2019-12-09-minutes-public-works-study-session

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KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY C0NNUSSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: December 3, 2019 TOPIC: I-976 Update ACTION REQUESTED: Informational — No Action Requested LEAD ,STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECOMMENDATION: Monitor the legislature's response to legal actions being taken. BRIEFWG SUMMARY: • 1-976 recently implemented $30 car renewal fees statewide • Legal challenge has stalled implementation (Seattle and King County et al) Plaintiffs are asking that the initiative be ruled unconstitutional and be prevented from taking effect • Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently issued a notice to all regions postponing implementation of projects not underway • I-90 widening to Easton is on hold BACKGROUND: State residents recently passed initiative 976 capping vehicle registration fees at $30. Immediately, Seattle and other large urban cities petitioned the courts for relief implementing the initiative. Last week, relief was granted by King County Superior Court delaying implementation of the $30 car renewal fees. DISCUSSION: Washington State Office of Financial Management (OF ML) estimates a loss of $19 billion in state revenue in the next six years. Responding to the passage of I-976, Governor Inslee directed WSDOT postpone all projects not underway (EXHIBIT 1). This action immediately impacts the start of I-90 widening to Easton. Staff has been finalizing conditions of approval with WSDOT for the pending widening. Recently, staff and Commissioner Osiadacz conferenced with WSDOT South Central Region management on relocating the weigh station at North Bend to exit 80 (Cle Elum); and it is unknown if the relocation is impacted by the Governor's directive. FISCAL P PACTS: Any tax revenue generated by the I-90 widening to Easton are put on hold. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit 1: WSDOT notice to regions Page 1 of 2 PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT