wa-law.org > bill > 2025-26 > HB 1227 > Substitute Bill
The transportation budget of the state is hereby adopted and, subject to the provisions set forth, the several amounts specified, or as much thereof as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes designated, are hereby appropriated from the several accounts and funds named to the designated state agencies and offices for employee compensation and other expenses, for capital projects, and for other specified purposes, including the payment of any final judgments arising out of such activities, for the period ending June 30, 2027.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this subsection apply throughout this act.
"Fiscal year 2026" or "FY 2026" means the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
"Fiscal year 2027" or "FY 2027" means the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.
"FTE" means full-time equivalent.
"Lapse" or "revert" means the amount shall return to an unappropriated status.
"Provided solely" means the specified amount may be spent only for the specified purpose. Unless otherwise specifically authorized in this act, any portion of an amount provided solely for a specified purpose that is not expended subject to the specified conditions and limitations to fulfill the specified purpose shall lapse.
"Reappropriation" means appropriation and, unless the context clearly provides otherwise, is subject to the relevant conditions and limitations applicable to appropriations.
"LEAP" means the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION
FOR THE UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FOR THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
FOR THE STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
The appropriation in this section is provided solely for road maintenance purposes.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOR THE LEGISLATIVE EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM COMMITTEE
FOR THE OFFICE OF MINORITY AND WOMEN'S BUSINESS ENTERPRISES
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations: The entire move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation in this section is provided solely for increasing the number of certified women and minority-owned contractors in the transportation sector statewide, with priority given to areas outside of the Puget Sound area and supporting these contractors to successfully compete and earn more transportation contracting opportunities. This purpose must be accomplished through various programs including, but not limited to: (1) Outreach to women and minority-owned business communities and individuals; (2) technical assistance, mentorship, and consultation as needed in areas such as financing, accounting, contracting, procurement, and resolution of disputes and grievances; (3) language access programs for those with limited English proficiency; (4) developing a truck rotation program to allow smaller minority and women-owned trucking companies to pool their resources and compete with larger scale trucking operations; and (5) other programs that aim to increase the number of women and minority contractors that are successful in obtaining contracts in the transportation sector directly with state agencies such as the department, with local jurisdictions, or as subcontractors for prime contractors.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$4,920,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for a tribal electric boat grant program. Federally recognized tribes, tribal enterprises, and tribal members are eligible to apply for grant funds for the purchase of or conversion to electric motors and engines for fishing vessels.
The department shall provide information related to emission reductions resulting from fuel conversion activities funded with appropriations from the carbon emissions reduction account to the joint transportation committee in accordance with section 701, chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (House Bill No. 2043) (concerning transportation resources).
FOR THE BOARD OF PILOTAGE COMMISSIONERS
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations: The board of pilotage commissioners shall file the annual report to the governor and chairs of the transportation committees required under RCW 88.16.035(1)(f) by September 1, 2025, and annually thereafter. The report must include the continuation of policies and procedures necessary to increase the diversity of pilots, trainees, and applicants, including a diversity action plan. The diversity action plan must articulate a comprehensive vision of the board's diversity goals and the steps it will take to reach those goals.
FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$2,300,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the University of Washington's sidewalk inventory and accessibility mapping project to develop a public dataset under an open license and develop the tools needed to publish that data according to an open data specification. The project must include, but is not limited to, utilization of existing data sources, imagery, detailed surveys, and manually collected, detailed data for city streets, county rural and urban local access roads and collectors/arterials, state roads of all types, and roads owned by other entities. The project may draw on partially developed sidewalk data for all state facilities. To the extent practicable, the final product must be suitable for use by the department of transportation, local and regional agencies, tribal governments, and the public. For the first phase of work, the project will produce a base active transportation data layer for all counties, with priority given to counties with high proportions of overburdened communities. A project status report is due to the transportation committees of the legislature on December 1st of each year until the work is completed.
$100,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the mobility innovation center at the University of Washington to conduct transportation-related research in partnership with the department, the private sector, and local transportation agencies.
FOR THE ECONOMIC AND REVENUE FORECAST COUNCIL
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE SERVICES
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations:
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$12,000,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for zero emission electric vehicle supply equipment infrastructure at facilities to accommodate charging station installations. The electric vehicle charging equipment must be coordinated with the state efficiency and environmental performance program. The department must prioritize locations based on state efficiency and environmental performance location priorities and where zero emission fleet vehicles are located or are scheduled to be purchased.
The department must report when and where the equipment was installed and the state agencies and facilities that benefit from the installation of the charging station to the fiscal committees of the legislature by January 2, 2027, with an interim report due January 2, 2026. The department shall collaborate with the interagency electric vehicle coordinating council to implement this section and must work to meet benchmarks established in chapter 182, Laws of 2022 (transportation resources).
The department, with the assistance of designated staff in the Washington state department of transportation, must register for the clean fuels credit program and track revenue generation pursuant to chapter 70A.535 RCW for investments funded in an omnibus transportation appropriations act.
The department must provide a report to the transportation committees of the legislature that estimates current biennial and future carbon reduction impacts resulting from zero-emission electric vehicles and supply equipment infrastructure funded in this section by June 30, 2027.
The department shall provide information related to emission reductions resulting from fuel conversion activities funded with appropriations from the carbon emissions reduction account to the joint transportation committee in accordance with section 701, chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (House Bill No. 2043) (concerning transportation resources).
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
FOR THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations: $750,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely to the state office of equity to contract with an independent consultant to conduct the studies, evaluations, and reporting functions required in RCW 43.06D.060(2), and for the office to conduct the work specified in RCW 43.06D.060 (1) and (3).
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations: $1,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for estimated implementation costs associated with new revenues.
FOR THE WASHINGTON TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$600,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for the commission to purchase telematics data from a qualified vendor that provides anonymized information on vehicle speeds and driver behaviors, such as hard braking, on a statewide basis and in selected geographical areas based upon demographic characteristics and crash history. The commission must provide an annual report summarizing findings from the telematics data to the transportation committees of the legislature beginning by June 30, 2027.
$1,500,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for a pilot program for dedicated probation or compliance officers at the local level to improve compliance with ignition interlock device installation requirements associated with impaired driving offenses. The commission must select locations based on an assessment of ignition interlock device compliance rates, and the willingness and ability to have staff dedicated to this activity. The commission must provide to the transportation committees of the legislature a preliminary status report on the specific locations selected and any outcome information by December 1, 2025, with a final report due June 30, 2027.
$2,000,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely to implement a multifaceted approach to supplement existing funding targeted at impaired driving and other enforcement. The areas of emphasis expected to be funded include additional high visibility enforcement and indigenous knowledge-informed tribal traffic safety support. Funding is also provided for the commission to administer and provide oversight of these activities. The commission must provide a preliminary report to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management on these funded activities and any outcome information by December 1, 2025, with a final report due by December 1, 2026.
FOR THE COUNTY ROAD ADMINISTRATION BOARD
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations: Within appropriated funds, the county road administration board may opt in as provided under RCW 70A.02.030 to assume all of the substantive and procedural requirements of covered agencies under chapter 70A.02 RCW. The board shall include in its 2025 and 2026 annual reports to the legislature a progress report on opting into the healthy environment for all act and a status report on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the board's jurisdiction.
FOR THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations: Within appropriated funds, the transportation improvement board may opt in as provided under RCW 70A.02.030 to assume all of the substantive and procedural requirements of covered agencies under chapter 70A.02 RCW. The board shall include in its 2025 and 2026 annual reports to the legislature a progress report on opting into the healthy environment for all act and a status report on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the board's jurisdiction.
FOR THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$100,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is for the joint transportation committee to oversee the development of tools and methodologies to assist in program delivery evaluation for programs that receive appropriations from the carbon emissions reduction account. Program delivery evaluation must include carbon emissions reduction estimates by program and by unit of time, program cost per unit of emission reduction, quantified benefits to vulnerable populations and overburdened communities by program cost, any additional appropriate qualitative and quantitative metrics, and actionable recommendations for improvements in program delivery. A report is due to the transportation committees of the legislature by October 1, 2025.
$325,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is for the joint transportation committee to engage an independent review team to work in coordination with the Washington state department of transportation's analysis, funded in section 217(10) of this act, of highway, road, and freight rail transportation needs, options, and impacts from shifting the movement of freight and goods that currently move by barge through the lower Snake river dams to highways, other roads, and rail.
The department shall include the independent review team in all phases of the analysis to enable the team to develop an independent assessment of the analysis, assumptions, stakeholder engagement, and cost and impact estimates. Summary findings from the independent assessment must be provided to the department, the governor's office, and the transportation committees of the legislature on a quarterly basis, with an end of biennium report due to the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature by December 31, 2026.
The independent review team must conduct an independent stakeholder engagement effort. The river transportation work group must be formed to provide data and guidance to the independent review team for the independent stakeholder engagement effort. The river transportation work group must be made up of stakeholders, including farming and agricultural production, fishing industry, tug and barge operators, shippers and receivers, public ports, railroad operators, cruise lines, the federal highway administration, and the army corps of engineers. Consultations with federally recognized tribes must also occur in coordination with the Washington state department of transportation.
The independent review team shall make regular presentations to the joint transportation committee and, by request, to the transportation committees of the legislature.
$274,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is for the joint transportation committee for a study of the impacts of implementing California's emissions standards for ocean-going vessels at berth in Titles 13 and 17 of the California Code of Regulations in Washington. The study must include estimates of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, criteria air pollutant reductions, potential labor impacts, potential impacts on shipping costs and port competitiveness, and shore power infrastructure needs and costs. The joint transportation committee must, at a minimum, coordinate with the department of ecology, department of transportation, representatives from Washington ports, shippers, utilities, and the trucking industry, impacted labor unions, and environmental organizations. The joint transportation committee must report to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 31, 2025.
$100,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is for the joint transportation committee to convene a work group in advance of the 75th anniversary of the Washington state ferries on July 1, 2025, to review Washington state ferry funding requirements and options to increase dedicated funding sources for the ferry system. The executive committee of the joint transportation committee may appoint relevant stakeholders as part of the work group. A preliminary report must be submitted to the governor and transportation committees of the legislature by December 15, 2025, and the legislature intends that a final report will be submitted to the governor and transportation committees of the legislature by June 1, 2026.
$75,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is for the joint transportation committee to continue the alternative project delivery methods and innovative practices study. The next phase of the study will provide additional consultation on collaborative procurement and contracting approaches that may be used by the Washington state department of transportation in public works contracting to increase contract competition and support containing costs and project delivery schedule. A supplemental report on findings and recommendations, including any changes in current practice and statutory requirements, is due to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2025.
FOR THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Within the parameters established under RCW 47.56.880, the commission shall review toll revenue performance on the Interstate 405 and state route number 167 corridor and adjust Interstate 405 tolls as appropriate to increase toll revenue to provide sufficient funds for payments of future debt pursuant to RCW 47.10.896 and to support improvements to the corridor. The commission shall consider adjusting maximum toll rates, minimum toll rates, and time-of-day rates, and restricting direct access ramps to transit and HOV vehicles only, or any combination thereof, in setting tolls to increase toll revenue. The commission is encouraged to make any adjustments to toll rates in coordination with the planned expansion of express toll lanes between the cities of Renton and Bellevue.
The commission shall provide regular updates on the status of ongoing coordination with the state of Oregon on any bistate agreements regarding the mutual or joint setting, adjustment, and review of toll rates and exemptions. Prior to finalizing any such agreement, the commission shall provide a draft of the agreement to the transportation committees of the legislature for review and input. Additionally, the commission shall advise on the status of any bistate agreements to the joint transportation committee beginning in September 2025 and quarterly thereafter until any agreements are finalized.
The commission shall partner with the department of transportation to design and implement a toll relief program based upon income qualification. Implementation must start with facilities where tolling begins in fiscal year 2026 or later. The commission shall work with the department of transportation to assess potential impacts of extending the toll relief program based upon income qualification to existing tolled facilities that opened prior to fiscal year 2026. The assessment, at a minimum, must determine potential impacts to meeting current financial and legal requirements in place for each facility. The commission, in partnership with the department of transportation, shall provide annual updates on the program to the transportation committees of the legislature.
$600,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the commission for road usage charge research activities. This amount is intended to be a contingency, in the event the federal highway administration grant funding awarded under the strategic innovation for revenue collection (SIRC) program is not received. The office of financial management shall place the amount provided in this subsection in unallotted status until the office of financial management determines the SIRC funding will not be received. Should the SIRC funding be received, this appropriation lapses.
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$200,000 of the state route number 520 corridor account—state appropriation and $200,000 of the Alaskan Way viaduct replacement project account—state appropriation are provided solely for the transportation commission to conduct a pilot of advanced tolling technology provided by a private sector vendor who offers toll collections via GPS utilizing multiple geofences that can collect tolls in low or no-signal environments. The commission shall retain a separate independent third-party vendor who can provide expert oversight, guidance, and advisement on the work, including: The pilot design; the evaluation plan; data analysis; participant survey design and data analysis; structuring industry briefings; and reporting on findings.
The pilot shall operate for up to three months on an existing tolled facility. The purpose of the pilot is to determine the potential for increasing operational efficiencies and lowering costs of toll collections. The commission shall carry out the pilot in collaboration with the Washington state department of transportation, which must at a minimum support participant recruitment and provide tolling transaction data for the participants in support of conducting a comparative performance assessment between the current roadway toll system and the pilot technology. At a minimum, the pilot: Must be a simulation with no real money being collected; must include up to 200 participants; and a survey of participants must be conducted at the end of the pilot to gather input on the driver experience using the advanced technology tested.
In addition to the pilot, the commission shall carry out the following activities:
Serve as an active observer of an advanced tolling technology project being conducted on Interstate 15 in Utah in collaboration with the Utah department of transportation and the Washington state department of transportation; and
Host briefings during the 2025 interim, with private sector vendors who are not part of the pilot in subsection (a) of this section, but who are testing or operating advanced tolling technology in other states.
A final report of findings is due to the transportation committees of the legislature by January 1, 2026. The report must, at a minimum: Outline the technology tested; provide a comparison of system performance, operations, costs, and revenue collection efficiencies between the test system and the roadway toll system in use today; assess the requirements for achieving compatibility with the existing back-office system; provide participant survey results and feedback; provide peer learnings and results discovered pursuant to subsection (c)(i) of this section; and provide recommendations on next steps.
FOR THE FREIGHT MOBILITY STRATEGIC INVESTMENT BOARD
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Within appropriated funds, the freight mobility strategic investment board may opt in as provided under RCW 70A.02.030 to assume all of the substantive and procedural requirements of covered agencies under chapter 70A.02 RCW. The board shall include in its 2025 and 2026 annual reports to the legislature a progress report on opting into the healthy environment for all act and a status report on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the board's jurisdiction.
The board shall on an annual basis provide a status update on project delivery, including information on project timeline, cost, and budgeted cash flow over time to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature on the delivery of the freight mobility strategic investment projects on LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS, as developed on March 23, 2025.
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$580,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for the operation of and administrative support to the license investigation unit to enforce vehicle registration laws in southwestern Washington. The Washington state patrol, in consultation with the department of revenue, shall maintain a running estimate of the additional vehicle registration fees, sales and use taxes, and local vehicle fees remitted to the state pursuant to activity conducted by the license investigation unit. Beginning October 1, 2025, and semiannually thereafter, the Washington state patrol shall submit a report detailing the additional revenue amounts generated since July 1, 2025, to the director of the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature. At the end of the fiscal quarter in which it is estimated that more than $800,000 in state sales and use taxes have been remitted to the state since July 1, 2025, the Washington state patrol shall notify the state treasurer and the state treasurer shall transfer funds pursuant to section 406 of this act.
Washington state patrol officers engaged in off-duty uniformed employment providing traffic control services to the department of transportation or other state agencies may use state patrol vehicles for the purpose of that employment, subject to guidelines adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol. The Washington state patrol must be reimbursed for the use of the vehicle at the prevailing state employee rate for mileage and hours of usage, subject to guidelines developed by the chief of the Washington state patrol.
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By December 1st of each year during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the Washington state patrol must report to the transportation committees of the legislature on the status of recruitment and retention activities as follows:
A summary of recruitment and retention strategies;
The number of transportation funded staff vacancies by major category;
The number of applicants for each of the positions by these categories;
The composition of workforce;
Other relevant outcome measures with comparative information with recent comparable months in prior years; and
$8,526,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for debt service obligations for the land mobile radio system replacement, upgrade, and other related activities.
$2,610,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for enhancing the state patrol's diversity, equity, and inclusion program, a community engagement program to improve relationships with historically underrepresented communities and to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and contracting with an external psychologist to perform exams. The state patrol will work with the governor's office of equity and meet all reporting requirements and responsibilities pursuant to RCW 43.06D.060. Funds provided for the community engagement program must ensure engagement with communities throughout the state.
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$2,944,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for administrative costs, advertising, outreach, and bonus payments associated with developing and implementing a state trooper expedited recruitment incentive program for the purpose of recruiting and filling vacant trooper positions in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. The legislature is committed to continuing the state trooper expedited recruitment incentive program until the vacancy levels are significantly reduced from current levels. The recruitment, advertising, and outreach associated with this program must continue efforts to create a more diverse workforce and must also provide an accelerated pathway for joining the state patrol for high quality individuals who have previously been employed as a general authority peace officer.
The state trooper expedited recruitment incentive program established by the Washington state patrol must include:
Thorough hiring procedures to ensure that only the highest quality candidates are selected as cadets and as lateral hires, including extensive review of past law enforcement employment history through extensive reference checks, Brady list identification, and any other issues that may impact the performance, credibility, and integrity of the individual.
An accelerated training program for lateral hires from other agencies that recognizes the knowledge and experience of candidates previously employed in law enforcement; and
A sign-on bonus for each trooper hired through the expedited recruitment incentive program as follows:
(A) $5,000 for each cadet after completion of the Washington state patrol academy;
(B) $5,000 for each successful graduating cadet after completion of a one-year probation period;
(C) $8,000 for each lateral hire after completion of the accelerated training program for lateral hires;
(D) $6,000 for each lateral hire after completion of a one-year probation period; and
(E) $6,000 for each lateral hire after completion of two years of service.
c. The expenditure on the state trooper expedited recruitment incentive program is contingent upon execution of an appropriate memorandum of understanding between the governor or the governor's designee and the exclusive bargaining representative, consistent with the terms of this section. Expenditures and eligibility for the state trooper expedited recruitment incentive program established in this section are subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose.
d. For the purposes of this subsection:
i. "Cadet" means a person employed for the express purpose of receiving the on-the-job training required for attendance at the Washington state patrol academy and for becoming a commissioned trooper.
ii. "Lateral hire" means an eligible employee previously employed as a general authority peace officer.
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$7,552,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for cost associated with the work zone speed safety camera pilot program with the amounts for specific activities as follows:
2,353,000 for the Washington state patrol's oversight, administrative, overtime, and other costs associated with the processing of work zone speed safety violations;
$3,990,000 for interagency reimbursements to the office of administrative hearings for adjudication related expenses associated with work zone speed violations; and
$1,209,000 for interagency reimbursements to the office of attorney general for legal guidance and adjudication related expenses associated with work zone speed violations.
Pursuant to section 217(6) of this act, the Washington state patrol, in conjunction with the other agencies involved in the work zone speed safety camera pilot program, must collaborate with the department of transportation on a preliminary report due from the department by December 1, 2025.
$1,668,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for three accelerated training programs for lateral hires. It is the intent of the legislature that the three accelerated training programs for lateral hires offered in 2025-2027 biennium achieve at least 30 qualified graduates based on the Washington state patrol aggressively recruiting, advertising bonus policies, and taking other steps to achieve this outcome.
By December 1, 2025, the Washington state patrol must provide a report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the status of McClain v. Washington State Patrol and an update on legal expenses associated with the case.
$7,572,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for one additional trooper basic training class with troopers graduating in the 2025-2027 biennium and funding to initiate an additional trooper basic training class with troopers graduating in the 2027-2029 biennium.
$6,904,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for the planned replacement of aging Cessna aircrafts and of this amount $310,000 is provided solely for the downpayment and related costs of three planned replacements. It is the intent of the legislature to fund three planned Cessna replacements as soon as the aircrafts can be received in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, and therefore, the Washington state patrol may take the necessary steps to ensure delivery of the aircrafts as soon as possible in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
$796,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for commissioned staff who reach 26 or more years of service in accordance with RCW 43.43.386.
$3,000,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for hiring additional staff and purchasing equipment for the toxicology laboratory to reduce the DUI processing backlog, with the expectation that processing times will be reduced.
$3,500,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely to address emergent issues that may arise due to the high level of commissioned and noncommissioned vacancies. Potential uses of the funding include the following: Employee leave buyouts, increased contracting to maintain adequate service levels, unanticipated facility and equipment needs, increased overtime, travel, and other related costs.
Within existing resources, the Washington state patrol must offer a minimum of 14 emergency vehicle operator courses per year at its Shelton driving track exclusively for basic law enforcement academies offered by the criminal justice training commission.
$2,000,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for staffing and security equipment for Washington State Patrol to staff the international border crossing and provide support for the department of homeland security, during the months of June and July 2026 for the purposes of the World Cup, to facilitate border crossings and screening against human trafficking, narcotics trafficking, unlawful crossings, and other unlawful activity.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$1,100,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation and $1,100,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation are provided solely for the department to provide an interagency transfer to the department of children, youth, and families for the purpose of providing driver's license support. In addition to support services required under RCW 74.13.338(2), support services may include reimbursement of:
The cost for a youth in foster care of any eligible age to complete a driver training education course, as outlined in chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 RCW;
The costs incurred by foster youth in foster care for a motor vehicle insurance policy;
The costs of roadside assistance, motor vehicle insurance deductibles, motor vehicle registration fees, towing services, car maintenance, comprehensive car insurance, and gas cards; and
Any other costs related to obtaining a driver's license and driving legally and safely.
The department shall report on a quarterly basis on licensing service office operations, associated workload, and information with comparative information with recent comparable months in prior years. The report must include detailed statewide and by licensing service office information on staffing levels, average monthly wait times, the number of enhanced drivers' licenses and enhanced identicards issued and renewed, and the number of primary drivers' licenses and identicards issued and renewed. By November 1, 2024, the department must prepare a report with recommendations on the future of licensing service office operations based on the recent implementation of efficiency measures designed to reduce the time for licensing transactions and wait times, and the implementation of statutory and policy changes made during the pandemic.
For the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department shall charge $1,336,000 for the administration and collection of a motor vehicle excise tax on behalf of a regional transit authority, as authorized under RCW 82.44.135. The amount in this subsection must be deducted before distributing any revenues to a regional transit authority.
$3,087,000 of the abandoned recreational vehicle disposal account—state appropriation is provided solely for providing reimbursements in accordance with the department's abandoned recreational vehicle disposal reimbursement program. It is the intent of the legislature that the department prioritize this funding for allowable and approved reimbursements and not to build a reserve of funds within the account. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department must report any amounts recovered to the office of financial management and appropriate committees of the legislature on a quarterly basis.
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$750,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for contracts with organizations providing driver's license assistance and other related support services in other parts of the state.
By December 1st of each year, the department must submit information on the contracted providers, including: The annual budget of the contracted providers in the preceding year; information regarding private and other governmental support for the activities of the providers; and a description of the number of people served, services delivered, and outcome measures.
$6,000 of the motorcycle safety education account—state appropriation, $1,000 of the limited fish and wildlife account—state appropriation, $406,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation, $137,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation, $5,000 of the ignition interlock device revolving account—state appropriation, and $6,000 of the department of licensing services account—state appropriation are provided solely for the department of licensing for additional finance and budget staff. By December 1, 2025, the department shall submit a report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature on the specific steps the department has taken to address the findings of the State Auditor's Office FY2022 Accountability Audit Report No. 1032793.
$50,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to conduct a study on the feasibility of implementing and administering a per mile fee program. The study must identify the staffing and resources needed to implement and administer the program, including possible technical investments, leveraging existing technology platforms. The legislature intends to require a final report that includes potential third-party costs and options to the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature by December 31, 2025.
$1,220,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for estimated implementation costs associated with new revenues.
$7,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1113) (misdemeanor dismissal). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1113) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
$106,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (House Bill No. 1244) (driver training alternative). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (House Bill No. 1244) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
$44,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Substitute House Bill No. 1371) (veteran parking privileges). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Substitute House Bill No. 1371) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
$831,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1596) (speeding). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1596) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
$542,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1822) (driver course/workzones). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1822) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
$2,631,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation and $15,379,000 of the driver education safety improvement account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1878) (young driver safety). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1878) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
$50,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for translating the written driver's manual and test into Dari, Farsi, and Somali.
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(A) The president of the senate shall appoint two senate members from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate;
(B) The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint two house members from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives;
(C) At least one member from each caucus must be a member of the transportation committee, or successor committee; and
(D) The governor shall appoint two members representing the department of licensing.
ii. The task force shall choose its chair from among its legislative membership. Legislators shall convene the initial meeting of the task force.
b. The task force shall review the following issues:
i. Application requirements and evaluation of special license plate requests;
ii. Cost of implementing new special license plates and a funding policy for future requests;
iii. Identifying metrics the department must use to recommend the discontinuation of special license plates;
iv. The state's ability to recoup the cost of new special license plates; and
v. Efficiency in processing special license plate legislation.
c. Legislative members of the task force may be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 44.04.120. Nonlegislative members are not entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses if they are elected officials or are participating on behalf of an employer, governmental entity, or other organization. Any reimbursement for other nonlegislative members is subject to chapter 43.03 RCW.
d. The expenses of the task force shall be paid jointly by the senate and the house of representatives. Task force expenditures are subject to approval by the senate facilities and operations committee and the house executive rules committee, or their successor committees.
e. The task force shall report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2025.
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Within existing resources, the department of licensing must continue issuance of nonemergency medical transportation vehicle decals to implement the high occupancy vehicle lane access pilot program established in section 217(2) of this act. A for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicle is a vehicle that is a "for hire vehicle" under RCW 46.04.190 that provides nonemergency medical transportation, including for life-sustaining transportation purposes, to meet the medical transportation needs of individuals traveling to medical practices and clinics, cancer centers, dialysis facilities, hospitals, and other care providers.
As part of this pilot program, the owner of a for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicle may apply to the department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director, for a high occupancy vehicle exempt decal for a for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicle. The high occupancy vehicle exempt decal allows the for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicle to use a high occupancy vehicle lane as specified in RCW 46.61.165 and 47.52.025 during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
For the exemption in this subsection to apply to a for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicle, the decal:
Must be displayed on the vehicle so that it is clearly visible from outside the vehicle;
Must identify that the vehicle is exempt from the high occupancy vehicle requirements; and
Must be visible from the rear of the vehicle.
The owner of a for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicle or the owner's representative must apply for a high occupancy vehicle exempt decal on a form provided or approved by the department. The application must include:
The name and address of the person who is the owner of the vehicle;
A full description of the vehicle, including its make, model, year, and the vehicle identification number;
The purpose for which the vehicle is principally used;
An attestation signed by the vehicle's owner or the owner's representative that the vehicle's owner has a minimum of one contract or service agreement to provide for hire transportation services for medical purposes with one or more of the following entities: A health insurance company; a hospital, clinic, dialysis center, or other medical institution; a day care center, retirement home, or group home; a federal, state, or local agency or jurisdiction; or a broker who negotiates these services on behalf of one or more of these entities; and
Other information as required by the department upon application.
The department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent appointed by the director shall collect the fee required under (f) of this subsection when issuing or renewing a high occupancy vehicle exempt decal.
The department, county auditor or other agent, or subagent must collect a $5 fee when issuing or renewing a decal under this subsection, in addition to any other fees and taxes required by law.
A high occupancy vehicle exempt decal expires June 30, 2027, and must be marked to indicate its expiration date. The decal may be renewed if the pilot program is continued past the date of a decal's expiration. The status as an exempt vehicle continues until the high occupancy vehicle exempt decal is suspended or revoked for misuse, the vehicle is no longer used as a for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicle, or the pilot program established in section 217(2) of this act is terminated.
The department may adopt rules to implement this subsection.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TOLL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE—PROGRAM B
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$1,300,000 of the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account—state appropriation and $12,820,000 of the state route number 520 corridor account—state appropriation are provided solely for the purposes of addressing unforeseen operations and maintenance costs on the Tacoma Narrows bridge and the state route number 520 bridge, respectively. The office of financial management shall place the amounts provided in this subsection, which represent a portion of the required minimum fund balance under the policy of the state treasurer, in unallotted status. The office may release the funds only when it determines that all other funds designated for operations and maintenance purposes have been exhausted.
As long as the facility is tolled, the department must provide annual reports to the transportation committees of the legislature on the Interstate 405 express toll lane project performance measures listed in RCW 47.56.880(4). These reports must include:
Information on the travel times and travel time reliability (at a minimum, average and 90th percentile travel times) maintained during peak and nonpeak periods in the express toll lanes and general purpose lanes for both the entire corridor and commonly made trips in the corridor including, but not limited to, northbound from Bellevue to Rose Hill, state route number 520 at NE 148th to Interstate 405 at state route number 522, Bellevue to Bothell (both NE 8th to state route number 522 and NE 8th to state route number 527), and a trip internal to the corridor (such as NE 85th to NE 160th) and similar southbound trips; and
Underlying congestion measurements, that is, speeds, that are being used to generate the summary graphs provided, to be made available in a digital file format.
The department shall make detailed annual reports to the transportation committees of the legislature and the public on the department's website in a manner consistent with past practices as specified in section 209(5), chapter 186, Laws of 2022.
As part of the department's 2027-2029 biennial budget request, the department shall update the cost allocation recommendations that assign appropriate costs to each of the toll funds for services provided by relevant Washington state department of transportation programs, the Washington state patrol, and the transportation commission. The recommendations shall be based on updated traffic and toll transaction patterns and other relevant factors.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—PROGRAM C
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—FACILITY MAINTENANCE, OPERATIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION—PROGRAM D—OPERATING
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT FUND—PROGRAM E
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations: The entire move ahead WA account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department's costs related to replacing obsolete transportation equipment and replacing fuel sites. Beginning December 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, the department must provide a report to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature detailing the current progress on replacing obsolete equipment, progress towards reaching a level purchasing state, and the status of a fuel site replacement prioritization plan. The report must also include:
A list of department owned and managed fuel sites prioritized by urgency of replacement;
A discussion of department practices that would create a sustained revenue source for capital repair and replacement of fuel sites; and
A discussion of to what extent the fuel site infrastructure can support zero emissions vehicles.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—AVIATION—PROGRAM F
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$2,100,000 of the aeronautics account—state appropriation is provided solely for the move ahead WA aviation grants. The department shall prioritize projects eligible for federal funding.
The department shall submit a report to the transportation committees of the legislature by October 1, 2025, identifying a selection of sustainable aviation projects for funding by the legislature. In considering projects to recommend to fund, the department shall only consider projects that advance the state of sustainable aviation technology and lead to future innovation. Innovative sustainable aviation projects may include, but are not limited to, pilot projects demonstrating the use of:
Mobile battery charging technology;
Hydrogen electrolyzers and storage;
Electric ground equipment; and
Hanger charging technology.
$750,000 of the aeronautics account—state appropriation is provided solely for the city of Yakima for an overflow parking lot at the Yakima Air Terminal. The department may not require a match for this project.
$300,000 of the aeronautics account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Port of Bremerton to conduct the second phase of a feasibility study on the possibility of offering commercial service at the Bremerton National Airport. The department may not require a match for this project.
$1,774,000 of the aeronautics account—state appropriation is provided solely for the commercial aviation work group created in chapter 463, Laws of 2023. Funding is provided for:
The state commercial aviation work group to comprehensively evaluate the long-range commercial aviation needs of Washington within the broader context of state transportation needs and the specific needs of western Washington taking into consideration airport capacity in adjacent states and provinces. The work group shall review existing data and conduct research to determine Washington's long-range commercial aviation facility needs while considering alternatives to additional airport capacity.
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(A) Community members and quality of life;
(B) The environment, including the impacts of a facility on water quality and the ability of the state to meet the greenhouse gas emissions limits established in RCW 70A.45.020;
(C) County master plans and other local planning and zoning, including development regulations and comprehensive plans adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW; and
(D) Current airspace operations.
ii. The work group shall:
(A) Perform outreach to and make efforts to collaborate with:
(I) Applicable federal agencies including the federal aviation administration, the United States environmental protection agency, the United States department of defense, and the United States department of energy;
(II) Indian tribes, as defined in RCW 43.376.010, through outreach and collaboration by the work group under this subsection does not constitute or substitute for formal government-to-government consultation under the 1989 State-Tribal Relations/Centennial Accord and chapter 43.376 RCW;
(III) The environmental community;
(IV) Local communities;
(V) Economic development agencies;
(VI) Other states and provinces as appropriate;
(B) Identify potential site infrastructure shortfalls and make recommendations as to how they could be most suitably addressed, including the feasibility of the specific transportation infrastructure required to move people to the potential site. This process includes the delivery of an adequate supply of aircraft fuel and supporting infrastructure along with facilities needed to transition to the use of sustainable aviation fuels;
(C) Consider the cost of construction of a facility and supporting infrastructure;
(D) In cooperation with the federal aviation administration, analyze:
(I) Airspace requirements and airspace restrictions of potential sites;
(II) Any possible terrain and man-made obstacles that could possibly create a hazard to aircraft;
(III) Local weather patterns and microclimates to determine if they will create issues for the operation of large aircraft; and
(E) Carry out other duties as assigned by the legislature.
c. The work group shall not consider:
i. Expansion opportunities for a port or county run airport located in a county with a population of 2,000,000 or more; or
ii. The expansion of an existing airport or the siting of a new airport that would be incompatible with the operations of a military installation.
d. In addition, the work group shall provide information to the transportation committees of the legislature on the future of aviation growth in the state, including potential commercial aviation, general aviation, and air cargo demands, with consideration of new technologies, alternative transportation modes, and the airport of the future.
e. Nothing in this section shall be construed to endorse, limit, or otherwise alter existing or future plans for capital development and capacity enhancement at existing commercial airports in Washington.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PROGRAM DELIVERY MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT—PROGRAM H
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, if the department takes possession of the property situated in the city of Edmonds for which a purchase agreement was executed between Unocal and the department in 2005 (Tax Parcel Number 262703-2-003-0009), and if the department confirms that the property is still no longer needed for transportation purposes, the department shall provide the city of Edmonds with the first right of purchase at fair market value in accordance with RCW 47.12.063(3) for the city's intended use of the property to rehabilitate near-shore habitat for salmon and related species.
The department may not execute a state highway route transfer under RCW 36.75.090 and 47.24.010 without approval from the receiving city or county from July 1, 2025, until June 30, 2026. The department may continue discussions with local jurisdictions regarding state highway route transfers to local jurisdictions that may occur after consideration of the final report and recommendations of the Washington State Route Jurisdiction Study expected by December 2025.
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$572,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation is provided solely to track and maximize clean fuels credits and revenue generated by state agencies pursuant to chapter 70A.535 RCW.
Pursuant to the reporting requirements of RCW 70A.535.050(5), the department must present a detailed projection of the credit revenues generated and achieved directly as a result of the funding and activities in this subsection.
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$350,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to explore alternative uses of the state's highway rights-of-way to address pressing public needs relating to climate change, equitable communications, renewable energy generation, electrical transmission and distribution projects, broadband projects, vegetation management, inductive charging in travel lanes, alternative fueling facilities, and other appropriate uses. In exploring alternative uses of the state's highway rights-of-way, the department shall:
Review the utility accommodation policy and make recommendations to update the policy to include clean energy and connectivity projects under 23 C.F.R. Part 645. At a minimum, the recommendations for updated clean energy and connectivity projects must include renewable energy and electrical transmission and distribution;
Review and update the department's integrated roadside vegetation management plans to maximize carbon sequestration and develop habitat and forage for native pollinators, Monarch butterflies, and honeybees through plantings of native noninvasive flowering plants and grasses on the state highways rights-of-way and at safety rest areas;
Assess the state highways rights-of-way land areas most suitable for solar development by considering slope, elevation, vegetative cover, and solar radiation; and
Identify existing highway rights-of-way suitable as designated energy corridors for electric transmission and distribution and other energy infrastructure.
In carrying out the requirements in (a) of this subsection, the department may consult with an organization that uses an advanced rights-of-way solar mapping tool that uses ArcGIS Pro software for faster and more precise analysis of rights-of-way solar using the state's full spatial rights-of-way data sets.
The department must report its findings, recommendations, and status of its updates to the transportation committees of the legislature by June 30, 2026.
The department is directed to initiate the process and carry out a sale in accordance with requirements of state law of the surplus property in the city of Seattle located between State route number 99 and First Avenue South and between South Royal Brougham Way and South Dearborn Street, King county parcel numbers 7666206955 and 7666206950.
$250,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Substitute House Bill No. 1774) (lease of unused highway land). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Substitute House Bill No. 1774) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
$285,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1902) (streamlining of permitting for transportation projects work group). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 1902) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS—PROGRAM K
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$25,000,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for the clean alternative fuel vehicle charging and refueling infrastructure program described in RCW 47.04.350.
$130,851,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for a point-of-sale voucher incentive program, inclusive of costs for program administration and staffing, to encourage the faster adoption of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles to further state climate goals under RCW 70A.45.020 and state equity goals under chapter 70A.02 RCW. The voucher incentive program must be administered by a third-party administrator that has experience administering voucher incentive programs, with oversight conducted by the department.
The voucher program is required to be designed based on the recommendations of the Joint Transportation Committee report Washington State Infrastructure and Incentive Program Design for MHD ZEVs, and to include:
Simplified zero-emission vehicle eligibility requirements;
Vehicle and infrastructure incentives aligned with programs in other jurisdictions, where appropriate, to streamline user planning;
Financial enhancements for select populations based on equity considerations, including for vehicles in disadvantaged communities and vehicles to be purchased by small, minority-owned businesses, with consideration for support of the secondary vehicle market;
A centralized user and manufacturer portal for information, application, and assistance;
A fleet assistance and qualification program to assist in zero-emission vehicle and infrastructure planning, to be administered by the Washington State University extension energy program in coordination with the department and the voucher program's third-party administrator; and
The following battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle categories and associated charging, as well as refueling infrastructure for these categories, are eligible for the voucher program, subject to additional qualification criteria to be determined by the department and the voucher program third-party administrator:
On-road vehicles from class 2b, heavy work pickups and vans, through class 8, heavy tractor-trailer units and refuse trucks; and
Cargo handling and off-road equipment.
School buses and transit vehicles eligible for state grant programs for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles are not eligible for vouchers under this program, but are eligible for fleet assistance provided in association with the voucher program, which must include assistance in determining state and federal grant eligibility for these vehicles.
The voucher amounts selected by the department and voucher program third-party administrator must further the policy goals of the program cited in this subsection by offsetting investments required for medium and heavy-duty vehicle and equipment owners to transition to zero-emission vehicles and equipment. The department and voucher program third-party administrator must condition vehicle and infrastructure voucher funding to ensure these program policy goals are furthered through the voucher funding provided.
Consistent with voucher program design, the department is required to distribute funds to the voucher program third-party administrator sufficiently in advance of final requirements for voucher distribution being met to facilitate the voucher's timely distribution by the third-party administrator to sellers of zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure.
$10,000,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for grants, and to serve as a state match for secured federal funds, to finance hydrogen refueling infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and along corridors designated as hydrogen corridors by the state, and near or on transit agency, port, or public utility district property, with a focus on locations in disadvantaged and overburdened communities, where possible. The department, in consultation with the interagency electric vehicle coordinating council, should pursue any federal funding available through the charging and fueling infrastructure discretionary grant program and any other sources under the federal infrastructure investment and jobs act (P.L. 29 117-58).
$400,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for the cities of Bellevue and Redmond to each purchase an electric fire engine.
$851,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for a Tacoma Public Utilities medium-duty zero-emission utility service vehicle pilot project that includes charging infrastructure and mobile battery units.
$8,342,000 of the multimodal transportation account—federal appropriation is provided solely for the electric vehicle charger reliability and accessibility accelerator program for projects to support the repair or replacement of existing broken or nonoperational publicly accessible chargers.
$3,164,000 of the multimodal transportation account—federal appropriation is provided solely for funding for the west coast charging and fueling corridor project for two medium and heavy-duty vehicle electric vehicle charging station sites and one site with a hydrogen refueling station along the I-5 corridor.
The department shall notify the transportation committees of the legislature if approval of federal funding for department activities under the national electric vehicle infrastructure formula program, the electric vehicle charger reliability and accessibility accelerator program, or the west coast charging and fueling corridor project is permanently revoked.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE—PROGRAM M
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$5,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for a contingency pool for snow and ice removal. The department must notify the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature when they have spent the base budget for snow and ice removal and will begin using the contingency pool funding.
$25,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for repair and replacement of traffic barriers including, but not limited to, low-speed concrete barriers, beam guardrails, steel-backed timber guardrails, and other systems necessary to fabricate, construct, and install traffic barriers to improve safety on state highway infrastructures.
$11,500,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for lane striping using the most reflective paint available to maximize the visibility of lane striping, especially at night.
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$5,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to address the risks to safety and public health associated with homeless encampments on department owned rights-of-way. The department must coordinate and work with local government officials and social service organizations who provide services and direct people to housing alternatives that are not in highway rights-of-way to help prevent future encampments from forming on highway rights-of-way and may reimburse the organizations doing this outreach assistance who transition people into treatment or housing or for debris clean up on highway rights-of-way. A minimum of $2,000,000 of this appropriation must be used to deliver more frequent removal of litter on the highway rights-of-way that is generated by unsheltered people and may be used to hire crews specializing in collecting and disposing of garbage, clearing debris or hazardous material, and implementing safety improvements where hazards exist to the traveling public and department employees. The department may use these funds to either reimburse local law enforcement costs or the Washington state patrol if they are providing enhanced safety to department staff during debris cleanup or during efforts to prevent future encampments from forming on highway rights-of-way.
Beginning November 1, 2025, and semiannually thereafter, the Washington state patrol and the department of transportation must jointly submit a report to the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature on the status of these efforts, including:
A summary of the activities related to addressing encampments, including information on arrangements with local governments or other entities related to these activities;
A description of the planned activities in the ensuing two quarters to further address the emergency hazards and risks along state highway rights-of-way; and
Recommendations for executive branch or legislative action to achieve the desired outcome of reduced emergency hazards and risks along state highway rights-of-way.
$1,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for a partnership program between the department and the city of Spokane, to be administered in conjunction with subsection (4) of this section. The program must address the safety and public health problems created by homeless encampments on the department's property along state highways within the city limits. $555,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is for dedicated department maintenance staff and associated clean-up costs. The department and the city of Spokane shall enter into a reimbursable agreement to cover up to $445,000 of the city's expenses for clean-up crews and landfill costs.
$1,025,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to implement safety improvements and debris clean up on department-owned rights-of-way in the city of Seattle at levels above that being implemented as of January 1, 2019, to be administered in conjunction with subsection (2) of this section. The department must maintain a crew dedicated solely to collecting and disposing of garbage, clearing debris or hazardous material, and implementing safety improvements where hazards exist to the traveling public, department employees, or people encamped upon department-owned rights-of-way. The department may request assistance from the Washington state patrol as necessary in order for both agencies to provide enhanced safety-related activities regarding the emergency hazards along state highway rights-of-way in the Seattle area.
$1,015,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for a partnership program between the department and the city of Tacoma, to be administered in conjunction with subsection (4) of this section. The program must address the safety and public health problems created by homeless encampments on the department's property along state highways within the city limits. $570,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is for dedicated department maintenance staff and associated clean-up costs. The department and the city of Tacoma shall enter into a reimbursable agreement to cover up to $445,000 of the city's expenses for clean-up crews and landfill costs.
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$1,200,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with the city of Fife to address the risks to safety and public health associated with homeless encampments on department-owned rights-of-way along the SR 167/SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway project corridor in and adjacent to the city limits.
The city must coordinate and work with the department and local governments and social service organizations who provide services and direct people to housing alternatives that are not in highway rights-of-way to help prevent future encampments from forming on highway rights-of-way. State funds may be used to reimburse the organizations doing this outreach assistance who transition people into treatment or housing that is not on the rights-of-way or for debris clean up on highway rights-of-way.
The department may hire crews specializing in collecting and disposing of garbage, clearing debris or hazardous material, and implementing safety improvements where hazards exist to the traveling public and department employees.
Funds may also be used to reimburse local law enforcement costs or the Washington state patrol if they are participating as part of a state or local government agreement to provide enhanced safety related activities along state highway rights-of-way.
It is the intent of the legislature that the city and collaborating partners should place particular emphasis on utilizing available funds for addressing large scale and multiple homeless encampments that impact public safety and health. Funding for initiatives associated with such encampments may include targeted assistance to local governments and social service organizations, directing moneys toward not only initial efforts to clear encampments, clean up debris and restore sightlines, but to ongoing work, monitoring, and maintenance of efforts to place individuals in housing, treatment, and services, and to better ensure individuals experiencing homelessness receive needed assistance while sites remain safe and secure for the traveling public.
$180,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for graffiti mitigation operations using spray drone technology.
To the greatest extent practicable, the department shall schedule mowing along state highways to occur after litter pickup has been performed in the area to be mowed. This subsection is not intended to prevent mowing or other similar maintenance activities from being undertaken in the event litter pickup has not been performed.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS—PROGRAM Q—OPERATING
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$6,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for low-cost enhancements. The department shall give priority to low-cost enhancement projects that improve safety or provide congestion relief. By December 15th of each odd-numbered year, the department shall provide a report to the legislature listing all low-cost enhancement projects completed in the prior fiscal biennium.
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During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department shall continue a pilot program that expands private transportation providers' access to high occupancy vehicle lanes. Under the pilot program, when the department reserves a portion of a highway based on the number of passengers in a vehicle, the following vehicles must be authorized to use the reserved portion of the highway if the vehicle has the capacity to carry eight or more passengers, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle: (i) Auto transportation company vehicles regulated under chapter 81.68 RCW; (ii) passenger charter carrier vehicles regulated under chapter 81.70 RCW, except marked or unmarked stretch limousines and stretch sport utility vehicles as defined under department of licensing rules; (iii) private nonprofit transportation provider vehicles regulated under chapter 81.66 RCW; and (iv) private employer transportation service vehicles. For purposes of this subsection, "private employer transportation service" means regularly scheduled, fixed-route transportation service that is offered by an employer for the benefit of its employees. Nothing in this subsection is intended to authorize the conversion of public infrastructure to private, for-profit purposes or to otherwise create an entitlement or other claim by private users to public infrastructure.
The department shall expand the high occupancy vehicle lane access pilot program to vehicles that deliver or collect blood, tissue, or blood components for a blood-collecting or distributing establishment regulated under chapter 70.335 RCW. Under the pilot program, when the department reserves a portion of a highway based on the number of passengers in a vehicle, blood-collecting or distributing establishment vehicles that are clearly and identifiably marked as such on all sides of the vehicle are considered emergency vehicles and must be authorized to use the reserved portion of the highway.
The department shall expand the high occupancy vehicle lane access pilot program to for hire nonemergency medical transportation vehicles, when in use for medical purposes, as described in section 208(17) of this act. Under the pilot program, when the department reserves a portion of a highway based on the number of passengers in a vehicle, nonemergency medical transportation vehicles that meet the requirements identified in section 208(17) of this act must be authorized to use the reserved portion of the highway.
The department shall expand the high occupancy vehicle lane access pilot program to private, for hire vehicles regulated under chapter 81.72 RCW that have been specially manufactured, designed, or modified for the transportation of a person who has a mobility disability and uses a wheelchair or other assistive device. Under the pilot program, when the department reserves a portion of a highway based on the number of passengers in a vehicle, wheelchair-accessible taxicabs that are clearly and identifiably marked as such on all sides of the vehicle are considered public transportation vehicles and must be authorized to use the reserved portion of the highway.
Nothing in this subsection is intended to exempt these vehicles from paying tolls when they do not meet the occupancy requirements established by the department for express toll lanes.
The appropriations in this section assume implementation of additional cost recovery mechanisms to recoup at least $100,000 in credit card and other financial transaction costs related to the collection of fees imposed under RCW 46.17.400, 46.44.090, and 46.44.0941 for driver and vehicle fee transactions beginning January 1, 2023. The department may recover transaction fees incurred through credit card transactions.
The department shall promote safety messages encouraging drivers to slow down and move over and pay attention when emergency lights are flashing on the side of the road and other suitable safety messages on electronic message boards the department operates across the state. The messages must be promoted through June 30, 2027. The department may coordinate such messaging with any statewide public awareness campaigns being developed by the department of licensing or the Washington state traffic safety commission, or both.
$5,000,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to address emergent issues related to safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. Funds may only be spent after approval from the office of financial management. By December 15th of each odd-numbered year, the department shall provide a report to the legislature listing all emergent issues addressed in the prior fiscal biennium.
$10,621,000 of the highway safety account—state appropriation is provided solely for implementation of chapter 17, Laws of 2023 (speed safety cameras). Pursuant to the reporting requirements of RCW 46.63.200(10), the department, in collaboration with the Washington state patrol and the Washington traffic safety commission, must report to the transportation committees of the legislature by July 1, 2027, on the data and efficacy of speed safety camera system use in state highway work zones. A preliminary report on the pilot activities is due to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2025, and must include, but is not limited to: (a) The number of deployments and locations of the speed safety cameras, (b) staffing workload, (c) number of violations issued, (d) detailed expenses incurred by each agency in the pilot, and (e) efficiency measures each agency has taken in operating the pilot program in the most cost-effective manner possible.
$1,279,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation is provided solely for maintenance and operations of the virtual coordination center. The department is encouraged to apply for federal grant funds for the virtual coordination center and may use state funds as a match. By December 1, 2026, the department shall report to the transportation committees of the legislature: (a) Recommendations to expand the center's operations, including specific additional jurisdictions and corridors across the state; and (b) amounts received and dates of receipt of any new cash and in-kind matches from virtual coordination center partners including, but not limited to, the city of Seattle, King county, other state and local jurisdictions, and private sector partners.
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$1,900,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is reappropriated and provided solely for the department, in coordination with the independent review team of the joint transportation committee, to conduct an analysis of highway, road, and freight rail transportation needs, options, and impacts from shifting the movement of freight and goods that currently move by barge through the lower Snake river dams to highways, other roads, and rail, as pursuant to section 217(11)(a), chapter 472, Laws of 2023.
The department shall provide status updates on a quarterly basis in coordination with the joint transportation committee. The department must submit a final report to the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature by December 31, 2026.
Within appropriated amounts, the department shall appoint one full-time equivalent employee each within its traffic management centers in Shoreline and Parkland to watch the traffic monitors for graffiti artist activities on state highway infrastructures. The department shall notify the Washington state patrol upon observing such activities.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT—PROGRAM S
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
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$2,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation and $5,400,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation are provided solely for efforts to increase diversity in the transportation construction workforce through:
The preapprenticeship support services (PASS) and career opportunity maritime preapprenticeship support services (COMPASS) programs, which aim to increase diversity in the highway construction and maritime workforces and prepare individuals interested in entering the highway construction and maritime workforces. In addition to the services allowed under RCW 47.01.435, the PASS and COMPASS programs may provide housing assistance for youth aging out of the foster care and juvenile rehabilitation systems to support their participation in a transportation-related preapprenticeship program and support services to obtain necessary maritime documents and coast guard certification; and
Assisting minority and women-owned businesses to perform work in the highway construction industry.
The department shall report annually to the transportation committees of the legislature on efforts to increase diversity in the transportation construction workforce.
$1,512,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation and $488,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation are provided solely for the department to develop, track, and monitor the progress of community workforce agreements, and to assist with the development and implementation of internal diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and serve as subject matter experts on federal and state civil rights provisions. The department shall engage with relevant stakeholders, and provide a progress report on the implementation of efforts under this subsection to the transportation committees of the legislature and the governor by December 1, 2026.
For Washington state department of transportation small works roster projects under RCW 39.04.155, the department may only allow firms certified as small business enterprises, under 49 C.F.R. 26.39, to bid on the contract, unless the department determines there would be insufficient bidders for a particular project. The department shall report on the effectiveness of this policy to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026.
$6,791,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to complete the transportation reporting and accounting information system to the current cloud version of the software.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, DATA, AND RESEARCH—PROGRAM T
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$140,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the city of Seattle's office of planning and community development to continue to support an equitable development initiative to reconnect the South Park neighborhood, currently divided by state route number 99.
The support work must include:
A public engagement and visioning process led by a neighborhood-based, community organization; and
A feasibility study of decommissioning state route number 99 in the South Park neighborhood to include, but not be limited to, traffic studies, environmental impact analysis, and development of alternatives, including the transfer of the land to a neighborhood-led community land trust.
The support work must be conducted in coordination and partnership with neighborhood residents, neighborhood industrial and commercial representatives, the state department of transportation, and other entities and neighborhoods potentially impacted by changes to the operation of state route number 99.
The city must provide an interim report on progress to date to the Seattle city council, state department of transportation, and the transportation committees of the legislature by June 30, 2025, and a final report that includes recommendations by June 30, 2027.
$1,557,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to upgrade the department's linear referencing system (LRS) and highway performance monitoring system (HPMS).
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$306,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to appoint or designate a liaison to serve as a point of contact and resource for the department, local governments, and project proponents regarding land use decisions and processing development permit applications. The liaison must, as a priority, facilitate and expedite any department decisions required for project approval.
The department must provide a report on the activities and results of the land use liaison during the 2023-2025 biennium, including the number of project approvals expedited and the number of clients served by the liaison. This report is due to the transportation committees of the legislature by November 15, 2025.
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$11,922,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation is provided solely for an Interstate 5 planning and environmental linkage study and a statewide Interstate 5 master plan, building upon existing work under way in the corridor.
The work under (a) of this subsection must include, but is not limited to, the following:
Seismic resiliency planning to refine the level of effort and develop informed cost estimates for the seismic vulnerability analysis;
HOV lane system-wide performance planning and initial steps to launch a pilot project that progresses innovative and emerging technologies;
Interstate 5 corridor planning work, including development of a framework, coordination of corridor needs, development of core evaluation criteria and a prioritization process, and identification of early action priority projects that address safety or resiliency, or both, along the corridor; and
An interim report on the progress of the Interstate 5 master plan to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management by June 30, 2026.
The department shall continue to coordinate planning work focused on the transportation system in western Washington across modes with the goal of maximizing system performance toward the policy goals in RCW 47.04.280 in the most cost-effective manner. This coordination must include, but is not limited to: The Interstate 5 highway corridor, existing rail infrastructure and future high-speed rail alignment, and commercial aviation capacity. The department must report on the status of these planning efforts including, but not limited to, a long-term strategy for addressing resilience of the transportation system in western Washington through consideration of changing demand, modal integration, and preservation needs. The coordinated work must include an analysis of different alternatives to promote system resilience, including performance and cost of each scenario. The report is due to the joint transportation committee by November 1, 2025.
$657,000 of the state route number 520 corridor account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with the University of Washington department of mechanical engineering, to further study measures to reduce noise impacts from the state route number 520 bridge expansion joints. The field testing shall be scheduled during existing construction, maintenance, or other scheduled closures to minimize impacts. The testing must also ensure safety of the traveling public. The study shall examine the types and durability of the materials used to provide noise mitigation and the costs associated with the differing types of materials. A draft report must be submitted to the transportation committees of the legislature and the governor by March 1, 2026. A final report must be submitted to the transportation committees of the legislature and the governor by December 31, 2026.
$2,500,000 of the Interstate 405 and State Route Number 167 Express Toll Lanes Account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to develop an implementation plan for state route number 167 that builds on the SR 167 master plan completed in June 2023. The SR 167 implementation plan must include, but is not limited to, high-level engineering and cost estimating work necessary to update the I-405/SR 167 corridor funding and phasing report that needs to be completed to advance priority project components developed in the SR 167 master plan. The SR 167 implementation plan with recommendations is due to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026.
$4,620,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation is provided solely for work on the road usage charge research project overseen by the Washington state transportation commission using amounts of the federal grant award.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—CHARGES FROM OTHER AGENCIES—PROGRAM U
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Consistent with existing protocol and practices, for any negotiated settlement of a claim against the state for the department that exceeds $5,000,000, the department, in conjunction with the attorney general and the department of enterprise services, shall notify the director of the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature within 30 days.
