Rolfes gets three measures through House

23rd District Representative passes measures during weekend floor session

March 10, 2007

^{OLYMPIA—State lawmakers worked late into the weekend passing bills before Wednesday’s legislative cutoff. Included in the slew of bills voted off the House floor were three measures sponsored by newly-elected Rep. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island).}

The first implements the findings of a major ferry finance study commissioned last summer and lays out a plan to help drive down system costs to keep rider fares from rising.

“The long-term health and viability of the Washington State Ferry System is a serious concern for our entire state,” Rolfes said. “This legislation represents the beginning of some very major changes for the ferry system as a whole.”

The measure addresses three major areas. First, it targets unnecessary capital costs and pushes increased transparency in the system’s capital budget, stopping the development of oversized terminal projects. Secondly, it attempts to increase system revenues by creating a comprehensive off-peak ridership program, and finally, it requires the system develop planning mechanisms to better meet future system needs.

Since 1999 fares have increased more than 60 percent. During these times of declining revenue, Washington ferries have not had sufficient funds to cover their capital plan and keep fares affordable.

“This bill provides the tools and framework for the ferry system to become more flexible and operationally efficient,” Rolfes said. “We need a system that provides high quality, affordable service to the traveling public and our families – I think this bill takes us in that direction.”

The second Rolfes measure to pass the House on Saturday creates the Puget Sound Science Research Account.

Part of the larger effort by the House and governor to organize Puget Sound clean-up efforts, the account would provide funding to help finance the scientific research deemed necessary by the newly created Puget Sound Partnership.

“There are many factors in determining the health of the Puget Sound and we need to make sure we have the best information available in deciding how to proceed in restoration efforts,” Rolfes said. “This legislation will help address the many health challenges the Sound faces and make sure we are spending resources efficiently.”

Rolfes serves as vice-chair of the House Puget Sound Committee and is serving her first term in the House.

The third bill would add Bainbridge Island, Lakewood, Edmonds, and Lynnwood to the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) and ensure a permanent place at the table for Bremerton.

The PSRC is a board assembled to assist in regional transportation planning. The legislation increases the total number of board seats from 32 to 36 and passed unanimously.

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Christine Rolfes (360) 786-7842

Derek Baker (360) 786-7697; ^{baker.derek@leg.wa.gov}