Bill > HB2588

This bill modifies existing laws concerning county ferry districts, which are governmental entities established by a county to operate ferry services. Key provisions include allowing counties to create ferry districts covering all or part of their area, including cities and towns within the county, after a public hearing and a finding that it's in the public interest. These districts are defined as municipal corporations and taxing authorities with typical corporate powers. The bill also clarifies that ferry districts can construct, purchase, operate, and maintain ferries or wharves for various waterways, not just "passenger-only" ferries. It adjusts the maximum ad valorem tax rate a ferry district can levy, with specific limits for counties over 1.5 million people, and requires voter approval for tax increases above a certain threshold for districts created after the bill's effective date. Additionally, the bill allows ferry districts to incur general indebtedness and issue bonds to finance ferry and terminal construction, with repayment from tax revenues. It also revises regulations regarding the distance between state-operated ferry crossings and other ferry services, clarifying that the 10-mile restriction applies to the endpoints of the crossings and can be waived under certain conditions by the Washington utilities and transportation commission, with specific considerations for public interest, congestion, and air quality. Finally, the bill establishes a new requirement for counties creating ferry districts to appoint an advisory committee of five residents, with specific representation for frequent ferry users and other county areas, and encourages the appointment of a tribal member.