On August 1, 2025, and semiannually thereafter, the department, in conjunction with the attorney general and the department of enterprise services, shall provide a report with judgments and settlements dealing with the Washington state ferry system to the director of the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature. The report must include information on: (a) The number of claims and settlements by type; (b) the average claim and settlement by type; (c) defense costs associated with those claims and settlements; and (d) information on the impacts of moving legal costs associated with the Washington state ferry system into the statewide self-insurance pool.
On August 1, 2025, and semiannually thereafter, the department, in conjunction with the attorney general and the department of enterprise services, shall provide a report with judgments and settlements dealing with the nonferry operations of the department to the director of the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature. The report must include information on: (a) The number of claims and settlements by type; (b) the average claim and settlement by type; and (c) defense costs associated with those claims and settlements.
When the department identifies significant legal issues that have potential transportation budget implications, the department must initiate a briefing for appropriate legislative members or staff through the office of the attorney general and its legislative briefing protocol.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION—PROGRAM V
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
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$62,698,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation and $78,525,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation are provided solely for a grant program for special needs transportation distributed in accordance with RCW 47.66.150. Fuel type may not be a factor in the grant selection process. For grant awards not yet under contract, as a condition of special needs transportation grants provided pursuant to this subsection, public transportation agencies may not delay, divert, supplant, or suspend the collection of approved local sales and use taxes for the purpose of public transportation during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
$425,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for the reappropriation of amounts provided for this purpose in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium.
The department shall not require more than a 10 percent match from nonprofit transportation providers for state grants.
$33,077,000 of the rural mobility grant program account—state appropriation is provided solely for grants to aid small cities in rural areas as prescribed in RCW 47.66.100. Fuel type may not be a factor in the grant selection process. For grant awards not yet under contract, as a condition of rural mobility transportation grants provided pursuant to this subsection, public transportation agencies may not delay, divert, supplant, or suspend the collection of approved local sales and use taxes for the purpose of public transportation during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
$3,300,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation, $5,700,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation, and $784,000 of the state vehicle parking account—state appropriation are provided solely for CTR grants and activities. Fuel type may not be a factor in the grant selection process. For grant awards not yet under contract, as a condition of CTR grants provided pursuant to this subsection, public transportation agencies may not delay, divert, supplant, or suspend the collection of approved local sales and use taxes for the purpose of public transportation during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
$188,930,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for transit support grants. The department must confirm zero-fare policies are in effect at transit agencies to be eligible for biennial distributions. For grant awards not yet under contract, as a condition of transit support grants provided pursuant to this subsection, public transportation agencies may not delay, divert, supplant, or suspend the collection of approved local sales and use taxes for the purpose of public transportation during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
$1,124,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to provide a statewide vanpool benefit for all state employees. For department employees working in remote job sites, such as mountain passes, the department must ensure employees are able to access job sites via a subsidized vanpool or provide a modal alternative for the "last mile" to ensure employees can access the job site without additional charge.
$500,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for an interagency transfer to the Washington State University extension energy program to administer a technical assistance and education program for public agencies on the use of alternative fuel vehicles. The Washington State University extension energy program shall prepare a report regarding the utilization of the program and submit this report to the transportation committees of the legislature by November 15, 2025.
$600,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to implement certain recommendations from the 2023 frequent transit service study. The department shall define levels and types of demand-response service and measure access to these services within Washington for the purpose of gaining a fuller picture of transit access. The department must collect ongoing transportation data and develop systems to allow for analysis of disparities in access to existing fixed route transit. The data collection should prioritize collecting information on accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities, vulnerable populations in overburdened communities, and other underserved communities. The department shall submit a report on data collection efforts to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management by June 30, 2026.
$100,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for King county metro for a pilot program to provide funds to nonprofit organizations to offer rideshare vouchers to persons who are low-income and people with disabilities who rely on paratransit to get to and from work or medical appointments. King county metro must work with a group who provides dialysis services in King county and with a group who provides employment services and supports to adults with disabilities in the four most populous counties in Washington. The department must submit a report to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature by June 1, 2026. The report must incorporate feedback from participants to the extent possible and evaluate the effectiveness of the program as an alternative to current public transportation programs.
$3,400,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is reappropriated and provided solely for the program described in RCW 47.04.355 to provide clean alternative fuel vehicle use opportunities to underserved communities and low to moderate income members of the workforce not readily served by transit or located in transportation corridors with emissions that exceed federal or state emissions standards.
$250,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for a grant to Pacific Transit to provide veterans with transportation to medical appointments.
$6,000,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for grants to transit agencies for enhanced services between June 1, 2026, and July 30, 2026.
Enhanced services consist of:
Increased frequency on regular routes, creating temporary shuttle services, enhancing on-demand services, increasing frequency of water taxi services, and supporting incentives to encourage transit use; and
Enhancing customer experience by temporarily increasing operations, cleanliness, rider communications, wayfinding, and safety and security.
Of the amounts provided in this subsection the department must distribute:
Forty percent to King County metro;
Twenty percent to public transportation benefit areas and regional transit authorities operating in the four counties making up the largest regional transportation planning organization in the state, distributed proportionally based on agency service hours; and
Twenty percent to other public transit agencies operating in cities named by a world cup organizing committee to host fan zones, excluding agencies already included above, distributed proportionally based on agency service hours.
Agencies must submit their planned expenditures to the department and the Washington State Transit Association for review by December 1, 2025. If any agency does not submit a plan to enhance services consistent with (a) of this subsection, the department must redistribute funding to other transit agencies using the distribution in (b) of this subsection.
$350,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for Pierce county to support public transportation services on the Key Peninsula.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—MARINE—PROGRAM X
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
The office of financial management budget instructions require agencies to recast enacted budgets into activities. The Washington state ferries shall include a greater level of detail in its 2025-2027 supplemental and 2027-2029 omnibus transportation appropriations act requests, as determined jointly by the office of financial management, the Washington state ferries, and the transportation committees of the legislature. This level of detail must include the administrative functions in the operating as well as capital programs. The data in the tables in the report must be supplied in a digital file format.
$75,047,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—federal appropriation and $24,425,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation are provided solely for auto ferry vessel operating fuel in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, which reflect cost savings from a reduced biodiesel fuel requirement and, therefore, is contingent upon the enactment of section 704 of this act. The amount provided in this subsection represents the fuel budget for the purposes of calculating any ferry fare fuel surcharge. The department shall review future use of alternative fuels and dual fuel configurations, including hydrogen.
$500,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for operating costs related to moving vessels for emergency capital repairs. Funds may only be spent after approval by the office of financial management.
The department must work to increase its outreach and recruitment of populations underrepresented in maritime careers and continue working to expand apprenticeship and internship programs, with an emphasis on programs that are shown to improve recruitment for positions with the state ferry system.
$11,962,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Washington state ferries workforce development activities.
During negotiations of the 2027-2029 collective bargaining agreements, (a) the department must identify provisions that create barriers for, or contribute to creating a disparate impact on, newly hired ferry employees, including those who are women, people of color, veterans, and other employees belonging to communities that have historically been underrepresented in the workforce; (b) and the department must create a forum for direct discussion between the governor, labor leadership, the office of financial management and the Washington state ferries to collaboratively identify and resolve compensation and staffing issues, with the goal of service improvements for ferry riders. By January 1, 2027, the department must report to the transportation committees of the legislature on progress in incorporating the finding and recommendations from the December 2022 joint transportation committee study on the Washington state ferries' workforce.
$2,600,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation solely for winter service enhancements in the San Juan Islands. By December 1, 2026, the department must report to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management impacts of the service increase, including but not limited to, ridership impacts and service reliability.
$2,548,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for security services at Colman Dock.
$6,950,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for overtime and familiarization expenses incurred by engine, deck, and terminal staff. The department must provide updated staffing cost estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 with its annual budget submittal and updated estimates by January 1, 2026.
$855,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for a workforce development pilot at the Seattle Maritime Academy for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. Amounts provided in this subsection must be utilized for programs that are a benefit to the Washington state ferries or the prospective workforce pipeline of the Washington state ferries. Funding may not be expended until Washington state ferries certifies to the office of financial management that a memorandum of agreement with Seattle Central Community College has been executed.
The memorandum of agreement with Seattle Central Community College must address:
Prioritized use of training and other facilities and implementation of joint training opportunities for Washington state ferries' employees and trainees;
Development of a joint recruitment plan with Seattle Central Community College aimed at increasing enrollment of women and people of color, with specific strategies to recruit existing community and technical college students, maritime skills center students, high school students from maritime programs, including maritime skills center students, foster care graduates, and former juvenile rehabilitation and adult incarcerated individuals; and
Consultation between the parties on the development of the training program, recruitment plan and operational plan, with an emphasis on increasing enrollment of women and people of color.
Washington state ferries must submit the joint training and recruitment plan to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature and the office of financial management by December 1, 2025. The Washington state ferries must submit findings of program effectiveness and recommendations for continuation of the pilot, to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the office of financial management by December 1, 2025.
By December 31st of each year, as part of the annual ferries division performance report, the department must report on the status of efforts to increase the staff available for maintaining the customary level of ferry service, including staff for deck, engine, and terminals. The report must include data for a 12-month period up to the most recent data available, by staff group, showing the number of employees at the beginning of the 12-month period, the number of new employees hired, the number of employees separating from service, and the number of employees at the end of the 12-month period. The department report on additional performance measures must include:
Numbers of trip cancellations due to crew availability or vessel mechanical issues;
Current average monthly level of service compared to the average monthly full-service schedules in effect in 2019; and
Retention rates of employees who have completed on the job workforce development programs and overall employee retention rates.
$15,500,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to increase deck and engine positions across the system, prioritizing positions that will mitigate crew related cancellations and reduce overtime expenditures. The department must include an update on the number of positions hired and the monthly staffing levels by job class as well at planned for staffing levels as part of the annual performance report.
$2,757,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for temporary expanded weekday midday King county water taxi service support to and from Vashon Island through Labor Day 2026.
$3,541,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for support of the Kitsap transit passenger ferry to supplement service on the Seattle-Bremerton route through Labor Day 2026.
The appropriations in this section assume implementation of additional cost recovery mechanisms to recoup at least three percent in credit card and other financial transaction costs related to the collection of ferry fares imposed under RCW 47.60.290 and 47.60.315 beginning October 1, 2025. The department may recover transaction fees incurred through credit card transactions. The Washington state ferries must notify customers of the fee at the point of sale and itemize the fee on customer receipts.
$375,000 of the Puget Sound ferry operations account—state appropriation is provided solely for the implementation of chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Substitute House Bill No. 1264) (ferry system salaries). If chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (Substitute House Bill No. 1264) is not enacted by June 30, 2025, the amount provided in this subsection lapses.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—RAIL—PROGRAM Y—OPERATING
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
The department must report to the legislature annually on its ongoing efforts to provide high quality intercity passenger rail service, to align planning efforts for continued growth and on-time performance improvements, and to implement service enhancements, including the delivery and use of new trainsets. Status reports on these efforts must be provided to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management by December 1, 2025, and December 1, 2026.
$200,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with the Pacific Northwest economic region to support the department as it undertakes a comprehensive outreach and engagement process to support intercity passenger rail planning efforts by enhancing department outreach activities through the solicitation of feedback regarding critical areas of passenger rail planning efforts including, but not limited to, ridership, revenue, economic development, environmental stewardship, transportation system resiliency, and long-term viability of the Amtrak Cascades service. Department outreach and engagement activities shall be conducted as part of the state rail plan update and Amtrak Cascades service development plan work. The department shall collaborate with the Pacific Northwest economic region to solicit input from a broad range of audiences to support plan development through venues such as PNWER Greater Northwest Rail Summits, open houses, and webinars.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—LOCAL PROGRAMS—PROGRAM Z—OPERATING
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$500,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for development, administration, program management, and evaluation of the federal fund exchange pilot program.
$750,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for a grant program to support local initiatives that expand or establish civilian intervention programs for nonmoving violations, focusing on nonpunitive interventions such as helmet voucher programs, fee offset programs, fix-it tickets, and repair vouchers that provide solutions for vehicle equipment failures for low-income road users.
Grants must be awarded to local jurisdictions based on locally developed proposals to establish or expand existing programs, including programs with community led organizations. Eligible jurisdictions under the grant program include cities, counties, tribal government entities, tribal organizations, law enforcement agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
The department shall report on its website by December 1st of each year on the recipients, locations, and types of projects funded under this subsection.
$1,526,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely to help support the Wahkiakum ferry operation.
$275,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely to support Pierce, Skagit, Whatcom, and Wahkiakum county ferries with youth zero-fare policies.
$150,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to fund one full-time equivalent liaison position within the local program multiagency permit program. The department shall provide a report with an update on activities in the program to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026.
$70,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with the Puget Sound harbor committee to support the development of the Puget Sound harbor safety plan.
$60,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to contract with the sailors union of the pacific for scholarship funding for a certified basic training program at a maritime academy. One of the expected outcomes is an increase in the number of trained maritime individuals to help address the personnel needs of the state ferry system and other maritime industry employers.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—CLEAN FUELS CREDIT PROGRAM
The department of transportation, with the assistance of designated staff in the department, must register for the clean fuels credit program and start tracking revenue generation pursuant to chapter 70A.535 RCW for investments funded in an omnibus transportation appropriations act. The omnibus transportation appropriations act anticipates credits for ferry electrification for new hybrid electric vessels, active transportation, transit programs and projects, alternative fuel infrastructure, connecting communities, and multimodal investments.
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
The appropriation in this section is subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$3,376,000 of the state patrol highway account—state appropriation is provided solely for the following projects:
$500,000 is for emergency repairs;
$800,000 is for roof replacements;
$120,000 is for vehicle identification number inspection shelters;
$800,000 is for generator and electrical replacement.
The Washington state patrol may transfer funds between projects specified in subsection (1) of this section to address cash flow requirements.
If a project specified in subsection (1) of this section is completed for less than the amount provided, the remainder may be transferred to another project specified in subsection (1) of this section not to exceed the total appropriation provided in subsection (1) of this section after notifying the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature 20 days before any transfer.
By December 1, 2025, the Washington state patrol shall provide its capital improvement and preservation plan for agency facilities to the appropriate committees of the legislature.
