Bill > SB5544

This bill establishes a new county local road program by creating a county local road trust account within the motor vehicle fund to support the preservation and improvement of county local roads. The bill defines key terms such as "county local road project" (improvements on county roads not classified as arterial or collector), "community facility" (publicly owned buildings serving community needs), and "overburdened community" (as previously defined in existing law). The County Road Administration Board will be responsible for adopting rules to allocate funds, with project selection criteria including investment in overburdened communities, environmental health disparities, proximity to Indian reservations, road safety and integrity, pedestrian access, and alignment with existing planning documents. Eligible project types include road maintenance (2-R and 3-R), reconstruction, bridge replacement, fish passage impediment removal, and pedestrian facility improvements. Counties must meet specific eligibility requirements to receive funds, such as using road revenues exclusively for road purposes, with exemptions for smaller counties or those with voter-approved alternative uses. The bill also establishes a process for project approval, fund allocation, and potential fund increases, with an effective date of July 1, 2025, and is being introduced as an emergency measure to address immediate infrastructure needs.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5544&Year=2025&Initiative=false