Short-term solutions used in both Senate and House transportation budget proposals

Both chambers’ transportation budgets use short-term fixes, fund swaps, and reallocations in responding to the $453 million loss in state revenue due to Initiative 976.

The transportation budgets rely on similar mechanisms to balance:

• Short-term savings due to the Governor’s action in late 2019 to halt projects;
• Shifting expenditures from affected accounts to unaffected accounts; and
• Reductions to programs with appropriations that historically underspend their budgets.

The budget proposals also make it a priority to restart all or almost all highway and road projects that are currently on hold.

House budget proposal

HB 2322, sponsored by Rep. Jake Fey (D–Tacoma), was voted out of the House on Friday with 96 yeas and 1 nay vote. House legislative staff produced a narrative summary of the proposal along with more information on project lists, agency details, and other documents.

Senate budget proposal

SB 6497, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hobbs (D–Lake Stevens), was voted out of committee on Thursday. Senate legislative staff produced a narrative summary of the proposal along with more information on project lists, agency details, and other documents.

Local government transportation agencies

Both budgets propose reduced appropriations for the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) and the Freight Mobility Investment Board (FMSIB). Budget leaders stated that these reductions were based on historical underspending in the organizations.

The House budget reduces TIB’s appropriations by $5.1 million (mostly comprised of the Complete Streets Grant Program) while holding $10 million of their funding in “unallotted status” until such time as the agency requests the funds from the Office of Financial Management. The Senate budget reduces TIB’s appropriations by $13 million with language in the budget that increases their appropriation by $5 million if Initiative 976 is found unconstitutional in its entirety.

The House budget reduces FMSIB’s appropriation by $7.4 million and continues to limit the agency from initiating a new call for projects. The Senate budget reduces FMSIB’s appropriation by $15 million with language in the budget that increases their appropriation by $10 million if Initiative 976 is found unconstitutional in its entirety. However, unlike the House, the Senate removes the prohibition on a new call for projects.

The transportation budgets will continue to be amended through the next week, until legislative leaders meet to negotiate the final budget.