FOR THE COUNTY ROAD ADMINISTRATION BOARD
FOR THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—FACILITIES—PROGRAM D—(DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION-ONLY PROJECTS)—CAPITAL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
$4,025,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for payments of a financing contract issued pursuant to chapter 39.94 RCW for the department facility located at 15700 Dayton Ave N in Shoreline. All payments from the department of ecology pursuant to the agreement with the department to pay a share of the financing contract for this facility must be deposited into the motor vehicle account.
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$10,164,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to improve its ability to keep facility assets in a state of good repair. In using the funds appropriated in this subsection, the department, with periodic reporting to the joint transportation committee, must develop and implement a prioritization of facility capital preservation needs and repair projects. The legislature intends these to be reasonable, forward-thinking investments that consider potential future space efficiency measures and consolidations, including those assessed as having high commercial value and potential returns to state transportation funds associated with the sale of the property. Prioritization must be based on, but not limited to, the following criteria: (i) Employee safety and facility security; (ii) state and federal regulatory and statutory requirements and compliance issues, including clean buildings requirements; (iii) quality of work issues; (iv) facility condition assessment evaluations and scoring; (v) asset preservation; and (vi) amount of operational support provided by the facility to the achievement of the department's performance measures and outcomes, including facility utilization based on field operations work supported at the location. "Field operations" include maintenance, transportation operations, materials testing, and construction.
By October 15, 2025, covering the first 15 months of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department must provide a report based on the prioritization of facility preservation needs and repair projects developed pursuant to (a) of this subsection to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature. The report must include: (i) A by facility ranking based on the criteria implemented; (ii) detailed information on the actions taken in the previous period to address the identified issues and deficiencies; and (iii) the plan, by facility, to address issues and deficiencies for the remainder of the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium.
The by facility ranking developed under (b) of this subsection must be the basis of an agency budget submittal for the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—IMPROVEMENTS—PROGRAM I
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire connecting Washington account—state appropriation, the entire move ahead WA account—federal appropriation, the entire move ahead WA account—state appropriation, and the entire transportation partnership account—state appropriation are provided solely for the projects and activities as listed by fund, project, and amount in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-1 as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Highway Improvements Program (I). However, limited transfers of specific line-item project appropriations may occur between projects for those amounts listed subject to the conditions and limitations in section 601 of this act.
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire motor vehicle account—state appropriation and motor vehicle account—federal appropriation are provided solely for the projects and activities listed in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Highway Improvements Program (I). Any federal funds gained through efficiencies, adjustments to the federal funds forecast, or the federal funds redistribution process must then be applied to highway and bridge preservation activities.
Within the motor vehicle account—state appropriation and motor vehicle account—federal appropriation, the department may transfer appropriation authority between programs I and P, except for appropriation authority that is otherwise restricted in this act, as follows:
Ten days prior to any transfer, the department must submit its request to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature and consider any concerns raised.
The director of the office of financial management must first provide written authorization for such transfer to the department and the transportation committees of the legislature.
The department shall submit a report on appropriation authority transferred in the prior fiscal year using this subsection as part of the department's annual budget submittal.
The connecting Washington account—state appropriation includes up to $1,703,027,000 in proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.889.
The Puget Sound Gateway Facility account—state appropriation includes up to $26,511,000 in proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.896.
The Interstate 405 and state route number 167 express toll lanes account—state appropriation includes up to $376,158,000 in proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.896.
The move ahead WA account—state appropriation includes up to $708,000,000 in proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.873.
The department shall itemize all future requests for the construction of buildings on a project list and submit them through the transportation executive information system as part of the department's annual budget submittal. It is the intent of the legislature that new facility construction must be transparent and not appropriated within larger highway construction projects.
The legislature continues to prioritize the replacement of the state's aging infrastructure and recognizes the importance of reusing and recycling construction aggregate and recycled concrete materials in our transportation system. To accomplish Washington state's sustainability goals in transportation and in accordance with RCW 70A.205.700, the legislature reaffirms its determination that recycled concrete aggregate and other transportation building materials are natural resource construction materials that are too valuable to be wasted and landfilled, and are a commodity as defined in WAC 173-350-100.
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$54,334,000 of the coronavirus state fiscal recovery fund—federal appropriation, $118,178,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation, $112,263,000 of the connecting Washington account—state appropriation, $796,352,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation, $108,621,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation, and $2,698,000 of the motor vehicle account—private/local appropriation are provided solely for the Fish Passage Barrier Removal project (0BI4001) with the intent of fully complying with the federal U.S. v. Washington court injunction by 2030.
Appropriations may be used to jointly leverage state and local funds for match requirements in applying for competitive federal aid grants provided in the infrastructure investment and jobs act for removals of fish passage barriers under the national culvert removal, replacement, and restoration program. State funds used for the purpose described in this subsection must not compromise full compliance with the court injunction by 2030.
The department shall coordinate with the Brian Abbott fish passage barrier removal board to use a watershed approach by replacing both state and local culverts guided by the principle of providing the greatest fish habitat gain at the earliest time. The department shall deliver high habitat value fish passage barrier corrections that it has identified, guided by the following factors: Opportunity to bundle projects, tribal priorities, ability to leverage investments by others, presence of other barriers, project readiness, culvert conditions, other transportation projects in the area, and transportation impacts. The department and Brian Abbott fish barrier removal board must provide updates on the implementation of the statewide culvert remediation plan to the legislature by November 1, 2025, and June 1, 2026.
The department must keep track of, for each barrier removed: (i) The location; (ii) the amount of fish habitat gain; and (iii) the amount spent to comply with the injunction.
During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department shall semi-annually provide reports of the amounts of federal funding received for this project to the governor and transportation committees of the legislature.
With respect to right-of-way acquisition and the construction of the SR 3 Freight Corridor project (T30400R), tribal consultation with the Suquamish tribe shall begin at the earliest stage of planning, including without limitation on all funding decisions and funding programs, to provide a government-to-government mechanism for the tribe to evaluate, identify, and expressly notify governmental entities of any potential impacts to tribal cultural resources, archaeological sites, sacred sites, fisheries, or other rights and interests in tribal lands and lands within which the tribe possesses rights reserved or protected by federal treaty, statute, or executive order. The consultation is independent of, and in addition to, any public participation process required under state law, or by a state agency, including the requirements of Executive Order 21-02 related to archaeological and cultural resources, and regardless of whether the agency receives a request for consultation from the Suquamish tribe. Regularly scheduled tribal consultation meetings with the Suquamish tribe shall continue throughout the duration of any funding or program decisions and proposed project approval.
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$134,500,000 of the move ahead WA account—federal appropriation, $223,250,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation, and $223,250,000 of the move ahead WA account—private/local appropriation are provided solely for the I-5 Columbia river bridge project (L4000054). The legislature finds that the replacement of the I-5 Columbia river bridge is a project of national significance and is critical for the movement of freight. One span is now more than 105 years old, at risk for collapse in the event of a major earthquake, and no longer satisfies the needs of commerce and travel. Replacing the aging interstate bridge with a modern, seismically resilient, multimodal structure that provides improved mobility for people, goods, and services is a high priority. The legislature intends to support the replacement of the I-5 Columbia river bridge with an investment of $1,000,000,000.
The department shall provide regular updates on the status of ongoing coordination with the state of Oregon on any bistate agreements regarding sharing of revenues, use of revenues, and fiscal responsibilities of each state. Prior to finalizing any such agreement, the department shall provide a draft of the agreement to the transportation committees of the legislature for review and input. Additionally, the department shall continue to advise quarterly on the status of any bistate agreements to the joint transportation committee until any agreements are finalized.
$185,484,000 of the connecting Washington account—state appropriation, $1,527,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation, $28,103,000 of the motor vehicle account—private/local appropriation, $212,157,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation, $213,513,000 of the move ahead WA account—federal appropriation, $217,959,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation, $212,157,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation, and $43,434,000 of the Puget Sound gateway facility account—state appropriation are provided solely for the SR 167/SR 509 Puget Sound Gateway project (M00600R).
Any savings on the project must stay on the Puget Sound Gateway corridor until the project is complete.
In making budget allocations to the Puget Sound Gateway project, the department shall implement the project's construction as a single corridor investment. The department shall continue to collaborate with the affected stakeholders as it implements the corridor construction and implementation plan for state route number 167 and state route number 509. Specific funding allocations must be based on where and when specific project segments are ready for construction to move forward and investments can be best optimized for timely project completion. Emphasis must be placed on avoiding gaps in fund expenditures for either project.
The entire multimodal transportation account—state appropriation in this subsection is for:
The design phase of the Puyallup to Tacoma multiuse trail along the state route number 167 right-of-way acquired for the project to connect a network of new and existing trails from Mount Rainier to Point Defiance Park; and
Segment 2 of the state route number 167 completion project shared-use path to provide connections to the interchange of state route number 167 at 54th to the intersection of state route number 509 and Taylor Way in Tacoma.
$15,988,000 of the connecting Washington account—state appropriation is provided solely for the SR 224/Red Mountain Vicinity Improvement project (L1000291). The department shall provide funding to the city of West Richland to complete the project within the project scope identified by the legislature and within the total amount provided by the legislature. The pathway in the project is planned to begin at milepost 3.15 and end at milepost 7.48. The department shall not amend the project's scope of work to add pavement preservation on state route number 224 from the West Richland city limits to Antinori Road.
With respect to the SR 520 Seattle Corridor Improvements - West End project (M00400R), upon completion of the Montlake Phase of the West End project, the department shall sell or transfer that portion of the property not necessary for transportation purposes and shall initiate a process to convey or transfer such portion of the surplus property to a subsequent owner.
$304,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation and $24,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation are provided solely for the SR 900 Safety Improvements project (L2021118). The department must: (a) Work in collaboration with King county and the Skyway coalition to align community assets, transportation infrastructure needs, and initial design for safety improvements along state route number 900; and (b) work with the Skyway coalition to lead community planning engagement and active transportation activities.
$17,500,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation is provided solely for a federal fund exchange pilot program. The pilot program must allow exchanges of federal surface transportation block grant population funding and state funds at an exchange rate of 95 cents in state funds per $1.00 in federal funds. The projects receiving the exchanged federal funds must adhere to all federal requirements, including the applicable disadvantaged business enterprise goals. The entirety of the appropriation in this subsection must be held in unallotted status until surface transportation block grant population funding has been offered to the state, and the department determines that a federalized project or projects funded in this section is eligible to spend the surface transportation block grant population funding. $22,000,000 from existing state appropriations identified elsewhere within this section are available to be used as part of the exchange. Upon determination that a project or projects funded in this section is eligible to spend the offered surface transportation block grant population funding, state funds appropriated in this section for the eligible state project or projects in an amount equal to 100 percent of the offered surface transportation block grant population funding must be placed in unallotted status. The legislature intends to evaluate the utility and efficacy of the pilot program in the 2027 legislative session while reappropriating any remaining funds into the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium. Therefore, the department may issue additional calls for projects with any remaining funds provided in this subsection.
$12,800,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation is provided solely for the I-5 Nisqually Delta project (L4000008).
$1,548,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation, $5,229,000 of the connecting Washington account—state appropriation, and $10,416,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation are provided solely for the SR 522/Paradise Lk Rd Interchange & Widening on SR 522 (Design/Engineering) project (NPARADI), specifically for design of, preliminary engineering, and right-of-way acquisition for the interchange and widening as a single project. The department must consider reserving portions of state route number 522, including designated lanes or ramps, for the exclusive or preferential use of public transportation vehicles, privately owned buses, motorcycles, private motor vehicles carrying not less than a specified number of passengers, or private transportation provider vehicles pursuant to RCW 47.52.025.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PRESERVATION—PROGRAM P
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire connecting Washington account—state appropriation, the entire move ahead WA account—federal appropriation, the entire move ahead WA account—state appropriation, and the entire transportation partnership account—state appropriation are provided solely for the projects and activities as listed by fund, project, and amount in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-1 as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Highway Preservation Program (P). However, limited transfers of specific line-item project appropriations may occur between projects for those amounts listed subject to the conditions and limitations in section 601 of this act.
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire motor vehicle account—state appropriation and motor vehicle account—federal appropriation are provided solely for the projects and activities listed in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Highway Preservation Program (P). Any federal funds gained through efficiencies, adjustments to the federal funds forecast, or the federal funds redistribution process must then be applied to highway and bridge preservation activities.
Within the motor vehicle account—state appropriation and motor vehicle account—federal appropriation, the department may transfer appropriation authority between programs I and P, except for appropriation authority that is otherwise restricted in this act, as follows:
Ten days prior to any transfer, the department must submit its request to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature and consider any concerns raised.
The director of the office of financial management must first provide written authorization for such transfer to the department and the transportation committees of the legislature.
The department shall submit a report on appropriation authority transferred in the prior fiscal year using this subsection as part of the department's annual budget submittal.
The legislature continues to prioritize the replacement of the state's aging infrastructure and recognizes the importance of reusing and recycling construction aggregate and recycled concrete materials in our transportation system. To accomplish Washington state's sustainability goals in transportation and in accordance with RCW 70A.205.700, the legislature reaffirms its determination that recycled concrete aggregate and other transportation building materials are natural resource construction materials that are too valuable to be wasted and landfilled, and are a commodity as defined in WAC 173-350-100.
$6,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for extraordinary costs incurred from litigation awards, settlements, or dispute mitigation activities not eligible for funding from the self-insurance fund (L2000290). The amount provided in this subsection must be held in unallotted status until the department submits a request to the office of financial management that includes documentation detailing litigation-related expenses. The office of financial management may release the funds only when it determines that all other funds designated for litigation awards, settlements, and dispute mitigation activities have been exhausted.
Within the connecting Washington account—state appropriation, the department may transfer funds from Highway System Preservation (L1100071) to other preservation projects listed in the LEAP transportation document identified in subsection (1) of this section, if it is determined necessary for completion of these high priority preservation projects. The department's next budget submittal after using this subsection must appropriately reflect the transfer.
The appropriations in this section include funding for starting planning, engineering, and construction of the Elwha River bridge replacement. To the greatest extent practicable, the department shall maintain public access on the existing route.
