Highway bill OK'd by House

Vote boosts hopes funding package will win approval

BRAD SHANNON, THE OLYMPIAN

OLYMPIA -- The state House approved a package of highway efficiency measures Monday, sending the first major transportation bill of the year to Gov. Gary Locke for his signature.

The bill cleared the Senate on a unanimous vote Saturday and is one of three major transportation pieces that Locke wants to pass this year.

The bill's passage boosted hopes that a complete package, including a regional funding bill for central Puget Sound counties and an $8.5 billion tax package for statewide projects, can be approved this year.

"Transportation efficiencies deserve the support of all members of this body," House Transportation Committee Chairwoman Ruth Fisher, D-Tacoma, said in a floor speech before the vote. "I hope the headlines tomorrow say, 'Bipartisanship returns to transportation.' We must move forward to address the crippling fact that our state economy is at risk if we do nothing.''

More debate ahead

Still in doubt, however, is whether a tax package will be approved by lawmakers or sent to the ballot later this year for a statewide vote.

Republicans in both houses now are urging a public vote, while Senate Democrats and Locke favor a legislative enactment of new taxes. House Democrats are leaning toward a public vote.

"The strong bipartisan support in the Legislature to pass a transportation bill is an endorsement of improvements that will make a real difference. These improvements will save time and money by ensuring faster project delivery and improving the fairness of determining prevailing wage rates," Locke said in a statement.

Minority Republicans, whose caucus split along rural-urban lines in the 67-28 vote, downplayed the measure's significance, or the fact that 17 of their members crossed the aisle to vote with Democrats.

"I don't think anyone should put any emphasis on this vote one way or the other," said House Minority Leader Clyde Ballard, R-East Wenatchee, who voted against it.

Rep. Maryann Mitchell, a moderate Republican from Federal Way, voted for House Bill 2304, but said the GOP's support should not be construed as support for a tax package later on.

Sixteen more Republicans voted to approve the Senate's slightly amended version of the bill Monday than when the original measure came up for a vote Jan. 18.

Most Republicans complained that the changes will not go far enough to reduce costs for labor in rural projects or to contract out enough Department of Transportation jobs in the private sector.

Also, the so-called efficiencies will die on the vine if a tax package is not passed later this year.

"What we're saying is that without a revenue package, we're not interested in efficiencies," said Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, who voted against it.

South Sound's other five lawmakers -- Democrats Sandra Romero and Sam Hunt, both of Olympia; Kathy Haigh, Shelton; Bill Eickmeyer, Belfair; and Republican Gary Alexander, Thurston County -- voted for the bill.

Regional building plan

In other transportation developments, the House Transportation Committee was poised Monday to approve a regional taxation measure to help King, Pierce and Snohomish counties raise taxes locally and match revenue from the state gasoline taxes.

The measure was at odds with a proposal that passed 31-14 in the Senate, but House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, said he thinks an agreement can be worked out.

"I'm very positive," said Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, who negotiated with Sen. Dan McDonald, R-Bellevue, on the Senate version of the bill. "There's a will in three caucuses and there's no 49-49 split. (House Republicans) can't hide behind a 49-49 tie. That's a big difference" from last year.

Chopp said his caucus might not unveil the tax piece of their transportation package until next week.

Chopp said he still has about 31 votes in support of a tax increase enacted in Olympia.

Chopp said he is leaning toward putting the issue on the statewide ballot as a way to win broader support.

Few House Republicans supported a tax increase last year, but several business groups, including the Association of Washington Business, have been putting intense pressure on House Republicans to support a package.

For related stories go to the Legislature 2002 section.

At a glance

The transportation bill passed by the House and on its way to Gov. Gary Locke's desk includes language that:

- Spells out apprenticeship programs in road construction.

- Integrates land-use planning with transportation planning.

- Includes the use of high-tech tools for traffic management.

- Outlines cost-effective maintenance of roads and bridges.

- Outlines ways to measure the cost and benefits of needed highway improvements.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

back to main Home Page Stories index