infrastructure funds. [more information in the NACE biweekly update]
$2 billion in federal stimulus money has been spent in Washington state: Stimulus funding has created or retained tens of thousands of jobs in the state, state officials said Monday. State and local government workers submitted an update to the federal government this past weekend to track stimulus spending. The federal government reported Friday that about 600,000 jobs have been saved or created under President Obama's stimulus plan. [Seattle Times]
Clearer road signs make the driving easier: Many state departments of transportation are now using a new type font as they replace older highway signs. Clearview was created to be 10 to 18 percent more legible than the older type style (Highway Gothic) and was developed by researchers at Penn State University. The type font uses thinner lines and more open space, improving readability and safety for the traveling public. [from AASHTO E-News]
Jobs, Deficit Reduction to Top Obama's Agenda This Year (AASHTO Journal): A ready vehicle for job creation is the $174 billion package (HR 2847) passed by the House in December, which awaits action in the Senate. The bill not only includes $37.3 billion for transportation projects, it also would extend the current authorization for federal highway and transit programs through the end of the fiscal year, funding some $53.3 billion for highways, transit, and traffic safety. [more information in the 1-22-10 NACE Update]
Support for Haitian Earthquake Relief: NACE President, Chris Bauserman, has asked state members to participate in pledging support for Haitian Earthquake Relief by providing donations to the American Red Cross. [Read President Bauserman's request here]
Federal Highway & Transit Programs Extended Through February: President Barack Obama signed into law in late December a Department of Defense appropriations bill that includes an extension of highway and transit authorization through February -- the fourth short-term extension since the 2005 transportation law known as "SAFETEA-LU" expired Sept. 30. [more information in the 1-13-10 NACE Update]
Green Roads Coming? - New rating system for green roads being developed at the University of Washington: UW team spells out all of the things that would be needed to certify green roads: everything from using recycled asphalt and more locally produced materials to making sure there's access for alternative modes of transportation or minimizing light pollution from streetlamps. [KPLU], [UW Greenroads Site]
28 Percent of Accidents Involve Talking, Texting on Cellphones: Twenty-eight percent of traffic accidents occur when people talk on cellphones or send text messages while driving, according to a study released Tuesday by the National Safety Council. [Washington Post Article]
U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approves "Jobs for Main Street" including funds for transportation: The bill allocates $48.7 billion to DOT, including $27.5 billion for highway infrastructure, $8.4 billion for transit, $800 million for Amtrak, $500 million for airports, and $100 million for the Maritime Administration's Title XI loan guarantee program. The U.S. Senate will take up the jobs bill in January.
- A more detailed explanation is available here along with a summary prepared by WSDOT.
- More information is also available from the Journal of Commerce here.
- This NACE Email outlines funding as well.
Final Rule on the new MUTCD published in the Federal Register: The MUTCD Final Rule was published in the Federal Register today. FHWA also posted the next edition of the MUTCD on the MUTCD website at http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/. The effective date for this final rule is January 15, 2010. FHWA developed a number of documents and tools to help you sort through this large amount of information. A very detailed PowerPoint presentation which includes discussion on the majority of changes included in the 2009 edition of the MUTCD is also available on the website. For more information please contact Hari Kalla, P.E., MUTCD Team Leader, Office of Operations (HOTO-1) Federal Highway Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, E84-316 Washington, DC 20590 Tel.: (202) 366-5915.

NACE Conference deadline fast approaching: The 2010 annual conference early bird registration deadline in January 29. [More info here]
Free Road Safety Webinar: Developing a Road Safety Program - Saving Lives in Your County Now! The enormous cost - human and financial - of road accidents continues to devastate families and counties. This free webinar demonstrates how you can develop a road safety program using a systematic process designed to result in savings of both lives and cost. Learn about resources and support services from the Center for Excellence in Road Safety and NACo�s Rural Road Safety Peer Exchange Program. Co-sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the National Association of County Engineers and NACo. To register, click here. For more information, please contact Cindy Wasser at 202.942.4274.
House Approves Conference Report for FY 2010 Transportation Spending: After months of delay, the House of Representatives approved last week the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2010 transportation appropriations bill. The report would greatly increase spending for the U.S. Department of Transportation, kill a proposed national infrastructure bank, provide new funding for high-speed rail, and require Amtrak to allow firearms in checked baggage. [more info in the latest NACE Biweekly Update]
More Motorists Die on Rural Roads: In an article reported by USA Today, 56% of the USA's 37,261 traffic deaths occurred on rural roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. About 23% of the population lives in rural areas. In Washington State 55% of 2008 traffic fatalities occurred on rural roads. [Read more at USA Today].
