Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development

Few infrastructure bills are still active at this time. There was strong opposition by many stakeholders on HB 3264/SB 6853, Regarding Public Works, and apparently limited interest on other infrastructure bills.

Regarding Public Works Projects (HB 3264/SB 6853)

AWC and several organizations testified with concerns on this legislation. SB 6853 did not advance and HB 3264 passed as a "title only" bill. did not advance and passed as a "title only" bill. Please see last week’s Bulletin for a description of the original bills.

Regarding the Public Works Assistance Account (HB 3301, HB 3302)

The House Capital Budget Committee did not take action on either bill. HB 3301 would allow the Public Works Board to reimburse projects for allowable expenses incurred during the preceding fiscal year. HB 3302 has the same provisions as HB 3301, but also states that if the Legislature does not approve the Public Works Board project list by February 1, it is considered adopted.

Authorizing Public Works Board Projects (HB 2437)

This bill passed out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. A notable amendment to the legislation directs the Public Works Board to charge a uniform rate of ½ percent interest on all loans identified in HB 2437. As of this date, it is on second reading in the Senate, and will then await concurrence from the House. As recommended by the Board, 52 project loans totaling $278 million are authorized for the 2008 loan cycle. All of the appropriation available for construction loans in the 2007-09 biennium is being used for the 2008 loan list. Cities represent 32 projects totaling $182 million. Please see www.pwb.wa.gov/ for more detailed project information.

Regarding State Economic Development Programs (HB 3266)

This bill seeks to align CERB with projects with Economic Development Commission goals and objectives, when adopted, and with the Workforce Training and the Education Coordinating Board's Strategic Plan for Workforce Development.

It also eliminates the final $50M transfer of the Public Works Assistance Account to the Job Development Fund. AWC testified stating that we are committed to seeking new revenue for CERB. AWC also testified with concerns on some of the technical language that requires statewide consistency with boards that may only exist in regions of the state. This bill is in House Rules.

Regarding State Economic Development Programs (SSB 6855)

Although this has the same title as HB 3266 describe above, it is SSB 5762 (described in previously Bulletins) in substance. This bill streamlines CERB functions and provides an urban element to CERB, subject to new funding. It is currently in Senate Rules.

Transportation Bills of Note

Financing the 520 Bridge Replacement Project (HB 3096)

As noted in last week’s Bulletin, this bill addresses several policies and creates toll collection authority on the SR 520 Bridge. The bill is now in House Rules.

Imposition of Tolls (2SHB 1773)

As noted in last week’s Bulletin, this legislation establishes the statewide framework for imposing tolls. The bill is now in House Rules.

Eliminating Regional Transportation Investment Districts (SB 6771)

As the title indicates, this would repeal RTID. After a spirited and contentious debate within the Transportation Committee, the bill passed with an amendment that retains RTID, but places a moratorium on the use of this authority until November 1, 2009. The bill is now in House Rules.

Exempting Park Maintenance Equipment Operated by Certain Local Jurisdictions from Vehicle License and License Plate Requirements (HB 3183)

This bill has passed the House Transportation Committee. It will allow cities to operate and move park maintenance equipment on city streets and remove the current requirement of needing a police escort. This bill is in House Rules.

Addressing Concurrency and Impact Fees for Transportation Purposes (HB 2950)

This bill passed the House Local Government Committee this week. Supported by the Association of Washington Business, this bill states that the payment of impact fees would constitute an acceptable strategy for meeting the established transportation standards – if a developer pays impact fees, it would be considered concurrent. AWC testified with concerns on this bill and will continue to track it in the Rules Committee.

Relating to Alternative Public Works (HB 2780)

This bill passed the House on a 93-0 vote. It will now move over to the Senate. The bill as proposed would:

• Allow for 10 demonstration projects using design-build for projects costing between $2 and $10 million.
• Allow for two demonstration projects using design-build with provisions for operations and maintenance for a period of longer than three years.
• Clarify procedures for certifying public bodies - public bodies seeking certification for the design-build procedure must demonstrate successful management of at least one design-build project within the previous five years, and those seeking certification for the GCCM process must demonstrate successful management of at least one GCCM project within the previous five years.

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