Washington’s Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, the body responsible for facilitating freight movement across the state and lessening the impact on local communities, may see significant changes this year in a proposal from Rep. Jake Fey (D–Tacoma).

Among the many changes proposed in HB 1084, the bill renames the Board as the Freight Mobility Strategy Board (FMSB). Additionally, it removes the Board’s authority related to the selection and finance of freight projects, instead directing the Board to identify a six-year program of the highest priority freight mobility investments for the state and identify critical emerging freight issues. The bill also moves the Board’s focus towards impacts of freight transportation on overburdened communities.

Other changes to the Board’s purpose and duties include:

Adding purposes for the Board:

• Provide strategic guidance to the Governor and Legislature regarding highest priority freight mobility needs in the state.
• Encourage policies that support a competitive, resilient, sustainable, and equitable freight system.
• Serve as a forum for discussion of state transportation decisions affecting freight mobility.

Requiring the Board to:

• Consult with local governments, other public entities, and Indian tribes to develop the six-year plan (which must be consistent with the state's freight mobility plan).
• Report to the Governor and the Legislature every other year with the results of its efforts.
• Review and provide feedback to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on its periodic update to the state's freight mobility plan.

The bill allows the Secretary of WSDOT to appoint a designee to serve on the Board. It also increases the Board membership to 15 members, adding:

• A member representing the package delivery industry
• A member representing environmental protection interests
• A member representing the interests of overburdened communities

One provision requires a study of best practices for preventing or mitigating the impacts of investments in and the operation of freight systems in overburdened communities. Another provision amends the requirements for the state freight mobility plan and the state marine ports and navigation plan to direct WSDOT to engage FMSB in the development of the plans. A third amends the freight mobility accounts to direct that expenditures from the account only be used for projects that have been recommended, not approved, by the Board.

AWC is actively engaged with the House Transportation Chair and other freight mobility stakeholders on the changes being made to the Freight Mobility Board. We are working to ensure that cities will continue to benefit from the program.

Date to remember

HB 1084 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on Thursday, January 19 at 4 pm.