Governor Releases Proposed 2020 Transportation Supplemental Budget:
- Governor Gregoire's 2010 supplemental transportation appropriations bill moves the County Road Administration Board (CRAB), Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) and Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) under WSDOT. If approved by the legislature WSDOT would be required to develop a reorganization plan to be approved by the Office of Financial Management by September 30, 2010.
- Governor Gregoire's budget also includes provisions to transfer $22.5 million in "excess fund balance" from the rural arterial trust account to the motor vehicle fund.
FHWA Office of Safety Design announces the availability of new one-page technical summaries of five new intersection safety treatments. The treatments are ones that have been identified or refined since the publication of NCHRP Report 500, Volumes 5 (A Guide for Addressing Unsignalized Intersection Collisions) and 12 (A Guide for Reducing Collisions at Signalized Intersections) in 2003 and 2004, respectively. [more information here]
Transportation Projects Strong Contender for Inclusion in Jobs Package: House and Senate Democrats have started crafting a package of legislation aimed at creating jobs. Both chambers are strongly considering including investment in transportation infrastructure as part of the package, which congressional leaders said could be enacted by early next year. [more information in the November 30 biweekly NACE Update]
The Sign Retroreflectivity Toolkit provides information that will assist small and medium sized agencies without traffic engineering staff to meet the new Federal requirements for maintaining traffic sign retroreflectivity. This toolkit contains two documents. One is a stand-alone computer based package on a compact disc (called the "Toolkit") that contains much more information, resources, and automated features. The second document is a hard copy of the computer-based package known as the "Guidebook." These documents are designed to assist small and medium sized agencies in making informed decisions before implementing a retroreflectivity maintenance program while considering resource limitations. [more information at FHWA]
Better Roads Magazine 2009 Bridge Inventory: Bridge Managers are saying that the stimulus has provided a boost but funding remains insufficient. Despite the high number of sub-standard bridges throughout the nation, bridge engineers remain optimistic they will be able to reduce number of deficient bridges. [more info at Better Bridge Magazine]
Highway and Transit Programs to Continue for 7 Weeks: Congress acted on October 29, 2009 to send President Barack Obama a second continuing resolution keeping federal highway and transit programs in operation for the next seven weeks. The House of Representatives approved the seven-week extension last week as part of the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2010 Interior/Environment appropriations bill. The Senate followed with its approval. President Obama signed the measure, highway and transit grants to states will be funded through Dec. 18. [this and more in the latest NACE Update]
EPA Proposed Rulemaking: Stormwater discharges from developed sites can negatively impact water quality through increases in stormwater volume and increased pollutant loads to the receiving waters. These impacts, as well as recommendations to mitigate them, were recently documented by the National Research Council in a report titled "Urban Stormwater Management in the United States." Because stormwater discharges from the built environment are a principal contributor to water quality impairments nationwide, EPA signed an FR Notice announcing:
- Its plans to propose and take final action by November 2012 on a national rulemaking to strengthen stormwater regulations and to establish a comprehensive program to reduce stormwater discharges from newly developed and redeveloped sites; and
- A proposed information collection request (ICR) to inform the national rulemaking. [more info here]
Stormwater Runoff for Counties webinar Nov. 12. Join NACo for a free webinar "Stormwater Runoff for Counties", Nov. 12, from 2 - 3:15 p.m. EST, for information on counties' responsibilities in protecting vital waterways, lakes, ponds and drinking water from pollutants on streets, driveways and roofs. Learn how counties have developed resources and successfully managed regulations to provide safe, affordable drinking water by working with federal programs. The webinar will discuss the Total Maximum Daily Loads Program and other tools to aid counties in controlling storm water runoff. Click here to register.
Transportation Research Boards offers webinars. TRB will conduct a web briefing or "Webinar" on Tuesday, November 17, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST that will explore maintenance practices for traffic sign retroreflectivity to comply with the Federal Highway Administration's revised Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. TRB will also conduct a web briefing or "Webinar" on Monday, November 23, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST that will explore the basics of pavement management to manage highway assets, improve services, and make decisions on repairs. An overview of the topic and case studies will be discussed. [TRB Calendar]
Senate Working to Move Six-Month Extension of Highway and Transit Programs. With only one week remaining in the short-term continuation of authority for federal highway and transit programs, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee leaders are pushing for enactment of a six-month extension that would not require any additional revenue transfers to the Highway Trust Fund. [more]
WSACE work group needs your input. The WSACE/WDFW work group would like your input on WDFW's proposed bridge guidance document. The bridge design guidance will be used by WDFW engineers and biologists when reviewing and conditioning hydraulic project applications (HPAs). Jon Brand and Owen Carter are representing WSACE on the Aquatics Habitat Guidelines group that is working on the bridge guidelines. Your comments on the proposed guidance will help Jon and Owen in representing WSACE. [more information here].
