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Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development
As reported in last week’s Bulletin, the following bills are still awaiting concurrence from either the House or Senate:
- SHB 1506, changing alternative public works provisions – AWC Priority
- 2SHB 1277, local infrastructure finance tool (LIFT) – AWC Priority
- SHB 1328, concerning small works roster contracting procedures
AWC Priority
Transportation Benefit Districts (TBDs) (ESHB 1858)
ESHB 1858 passed the Legislature on April 11 and will be transmitted to the Governor for signature. This is an important local tool for local transportation purposes.
The bill will modify the current Transportation Benefit District authority to:
- Allow cities or counties to impose the first $20 of the vehicle fee (the balance remains voter approved).
- Allow cities or counties to impose limited transportation impact fees, but prohibit "double dipping" of existing impact fees and impact fees on any residential property.
In addition, the bill provides for accountability:
- Public hearings are required.
- Funds must be used according to transportation criteria in current law.
- Projects must be identified in a local transportation plan and a regional transportation planning organization plan.
Regional Transportation Commissions (RTC) (2SSB 5803/HB 2101)
At present, 2SSB 5803 has been tabled and HB 2101 is the active bill title for regional governance. Several drafts are being worked on and bill language was not available at the time of this printing. We will provide updated information on our website as soon as it becomes available.
Capital Budget (HB 1092)
The Senate striker of HB 1092 has passed the Senate. Chairs from both chambers are in preliminary review of differences between the budgets.
The Senate Transportation Budget (a striking amendment to HB 1094) has passed the Senate. The chairs of both chambers have begun discussion regarding the differences between the budgets.
City Hardship Assistance Funds for Street Maintenance (SSB 5483)
This measure will move any remaining City Hardship Assistance Program funding to the Small City Pavement Preservation and Sidewalk Account. The bill passed the Legislature and will be delivered to the Governor for her signature.
Responsible Bidder Criteria for Public Works Contracts (SHB 2010)
This bill requires that a public works contract cannot be awarded until a bidder meets defined responsibility criteria. The Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB) developed this criteria and it is consistent with state law. CPARB is also required to develop suggested guidelines to assist the state and municipalities in developing supplemental bidder responsibility criteria. The bill passed the Legislature and will be delivered to the Governor for signature.
Participation in the Federal New Markets Tax Credit Program (HB 1430)
Under this proposal, cities, towns, counties, public corporations, and port districts are authorized to create partnerships and limited liability companies, and enter into public or private agreements, to implement the federal New Markets Tax Credit Program. HB 1430 was passed by the Legislature and will be delivered to the Governor for signature.
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