$17,500,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation is provided solely for a federal fund exchange pilot program. The pilot program must allow exchanges of federal surface transportation block grant population funding and state funds at an exchange rate of 95 cents in state funds per $1.00 in federal funds. The projects receiving the exchanged federal funds must adhere to all federal requirements, including the applicable disadvantaged business enterprise goals. The entirety of the appropriation in this subsection must be held in unallotted status until surface transportation block grant population funding has been offered to the state and the department determines that a federalized project or projects funded in this section is eligible to spend the surface transportation block grant population funding. $22,000,000 from existing state appropriations identified elsewhere within this section are available to be used as part of the exchange. Upon determination that a project or projects funded in this section is eligible to spend the offered surface transportation block grant population funding, state funds appropriated in this section for the eligible state project or projects in an amount equal to 100 percent of the offered surface transportation block grant population funding must be placed in unallotted status. The legislature intends to evaluate the utility and efficacy of the pilot program in the 2027 legislative session while reappropriating any remaining funds into the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium. Therefore, the department may issue additional calls for projects with any remaining funds provided in this subsection.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS—PROGRAM Q—CAPITAL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations: $5,621,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation, $6,500,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation, and $635,000 of the motor vehicle account—private/local appropriation are provided solely for Programmatic Investment for Traffic Operations Capital projects (000005Q). By December 15th of each odd-numbered year, the department shall provide a report to the legislature listing all traffic operations capital project investments completed in the prior fiscal biennium.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION—PROGRAM V—CAPITAL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire appropriations in this section are provided solely for the projects and activities as listed in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Public Transportation Program (V).
$1,673,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the reappropriation of amounts provided for a public transit rideshare grant program in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium.
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$37,845,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for new regional mobility grant program projects proposed for funding for the 2025-2027 biennium in the 2025-2027 regional mobility grant program prioritized project list provided to the legislature pursuant to RCW 47.66.030. It is the intent of the legislature to provide $30,870,000 of funding in the 2027-2029 biennium for the completion of those projects. $38,937,000 of the regional mobility grant program account—state appropriation is provided solely for regional mobility grant projects identified in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Public Transportation Program (V). $58,447,000 of the regional mobility grant program account—state appropriation is provided solely for the reappropriation of amounts provided for this purpose in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium. The department shall review all projects receiving grant awards under this program at least semiannually to determine whether the projects are making satisfactory progress. Any project that has been awarded funds, but does not report activity on the project within one year of the grant award, must be reviewed by the department to determine whether the grant should be terminated. The department shall provide annual status reports on December 15, 2025, and December 15, 2026, to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature regarding the projects receiving the grants.
In order to be eligible to receive a grant under (a) of this subsection during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, a transit agency must maintain a process for private transportation providers to apply for the use of park and ride facilities. For purposes of this subsection, (i) "private transportation provider" means: An auto transportation company regulated under chapter 81.68 RCW; a passenger charter carrier regulated under chapter 81.70 RCW, except marked or unmarked stretch limousines and stretch sport utility vehicles as defined under department of licensing rules; a private nonprofit transportation provider regulated under chapter 81.66 RCW; or a private employer transportation service provider; and (ii) "private employer transportation service" means regularly scheduled, fixed-route transportation service that is offered by an employer for the benefit of its employees. For grant awards not yet under contract, as a condition of regional mobility grants provided pursuant to (a) of this subsection, public transportation agencies may not delay, divert, supplant, or suspend the collection of approved local sales and use taxes for the purpose of public transportation during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department shall consider applications submitted by regional transportation planning organizations and metropolitan planning organizations for the regional mobility grant program funding in the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium.
$11,189,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for connecting Washington transit projects. Of the amounts provided in this subsection, $3,407,000 is for the reappropriation of amounts provided for this purpose in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium. Entities identified to receive funding in the LEAP document referenced in this section receive the amounts specified in the time frame specified in that LEAP document. If an entity has already completed a project in the LEAP document referenced in this section before the time frame identified, the entity may substitute another transit project or projects that cost a similar or lesser amount.
$2,058,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation and $50,799,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation are provided solely for green transportation capital projects identified in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Public Transportation Program (V). Of the amounts provided in this subsection, the entire multimodal transportation account amount and $18,536,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account amount are for the reappropriation of amounts provided for this purpose in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium. Of the amount of carbon emissions reduction account funds appropriated in this subsection, in addition to $544,000, up to one percent may be used for program administration and staffing. For grant awards not yet under contract, as a condition of green transportation capital grants provided pursuant to this subsection, public transportation agencies may not delay, divert, supplant, or suspend the collection of approved local sales and use taxes for the purpose of public transportation during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
$12,232,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for move ahead WA tribal transit grant projects. Of the amounts provided in this subsection, $1,635,000 is for the reappropriation of amounts provided for this purpose in the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium. $100,000 of the amount provided in this subsection may be used for program administration and staffing. Grants to federally recognized tribes may be for any transit purpose, including planning, operating costs, maintenance, and capital costs. By December 1, 2026 the department must submit a prioritized list to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature of new projects totaling no more than $5,762,000.
$11,800,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is reappropriated and provided solely for the following projects:
Base Refurbish & Expansion for Growth/Columbia County Public Transportation (L4000182);
Kitsap Transit: Design & Shore Power (G2000115);
Pierce Transit - Meridian (L2021197); and
King County Metro South Annex Base - Electrification Elements (L4000174).
For grant awards not yet under contract, as a condition of bus and bus facility grants identified in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Public Transportation Program (V), public transportation agencies may not delay, divert, supplant, or suspend the collection of approved local sales and use taxes for the purpose of public transportation during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES CONSTRUCTION—PROGRAM W
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire appropriations in this section are provided solely for the projects and activities as listed in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Washington State Ferries Capital Program (W).
$5,000,000 of the Puget Sound capital construction account—state appropriation is provided solely for emergency capital repair costs (999910K). Funds may only be spent after approval by the office of financial management.
$6,000,000 of the Puget Sound capital construction account—state appropriation is provided solely for modernization of the ticketing and reservation system (990052C).
The capital vessel replacement account—state appropriation includes up to $147,000,000 in proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.873.
For the 2025-2027 biennium, the marine division shall provide to the office of financial management and the legislative transportation committees the following reports on ferry capital projects:
On a semiannual basis the report must include a status update on projects with funding provided in this section including, but not limited to, the following:
Anticipated cost increases and cost savings;
Anticipated cash flow and schedule changes; and
Explanations for the changes.
On an annual basis, the report must include a status update on vessel and terminal preservation and improvement plans including, but not limited to, the following: (i) What work has been done; (ii) how have schedules shifted; and (iii) associated changes in funding among projects, accompanied by explanations for the changes.
On an annual basis, the report must include an update on the implementation of the maintenance management system with recommendations for using the system to improve the efficiency of project reporting under this subsection.
The legislature intends to reassess funding for the Bainbridge Island and Kingston terminal electrification projects based on progression of the electrification program and future recommendations of the department.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—RAIL—PROGRAM Y—CAPITAL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire appropriations in this section are provided solely for the projects and activities as listed by project and amount in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Rail Program (Y).
$1,500,000 of the transportation infrastructure account—state appropriation is provided solely for new low-interest loans approved by the department through the freight rail investment bank (FRIB) program. The department shall issue FRIB program loans with a repayment period of no more than 15 years, and charge only so much interest as is necessary to recoup the department's costs to administer the loans. The department shall report annually to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management on all FRIB loans issued.
$5,000,000 of the transportation infrastructure account—state appropriation is provided solely for a low-interest loan for the Port of Longview Rail Corridor Expansion project (L1000347) to accommodate current and future port cargo-handling needs. The low-interest loan must comply with the requirements of RCW 47.76.460(2).
$6,899,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for new statewide emergent freight rail assistance projects identified in the LEAP transportation document referenced in subsection (1) of this section.
The department shall issue a call for projects for the freight rail assistance program, and shall evaluate the applications in a manner consistent with past practices as specified in section 309, chapter 367, Laws of 2011. By November 15, 2026, the department shall submit a prioritized list of recommended projects to the office of financial management and the transportation committees of the legislature.
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$2,842,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation and $25,076,000 of the multimodal transportation account—federal appropriation are provided solely to support the department's continued work on a service development plan for a new ultra high-speed ground transportation corridor under the federal corridor identification and development program (L2021074). The department may not move forward with programmatic environmental review, or any other activities related to the federal corridor identification and development program, unless authorized to do so by the legislature.
The department must coordinate with the chairs and ranking members of the transportation committees of the legislature to provide periodic updates and check-in points on progress made over the course of the biennium, with updates available no less frequently than semiannually, and must include written status updates to be provided with sufficient time for review prior to any update meetings held. An annual report on ultra high-speed ground transportation corridor identification and development program efforts must be provided to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management by December 1, 2025 and December 1, 2026.
$18,731,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation, $54,785,000 of the multimodal transportation account—federal appropriation, and $326,000 of the motor vehicle account—local appropriation are provided solely for rehabilitation of the Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad (L4000079).
$5,277,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely to fund a zero emission drayage truck demonstration project (L1000324) at Northwest Seaport Alliance facilities.
$27,500,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely to fund a zero emission shore power infrastructure demonstration project at Northwest Seaport Alliance facilities (L1000325). Local funds sufficient to fully fund this project must be contributed to the project, and any agreements required for the project must be secured.
$2,600,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely to fund the replacement of two Tacoma rail diesel-electric switcher locomotives with zero emission battery-electric switcher locomotives and to install on-site charging equipment at a Tacoma rail facility (L1000327). Local funds sufficient to fully fund this project must be contributed to the project, and any agreements required for the project must be secured.
$26,200,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for port electrification competitive grants (L2021182). All public ports are eligible to receive funds under this subsection. A port seeking to use funds under this subsection to install shore power must adopt a policy that requires vessels that dock at the port facility to use shore power if such vessel is capable of using such power and when such power is available at the port facility.
$1,000,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for port electrification at the port of Bremerton (L1000337), which may include the purchase and installation of zero emission port shore power systems and other zero emission infrastructure, equipment, and technology.
$1,219,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for port electrification at the port of Anacortes (L1000338), which may include the purchase and installation of zero emission port shore power systems and other zero emission infrastructure, equipment, and technology.
$19,500,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Puyallup Tribe Port Electrification project (L1000346).
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$3,600,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Cascades corridor delivery program for advancing the Cascades corridor (R00003A), including through planning and project development activities conducted as part of the federal corridor identification and development program. The department must continue to pursue funding opportunities for the Cascades corridor through the corridor identification and development program and the federal-state partnership programs at the federal rail administration. The department must notify the office of the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature of funding opportunities from the programs and any corresponding state match needs.
In conducting project development work, including as part of the federal corridor identification and development program, and for future efforts as part of the federal-state partnership for intercity passenger rail grant program, the department shall emphasize the need to prioritize the improvement of intercity passenger rail through data-driven analyses that aim to fully leverage opportunities for federal funding for public intercity passenger rail to drive transformative improvements in trip speed, reliability, and frequency to make traveling by rail along this corridor more convenient and accessible to the traveling public.
The department shall emphasize achieving ambitious goals in the following areas as part of this project development work:
Service reliability: Increasing on-time performance with a goal of minimum trip reliability of 88 percent on-time performance in accordance with the executed service outcome agreement.
Service frequencies: Increasing service frequencies consistent with forecasted market and ridership demand sufficiently to facilitate convenient use by the public intercity passenger rail as a competitive alternative to other modes of transportation.
Speeds: Increasing speeds to shorten travel times through consideration of major infrastructure investments to raise speeds to maximum operating speeds where feasible. The department shall engage with host railroads and infrastructure owners on increasing speeds beyond current maximum operating speeds.
Improvements to first and last-mile connections: Creating improved multimodal connectivity to other transportation options at stations.
Emission reductions: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with state goals.
The department shall report to the transportation committees of the legislature, as well as to the joint transportation committee, by December 1, 2025, and by December 1, 2026, on analyses conducted and progress made to achieve the benefits identified in (c) of this subsection, and shall include information on how this progress can contribute to development of a compelling and ambitious vision for the future of public intercity passenger rail that can be effectively communicated to the public.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—LOCAL PROGRAMS—PROGRAM Z—CAPITAL
The appropriations in this section are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
Except as provided otherwise in this section, the entire appropriations in this section are provided solely for the projects and activities as listed by project and amount in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Local Programs Program (Z), except that: An additional $6,600,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail 'Bellevue Gap' project (L4000152); an additional $5,500,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Maple Valley Pedestrian Bridge over SR 169 project (L2021093); an additional $2,500,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Bradley Road Safe Routes Pedestrian Improvements project (L4000143); an additional $10,206,000 of the connecting Washington account—state appropriation is provided solely for the North Lewis County Industrial Access project (N400526I); an additional $44,660,000 of the connecting Washington account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Aberdeen US 12 Highway-Rail Separation project (L1000331); an additional $10,000,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Poplar Way Bridge project (L4000102); and the scope for the SR 520 & 148th Avenue NE Bicycle/Pedestrian Crossing project (L2021047) must be modified to address priority multimodal safety and access improvements in the Overlake area and provide multimodal connectivity to services for residents and workers in the area.
The amounts identified in the LEAP transportation document referenced under subsection (1) of this section for pedestrian safety/safe routes to school are as follows:
$38,380,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation and $43,372,000 of the climate active transportation account—state appropriation are provided solely for pedestrian and bicycle safety program projects (L2000188 and L1000335). Of the amount of climate active transportation account funds appropriated in this subsection, up to one percent may be used for program administration and staffing.
$16,933,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation, $53,139,000 of the climate active transportation account—state appropriation, and $13,321,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation are provided solely for safe routes to school projects (L2000189 and L1000334). Of the amount of climate active transportation account funds appropriated in this subsection, up to one percent may be used for program administration and staffing.
For future rounds of grant selection, the department must continue efforts to increase geographic diversity of jurisdictions consistent with the requirements of the healthy environment for all (HEAL) act.
$18,781,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for connecting Washington bicycle and pedestrian projects listed in the LEAP transportation document referenced in subsection (1) of this section.
$35,528,000 of the motor vehicle account—federal appropriation is provided solely for acceleration of local preservation projects that ensure the reliable movement of freight on the national highway freight system (G2000100). The department will select projects as part of its update of the state freight plan, in consultation with the freight mobility strategic investment board and other stakeholders.
