5/13/03-A bill to scrap the state Transportation Commission and transfer power for selecting and funding projects to the Legislature’s transportation committee is likely dead for the year.
Under the bill, the governor would also appoint the state’s transportation secretary, bringing under his control one of the few agency heads that doesn’t currently report to him.
Currently, the Legislature can only recommend road projects. Without the commission, the legislative transportation committee would have the final say on what gets funded.
The House passed HB1122 earlier this year by a 98-0 vote but was still in the Senate Highways & Transportation Committee when the regular session ended April 27.
The Legislature opened a special session May 12 to debate the 2003-2005 budget and several other issues. HB1122 was not listed on the agenda.

2/4/03-The House this week voted to scrap the state's Transportation Commission and transfer power for selecting and funding projects to the Legislature's transportation committee.
Under SHB1122, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes), the governor would also appoint the secretary of transportation, bringing under his control one of the few agency heads that doesn't currently report to him.
Currently, the Legislature can only recommend road projects. Without the commission, the legislative transportation committee would have the final say on what gets funded under the House plan.
The bill is headed to the Senate for consideration. For bill status, call (360) 786-7573.