As a result of the stakeholder process, in which AWC was actively engaged, the proposed changes to the state’s Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board (FMSIB) contained in HB 1084 (Rep. Fey, D–Tacoma) were successfully amended last week in committee.
The bill proposes substantial changes to the Board. The FMSIB’s primary duty of soliciting freight project applications and making freight project investments is changed to providing strategic guidance to the Governor and the Legislature regarding
the highest priority freight mobility needs in the state. AWC published a summary the proposal here.
The adopted amendments include the following:
- The updated purpose of the Board includes the duty of recommending a program of high-priority strategic freight mobility investments.
- The Board’s recommended six-year investment program should prioritize investments in zero-emissions freight movement corridors but is not required to do so.
- The Board must "seek input" from various public entities and tribes rather than "consult" with those entities.
- The Board must ensure that the investment program provides statewide inclusion and maximum federal funding options and must be developed consistent with the federally recognized state freight plan.
- Board membership is increased by an additional two members (for a total of five new members): a labor representative of the freight sector and a representative of the heavy highway construction industry.
- Expenditures from the Freight Mobility Investment Account and the Freight Mobility Multimodal Account may be used only for projects recommended by the Board.
- Port districts may adopt freight development plans. Port freight development plans must be submitted to the Board as well as the Washington State Department of Transportation and transportation planning organizations.
The bill as amended was approved by the House Transportation Committee last Friday and now heads to the Rules Committee.