Transit service faces a funding crisis in Washington State. Plummeting sales tax revenue is forcing transit agencies to slash service despite record-setting ridership. This leaves our most vulnerable populations—the elderly, youth, poor, and disabled—stranded without service. Meanwhile, the lack of transportation choices forces additional cars on to our overcrowded roads and highways, resulting in more congestion, longer travel times, more greenhouse gas emissions, and impaired air and water quality. Rep. Marko Liias and Sen. Scott White introduced a solution to this crisis to decision makers in Olympia. HB 1536 and SB 5457 present a temporary congestion reduction fee to generate money to stop drastic service cuts in the short term.
Also this week, a bill that will improve the safety of access to roads for all users passed out of the House Transportation committee this week. Rep. Moeller’s bill, HB 1071, is now on its way to the Rules committee and then hopefully a vote of the full House.
Next week there will be a robust debate about the efficiency of the ferry system in the Senate House and Transportation committees. Also, there is an important hearing that will enable tolling on 405 and a key hearing to protect vulnerable users.
Monday, 1/31/11
3:30 pm House Transportation
House Hearing Rm B
Work Session:
Washington State Ferries long-range plan.
Passenger Vessel Association recommendations and Washington State Ferries response.
Ferry Employee Benefits Comparison Report.
Public Hearing: HB 1516 - Concerning the performance of state ferry system management.
3:30 pm Senate Transportation
Senate Hearing Rm 1
Work Session:
Project Delivery Methods, Washington State Department of Transportation.
Introduction to Public-Private Partnerships and Washington State's Program.
Public Hearing:
SB 5250 - Concerning the design-build procedure for certain projects.
SB 5344 - Concerning an assessment of the department of transportation's management, accountability, and performance system.
SB 5444 - Concerning the construction of a state boundary bridge.
Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.
Tuesday, 2/1/11
10:00 am Labor & Workforce Development
House Hearing Rm A
Public Hearing:
HB 1511 - Promoting efficiency in the Washington state ferry system through personnel and administration reforms.
HB 1512 - Concerning Washington state ferry system personnel and projects.
10:00 am Local Government
House Hearing Rm E
HB 1335 - Establishing a process to support local jurisdictions that have made outstanding progress in implementing the growth management act.
3:30 pm Senate Transportation
Senate Hearing Rm 1
Work Session:
Washington State Ferries:
Passenger Vessel Association Study.
Joint Transportation Committee Ferry-related Studies.
Public Hearing:
SB 5405 - Promoting efficiency in the Washington state ferry system through personnel and administration reforms.
SB 5406 - Concerning the performance of state ferry system management.
SB 5408 - Concerning Washington state ferry system personnel and projects.
SB 5409 - Removing commercial ferries operating in Puget Sound from the jurisdiction of the utilities and transportation commission.
Wednesday, 2/2/11
3:30 pm House Transportation
House Hearing Rm B
Work Session: 405 Corridor briefing and HOT Lanes Expert Review Panel Report.
Public Hearing:
HB 1382 - Concerning the use of express toll lanes in the eastside corridor.
3:30 pm Senate Transportation
Senate Hearing Rm 1
Work Session: Introduction to Rail and Freight Program, Washington State Department of Transportation.
Possible executive session on bills heard in committee. Other business.
Thursday, 2/3/11
10:00 am Judiciary
House Hearing Rm A
Public Hearing:
HB 1339 - Concerning negligent driving resulting in substantial bodily harm, great bodily harm, or death of a vulnerable user of a public way.
Friday, 2/4/11
8:00 am Local Government
House Hearing Rm E
Public Hearing:
HB 1478 - Delaying or modifying certain regulatory and statutory requirements affecting cities and counties.
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