March 14, 2007 

OLYMPIA— On a 61-35 vote, the House on Tuesday approved a bill that would provide an alternative for local communities to fund transportation needs. 

HB 1858, sponsored by Rep. Bill Fromhold (D – Vancouver), aims to help local jurisdictions address ongoing transportation needs not covered by other funding options.  Many cities and counties across Washington state are currently experiencing shortfalls in transportation funding due to the passage of Initiative 776 in 2002.  The City of Kirkland, for example, has a shortfall of about $6 million per year.

“In my district, the City of Vancouver has experienced significant growth in the last decade, and funds for transportation improvements have not been able to keep up,” Fromhold said.  “I know vehicle licensing fees are not popular, but neither is raising the business and occupation tax, which my city was on the verge of doing for transportation purposes.  My bill gives jurisdictions another option to help construct and maintain their critically important transportation infrastructures.”

This local funding tool will require jurisdictions to identify the list of projects and to generate their own money to solve the problems.

The generated funds would be dedicated exclusively to transportation, but could be used for public transit as well as construction and maintenance of roads.  By requiring the transportation benefit districts to have a specific plan, accountability to the public is ensured.

Fromhold’s legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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For more information:

State Rep. Bill Fromhold (360) 786-7924

Website and print-quality image: www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/fromhold/

House Bill 1858: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1858&year=2007

Media staff contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler (360) 786-7201

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell_da@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.