October 10, 2009 is "Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day". The 2009 theme is "Don't be Driven to Distraction - Drive to Arrive". Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day was initiated by many partner organizations who are working to lower this statistic. Efforts to reduce fatalities address the need for improvements to our roadways, our vehicles and basic driver behavior. You too can become involved to promote the reduction of fatalities by utilizing information on their web site.
New Retainage Requirements go into effect October 1, 2009. HB 1199 - Retainage of Funds on Public Works Projects (2009) requires notification at the completion of contract work to the Department of Revenue, Employment Security Department and the Industrial Insurance Division of the Department of Labor & Industries. For public improvement contracts over $35,000 and completed after September 30, 2009, public agencies must not pay any retained funds to the contractor until the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has approved the release, or payment. [more infro from MRSC].
ARRA reports due on October 10 - Most local agency projects are being reported through WSDOT H&LP but IF you have received funding for transportation projects outside of FHWA ARRA project administration process, you may need to provide your own reports. Section 1512 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) requires prime recipients of Recovery Act funds to report detailed information on the projects and activities funded by the Recovery Act. [more information here]
House Approves 3-Month Authorization Extension; Does Not Address Rescissions - The House of Representatives voted 335-85 this evening to approve a bill that would extend federal highway and transit programs until the end of this year. Federal law authorizing spending on federal-aid highways, transit projects, and highway safety programs is set to expire Sept. 30. [more]
More information on the impact from rescissions on Washington State's Federal Funding.
SENATE PASSES TRANSPORTATION SPENDING BILL: The Senate passed the FY 10 Appropriations Act for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Thursday afternoon with a vote of 73 - 25. The bill passed by the Senate Appropriations committee includes $75.8 billion for the Department of Transportation with $42.5 billion for highway investment and $11.1 billion for the Federal Transit Administration, including $150 million for Washington's Metrorail system. In addition, the Senate bill includes $1.2 billion for high speed rail, $1.1 billion in grants for large infrastructure projects, and invests $3.5 billion in aviation capital improvements. The discretionary spending total is a 25% increase from FY 2009. [this and much more in the biweekly NACE update].
Two county bridge projects selected by FHWA and WSDOT as "Award of Excellence" winners. Clark County and King County were selected as the "best of the best" by the Federal Highway Administration and the Washington State Department of Transportation for the Highway 99 bridge over Salmon Creek (Clark Co.) and the Tolt River Bridget (King Co.). More information can be found at WSDOT News.
A recent FHWA High Risk Rural Roads Program webinar provided an overview of the new federal program established to address the safety issues on rural roads. The webinar included a presentation for your review. FHWA also has safety information on line along with facts and statistics including a rural/urban comparison. WSDOT has implemented the HRRRP through its strategic highway safety plan - "Target Zero".
New LEED rating system for sustainable development is being developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. The "LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System" establishes prerequisites for development to obtain the LEED certification. The prerequisites include limiting the design speed on residential streets, set back and other design elements that may be in conflict with local design requirements. [more]
NACE Alert! Action Needed: Urge Continuation of Off-System Bridge Program Legislation to reauthorize the federal highway and transit programs has been put forward by the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Under this proposed legislation, the Off-System Bridge program would no longer exist due to the elimination of the Federal Bridge program. A substantial portion of the off-system set aside goes to improving and replacing county-owned bridges. We strongly urge you to contact Members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and tell them to continue to provide for an Off-System Bridge program. More information is included in the almost biweekly NACE Update sent out by email.
The University of Iowa is conducting a study on mileage based road user fees. The study will include participants from Chicago, IL (Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and Will Counties) Billings, MT (Carbon and Yellowstone Counties) Albuquerque, NM (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties) Wichita, KS (Butler, Harvey, Sedgwick, and Sumner Counties) Portland, ME (Cumberland, Sagadohoc, and York Counties) Miami, FL (Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties). More info here.

>>more news...