

| Legislative Watch |
Washington |
4/1/08-Gov. Chris Gregoire has signed a measure that sets up a framework for collecting tolls in the state.
The broad policy bill – HB1773 – gives the Legislature authority to impose tolls on unspecified roads and bridges. Each toll project would require its own bill.
Local authorities would be prohibited from imposing tolls on state projects without permission from the Legislature.
The Washington State Transportation Commission will be responsible for following guidelines and requirements in determining toll rates. Also included in the bill is a provision for “variable tolls,” which would change constantly throughout the day to reflect traffic conditions.
Toll revenues would be earmarked solely for improvements, maintenance, enforcement and operation along the roadway money is collected.
3/11/08-A bill on its way to Gov. Christine Gregoire’s desk would set up a framework for collecting tolls in the state.
The House and Senate approved a bill – HB1773 – that would give the Legislature authority to impose tolls on unspecified roads and bridges. Each toll project would require its own bill.
The Washington State Transportation Commission would be responsible for following guidelines and requirements in determining toll rates. Also included in the bill is a provision for “variable tolls,” which would change constantly throughout the day to reflect traffic conditions.
Toll revenues would be earmarked solely for improvements, maintenance, enforcement and operation along the roadway money is collected.
For bill status, call (360) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.
2/26/08-The House voted 59-35 to approve a bill that would set up a frame work for collecting tolls in the state. It now moves to the Senate.
HB1773 would give the Washington Legislature authority to impose tolls on unspecified roads and bridges. The Washington State Transportation Commission would be responsible for following guidelines and requirements in determining toll rates. Toll revenues would be earmarked solely for improvements, maintenance, enforcement and operation along the roadway money is collected.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (260) 786-7573. In Washington, call 1-800-562-6000.






