RCW 47.56.796 Toll rates—Legislative approval—Adjustments—Reports.

(1) Consistent with RCW 43.135.055 and 47.56.805 through 47.56.876, the legislature approves the action taken by the transportation commission on January 5, 2011, adopting amended rules to set the schedule of toll rates applicable to the state route number 520 corridor. The legislature further authorizes the transportation commission, as the tolling authority for the state, to set and adjust toll rates on the state route number 520 corridor in accordance with the authorization, requirements, and guidelines set forth in RCW 47.56.830, 47.56.850, and 47.56.870. The transportation commission may adjust the toll rates, as identified in the adopted schedule of toll rates, only in amounts not greater than those sufficient to meet (a) the operating costs of the state route number 520 corridor, including necessary maintenance, preservation, renewal, replacement, administration, and toll enforcement by public law enforcement and (b) obligations for the timely payment of debt service on bonds issued under chapter 498, Laws of 2009 and chapter 377, Laws of 2011, and any other associated financing costs including, but not limited to, required reserves, minimum debt coverage or other appropriate contingency funding, insurance, and compliance with all other financial and other covenants made by the state in the bond proceedings. Prior to the convening of each regular session of the legislature, the transportation commission must provide the transportation committees of the legislature with a detailed report regarding any increase or decrease in any toll rate approved by the commission that has not been described in a previous report provided pursuant to this subsection (1), along with a detailed justification for each such increase or decrease.

(2) Consistent with RCW 43.135.055 and 47.46.100, the legislature approves the action taken by the transportation commission on January 25, 2011, adopting amended rules to set the schedule of photo toll, or "pay by mail," charges applicable to the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Prior to the convening of each regular session of the legislature, the transportation commission must provide the transportation committees of the legislature with a detailed report regarding any increase or decrease in any toll rate approved by the commission that has not been described in a previous report provided pursuant to this subsection (2), along with a detailed justification for each such increase or decrease.

(3) Consistent with RCW 43.135.055 and 47.56.795(6), the legislature approves the action taken by the transportation commission on January 5, 2011, adopting amended rules concerning the assessment of administrative fees for toll collection processes. The administrative fees must not exceed toll collection costs.

[ 2011 c 377 § 2.]

NOTES:

Effective date—2011 c 377: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 16, 2011]." [ 2011 c 377 § 8.]