Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 27, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke signs measures to improve transportation and traffic safety on Washington roads

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke signed into law today four transportation measures that will promote traffic safety education, crack down on fuel tax evasion, improve freight mobility and authorize possible construction of four new passenger-only ferries.

Locke said the bills he signed today are steps toward improving traffic and safety on Washington roads. "These new laws are only the beginning to ensuring our state's transportation system remains competitive and is safe for all citizens."

House Bill 2439, known as the Cooper Jones Act, directs the state Traffic Safety Commission to work with stakeholders to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety education. The measure also requires some drivers involved in serious accidents to retake their driver's test and encourages them to learn about bicyclists' rights. This legislation is a result of the tragic death of 13-year-old Cooper Jones last summer. The Spokane teenager was hit by a car while riding his bike.

"Educational efforts to promote safer streets will help prevent other tragic accidents that would needlessly cut short any life," said Locke.

The governor also signed HB 2659, which he requested to curb fuel tax evasion by shifting the point of taxation from the distributor to the supplier on the fuel distribution chain. This will reduce the number of people remitting the tax, making it easier to administer and manage. It also provides more money for improving roads. A survey by the Department of Transportation estimates the state could recover approximately $10 million in lost revenues.

The legislation also cracks down on possible diesel fuel fraud by using dyed diesel to identify tax-exempt fuel. People who use diesel fuel for off-road purposes are not taxed for the fuel. The dyed diesel will help law enforcement officers identify people who are evading fuel taxes by using the untaxed fuel for on-road purposes.

"This legislation will raise money for maintaining and improving our roads," said Locke. "It also reduces unfair competition by anyone taking advantage of our current tax structure."

Another governor's request bill, HB 2615, was signed into law today. The measure will create a state freight mobility strategic investment board to select important freight mobility projects. The 12-member board, to be appointed by the governor, will administer a grant program for funding projects that enhance freight mobility and mitigate the impacts of freight movement on communities.

Locke also signed SB 6325, which authorizes construction of four new passenger-only ferries on the Seattle/Southworth and the Kingston/Seattle ferry routes. The measure still needs future legislative appropriations and bonding authority to proceed. Locke said this is only a first step to addressing the ferry congestion problems in the Puget Sound area.

Other transportation-related bills the governor signed today include:

HB 1487 - Requiring cities and towns planning under the Growth Management Act to include state-owned facilities in their comprehensive plans.

HB 3110 - Establishing pilot projects for flood management and flood hazard reduction from the Department of Transportation's advanced environmental mitigation revolving account.

SB 6441 - Streamlining the public works bidding process by not requiring government entities to include all federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations in invitations to bid for public construction projects.

SB 6439 - Requiring the Department of Transportation to develop a design-and-build process for awarding competitive bids for highway construction projects.

SB 6628 - Requiring the Department of Transportation to focus on relieving congestion, improving safety, preserving existing investments and moving freight and goods effectively in their Washington Transportation Plan. It also requires the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to consult with the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to explore the possibilities for developing a Washington manufacturing base to build commuter and light rail trains.

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