Highway bill goes to Locke

By David Ammons

Associated Press

OLYMPIA — Washington lawmakers have approved Gov. Gary Locke’s transportation "efficiency" package. It’s the first of the so-called Three R’s of transportation this session: reform, regional financing and revenue for a statewide construction boom.

The House approved the efficiencies bill 67 to 28 Monday. The Senate approved the plan Saturday, so the first major transportation bill of the session was sent to Locke for signing, probably on Wednesday.

Locke hailed "the strong bipartisan support to pass a transportation reform bill … that will make a real difference. These improvements will save time and money."

House Republicans, though, said it doesn’t do much and takes effect only if a statewide revenue package passes. But unlike last week, when the GOP caucus locked up against House Bill 2304 on its first trip through the chamber, 17 Republicans crossed the aisle to vote with all 50 Democrats in favor.

"The business lobby hammered them" to provide more votes, said Majority Floor Leader Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond.

Democrats said the legislation does make some important changes in the way the state Transportation Department does business.

"No one is saying it’s revolutionary, but it is an important step," said House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle.

The bill, a package of changes recommended by the governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation, includes contracting out of highway engineering work, adjustments to the state’s prevailing wage laws and a variety of improvements in how state and local government handle projects.

Rep. Mike Cooper, D-Edmonds, conceded that the bill is half a loaf, compared with the more sweeping changes many Republicans are seeking. But getting "a few slices of bread at a time" eventually accumulates to significant reform, he said.

Chopp said the reforms go on top of two major changes approved last year — to allow highway project streamlining and to allow the same company to design and build major projects. The reforms all combine to save time and money, he told reporters.

Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, called the bill the first step in laying the groundwork for an adequate statewide construction plan later in the session.

Republicans said they were conflicted over whether to vote for a bill they consider a baby step at best.

Rep. Maryann Mitchell, R-Federal Way, her caucus’ leader on transportation, called it troubling and illogical to make the efficiency contingent on a revenue package passing. But she said the bill does represent some gains, and voted for it.

Rep. Dave Mastin, R-Walla Walla, said the bill isn’t strong enough to show taxpayers the Department of Transportation has gotten its act together. He voted no.

With Step 1 now completed, lawmakers now turn to regional and statewide financing plans.

The House Transportation Committee, voting largely along party lines, approved a regional bill late Monday that would allow counties to ask their voters for tax hikes to pay for big projects in their area. It would give cities and counties 30 percent of the funds for local projects; the rest would go to improve highways of statewide significance in those areas. The full House is expected to vote on the measure on Wednesday or Thursday.

The Senate passed a regional bill last Saturday, but there are some big differences.

House Democrats expect to release a statewide tax proposal later this week or next week. Kessler said there’s a growing consensus that the tax package will go to the ballot so voters can make the decision.

"I just don’t see the votes to do it in Olympia," she said.

Locke has proposed an $8.5 billion plan, including a 9-cent increase in the 23-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax. He wants the vote taken in Olympia.

Copyright ©2002 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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