$22,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation is provided solely for a federal fund exchange pilot program. The pilot program will allow exchanges of federal surface transportation block grant population funding and state funds at an exchange rate of 95 cents in state funds per $1.00 in federal funds. The entirety of the appropriation in this subsection must be held in unallotted status until: Surface transportation block grant population funding has been offered to the state, the department determines that a federalized project or projects funded in section 305 or 306 of this act is eligible to spend the surface transportation block grant population funding, and state funds appropriated in section 305 or 306 of this act for the eligible state project or projects in an amount equal to 100 percent of the offered surface transportation block grant population funding have been placed in unallotted status. A report on the effectiveness of the exchange program, the total estimated cost of program administration, and recommendations for continuing the pilot program is due to the governor and transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026.
$66,442,000 of the move ahead WA account—state appropriation, $29,900,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation, and $75,000,000 of the motor vehicle account—state appropriation are provided solely for new move ahead WA road and highway projects listed in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Local Programs Program (Z).
$57,154,000 of the climate active transportation account—state appropriation and $39,675,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account are provided solely for move ahead WA pedestrian and bike projects listed in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, Program - Local Programs Program (Z).
$27,200,000 of the climate active transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the statewide school-based bicycle education grant program (L1000309). The department may partner with a statewide nonprofit to deliver programs.
$33,200,000 of the climate active transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Sandy Williams connecting communities pilot program (L1000308) to deliver projects to reconnect communities that have been bifurcated by state highways. Priority must be given to historically marginalized or overburdened communities. The department may consult with the Cooper Jones active transportation safety council to identify geographic locations where there are high incidences of serious injuries and fatalities of active transportation users among vulnerable populations.
$5,100,000 of the move ahead WA flexible account—state appropriation is provided solely for development of an applied sustainable aviation evaluation center (L2021135). Snohomish county, in partnership with Washington State University, shall plan and establish facilities to evaluate, qualify or certify, and research technologies that can minimize the impact of aviation on human health and the environment. Funds may be used for, but are not limited to, planning, construction, and land acquisition for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) qualification testing (ASTM D4054), research on the impact of SAF on the environment and human health, and SAF storage for the purpose of advancing sustainable aviation. At a minimum, three sustainable aviation platforms must be considered:
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF);
Hydrogen; and
Battery electric energy storage mechanisms.
The legislature intends to fund the Ballard and Magnolia Bridge project (L4000123), as described in section 911(18), chapter 472, Laws of 2023.
$170,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the Seattle office of planning and community development to finish updating the 2020 I-5 Lid Feasibility Study (L2021140).
$500,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to award grants to local jurisdictions to implement network-wide traffic conflict screening programs using video analytics in controlled intersections with a disproportionate number of traffic violations and injuries to active transportation users (L2021149). Grants must be awarded proportionally across the state and include controlled intersections in both urban and rural environments and along state highways and county roads. Grant recipients must report back to the department all traffic violation and active transportation facility data acquired during the grant period and provide the department with appropriate next steps for the state and the local jurisdiction to improve traffic safety for active transportation users in such intersections. The department must report such findings and recommendations to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026.
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$7,000,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for a program for providing rebates to qualifying persons who purchase e-bikes and qualifying equipment and services from a qualifying retailer. Of this amount, $4,200,000 is for rebate amounts as described under (a)(iii)(A) of this subsection, and $2,800,000 is for rebate amounts as described under (a)(iii)(B) of this subsection.
To qualify for and use the rebate under this subsection, a person must be a resident of Washington state and purchase an e-bike and qualifying equipment and services, if any, from a qualifying retailer in this state. Qualifying equipment and services must be purchased as part of the same transaction as the e-bike.
iii.(A) For persons who are at least 16 years of age and reside in households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the county area median income, the amount of the rebate is up to $1,200 on the sale of an e-bike and any qualifying equipment and services.
(B) For all other persons who are at least 16 years of age, the amount of the rebate is up to $300 on the sale of an e-bike and any qualifying equipment and services.
(C) No more than one rebate may be awarded per household.
iv.(A) If an applicant qualifies for a rebate amount and there are sufficient funds to award the applicant with the appropriate rebate amount, the department must provide the qualifying individual the rebate amount in a format that can be redeemed at the time of purchase at a qualifying retailer.
(B) An applicant must provide contact information, including a physical address, email address, and phone number, and demographic information, including the applicant's age, gender, race, and ethnicity, to the department on a form provided by the department at the time of applying for the rebate.
v. A qualifying retailer must register with the department before participating in the rebate program. A qualifying retailer must:
(A) Verify the identity of the qualifying individual at the time of purchase; and
(B) Calculate and apply the rebate at the time of purchase.
vi. The department must reimburse a qualifying retailer that accepts a rebate from a qualifying individual no later than 30 days after the rebate is redeemed.
vii. For purposes of this subsection (14)(a):
(A) "E-bike" means an electric assisted bicycle as defined in RCW 46.04.169, but does not include mountain bikes.
(B) "Qualifying equipment and services" means a bicycle helmet, safety vest, bicycle light, or bicycle lock, and any maintenance or other services agreed upon by the qualifying retailer and qualifying individual at the time of purchase.
(C) "Qualifying retailer" means a retail business establishment with one or more physical retail locations in this state that provides on-site e-bike sales, service, and repair and has registered with the department to participate in the rebate program established under this subsection.
b. $3,568,000 of the carbon emissions reduction account—state appropriation is provided solely for an e-bike lending library and ownership grant program. The department may accept grant applications from other state entities, local governments, and tribes that administer or plan to administer an e-bike lending library or ownership program for their employees for commute trip reduction purposes. The department may also accept grant applications from nonprofit organizations or tribal governments that serve persons who are low-income or reside in overburdened communities and that administer or plan to administer an e-bike lending library or ownership program for qualifying persons.
c. It is the intent of the legislature that funding provided in (a) and (b) of this subsection continue to be appropriated in the 2027-2029 fiscal biennium.
e. The department may not collect more than five percent of appropriated amounts to administer the programs under (a) and (b) of this subsection.
$19,335,000 of the freight mobility investment account—state appropriation and $24,952,000 of the freight mobility multimodal account—state appropriation are provided solely for freight mobility strategic investment board projects listed in the LEAP transportation document referenced in subsection (1) of this section.
$3,000,000 of the multimodal transportation account—state appropriation is provided solely for the department to assist local jurisdictions in addressing emergent issues related to safety for pedestrians and bicyclists (LXXXPBF). Funds may only be spent after approval from the office of financial management. By December 15th of each odd-numbered year, the department shall provide a report to the legislature listing all emergent issues addressed in the prior fiscal biennium. Reporting may be done in conjunction with the transportation operations division.
ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPITAL PROGRAM
As part of its annual budget submittal, the department of transportation shall provide an update to the report provided to the legislature in the prior fiscal year in a manner consistent with past practices as specified in section 312, chapter 333, Laws of 2021.
QUARTERLY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CAPITAL PROGRAM
On a quarterly basis, the department of transportation shall provide to the office of financial management and the legislative transportation committees a report for all capital projects in a manner consistent with past practices as specified in section 313, chapter 186, Laws of 2022.
NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PAUSES AND CANCELLATIONS
The department of transportation shall notify the transportation committees of the legislature when it intends to pause for a significant length of time or not proceed with operating items or capital projects included as budget provisos or on project lists. When feasible, this notification shall be provided prior to the pause or cancellation and at least seven days in advance of any public announcement related to such a pause or cancellation.
At the time of notification, the department shall provide an explanation for the reason or reasons for the pause or cancellation for each operating budget item and capital project. The explanation shall include specific reasons for each pause or cancellation, in addition to a statement of the broad rationale for the pause or cancellation.
When feasible, the department shall make best efforts to keep the transportation committees of the legislature informed of an evaluation process underway for selecting operating budget items and capital projects to be paused or canceled, providing updates as its selection efforts proceed.
When exigent circumstances prevent prior notice of a pause or cancellation from being provided to the transportation committees of the legislature, the department shall provide the information required under this section to the transportation committees of the legislature as soon as is practicable.
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—FUNDS MANAGEMENT
As part of the department's 2026 supplemental and 2027-2029 biennial budget requests, the department shall also report on:
The federal grant programs it has applied for; and
The federal competitive grant programs it could have applied for but did not and the reason or reasons it did not apply.
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—BOND RETIREMENT AND INTEREST, AND ONGOING BOND REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER CHARGES: FOR BOND SALES DISCOUNTS AND DEBT TO BE PAID BY MOTOR VEHICLE ACCOUNT AND TRANSPORTATION FUND REVENUE
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—BOND RETIREMENT AND INTEREST, AND ONGOING BOND REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER CHARGES: FOR BOND SALE EXPENSES AND FISCAL AGENT CHARGES
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—STATE REVENUES FOR DISTRIBUTION
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—TRANSFERS
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING—TRANSFERS
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSFERS
Appropriation: For transfer to the Motor Vehicle
Account—State$30,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Move Ahead WA
Account—State$392,000,000
For transfer to the Move Ahead WA Flexible
Account—State$3,600,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Climate Active
Transportation Account—State$124,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Puget Sound Ferry
Operations Account—State$4,200,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Move Ahead WA
Account—State$189,000,000
Account—State Appropriation: For transfer to the
Motor Vehicle Account—State$11,992,000
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Account—State Appropriation: For transfer to the
Tacoma Narrows Toll Bridge Account—State$15,999,000
b. It is the intent of the legislature that this transfer is temporary, for the purpose of minimizing the impact of toll increases. An equivalent reimbursing transfer is to occur after the debt service and deferred sales tax on the Tacoma Narrows bridge construction costs are fully repaid in accordance with chapter 195, Laws of 2018.
For transfer to the State Patrol Highway
Account—State$43,000,000
For transfer to the County Arterial Preservation
Account—State$4,844,000
For transfer to the Freight Mobility Investment
Account—State$8,511,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Rural Arterial
Trust Account—State$4,844,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Transportation
Improvement Account—State$9,688,000
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Account—State Appropriation: For transfer to the Motor
Vehicle Account—State$1,000,000
b. The transfer in this subsection is to repay moneys loaned to the state route number 520 civil penalties account in the 2019-2021 fiscal biennium.
Account—State Appropriation: For transfer to the
State Route Number 520 Corridor Account—State$1,752,000
Account—State Appropriation: For transfer to the
Transportation Partnership Account—State$25,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Complete Streets
Grant Program Account—State$14,670,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Connecting Washington
Account—State$32,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Freight Mobility
Multimodal Account—State$8,511,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Puget Sound Capital
Construction Account—State$316,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Regional Mobility
Grant Program Account—State$27,679,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Rural Mobility
Grant Program Account—State$12,223,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the State Patrol Highway
Account—State$160,000,000
Project Account—State Appropriation: For transfer to
the Transportation Partnership Account—State$22,896,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Puget Sound Capital
Construction Account—State$62,340,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Puget Sound Ferry
Operations Account—State$125,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Multimodal
Transportation Account—State$51,000,000
For transfer to the Transportation Partnership
Account—State$25,000,000
For transfer to the Connecting Washington
Account—State$152,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the State Patrol
Highway Account—State$25,000,000
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Appropriation: For transfer to the Capital Vessel
Replacement Account—State$147,000,000
b. The amount transferred in this subsection represents proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.873. Transfers under this subsection are deemed to be for projects or improvements identified as transportation partnership projects or improvements for purposes of RCW 47.10.873. Appropriations in the amount of this transfer are made in this act to reflect proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.873.
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Appropriation: For transfer to the Move Ahead WA
Account—State$708,000,000
b. The amount transferred in this subsection represents proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.873. Transfers under this subsection are deemed to be for projects or improvements identified as transportation partnership projects or improvements for purposes of RCW 47.10.873. Appropriations in the amount of this transfer are made in this act to reflect proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in RCW 47.10.873.
Appropriation: For transfer to the Multimodal
Transportation Account—State$5,230,000
For transfer to the Multimodal Transportation
Account—State$25,000,000
Appropriation: For transfer to the Puget Sound Capital
Construction Account—State$16,000,000
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—BOND RETIREMENT AND INTEREST, AND ONGOING BOND REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER CHARGES: FOR DEBT TO BE PAID BY STATUTORILY PRESCRIBED REVENUE
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS NOT IMPAIRED
Nothing in this act prohibits the expenditure of any funds by an agency or institution of the state for benefits guaranteed by any collective bargaining agreement in effect on the effective date of this section.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
In accordance with chapters 41.80, 41.56, and 47.64 RCW, agreements have been reached between the governor and employee organizations representing state employee bargaining units for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. Funding is provided in this act to fund these agreements. The collective bargaining agreements that have been reached and are funded in this act, and the description of the major economic terms in each of the listed agreements are specified in OFM Transportation Document 2025-4: 2025-27 Collective Bargaining Agreements as developed December 17, 2024.
COMPENSATION—REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES—HEALTH CARE—COALITION—INSURANCE BENEFITS
An agreement was reached for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium between the governor and the health care coalition under the provisions of chapter 41.80 RCW. Appropriations in this act for state agencies are sufficient to implement the provisions of the 2025-2027 collective bargaining agreement, which maintains the provisions of the prior agreement, and are subject to the following conditions and limitations:
The monthly employer funding rate for insurance benefit premiums, public employees' benefits board administration, and the uniform medical plan, shall not exceed $1,347 per eligible employee for fiscal year 2026. For fiscal year 2027, the monthly employer funding rate shall not exceed $1,348 per eligible employee. These funding rates are sufficient to cover, effective January 1, 2026, the following:
In the uniform medical plan, coverage for Doula services;
In the uniform dental plan the following:
Increasing the temporomandibular joint benefit to $1,000 annually and $5,000 per lifetime;
Eliminating the deductible for children up to age 15;
Implementation of Substitute House Bill No. 1123 (ensuring access to primary care, behavioral health, and affordable hospital services).
The funding rates in subsection (1) of this section are not sufficient to continue offering an Accountable Care Plan as of plan year 2026.
Current funding allows for the public employees' benefits board to adjust the employer paid long-term disability benefit to a maximum monthly benefit of $450 within the current funding resources.
The board shall collect a $25 per month surcharge payment from members who use tobacco products and a surcharge payment of not less than $50 per month from members who cover a spouse or domestic partner where the spouse or domestic partner has chosen not to enroll in another employer-based group health insurance that has benefits and premiums with an actuarial value of not less than 95 percent of the actuarial value of the public employees' benefits board plan with the largest enrollment. The surcharge payments shall be collected in addition to the member premium payment if directed by the legislature.
The rates are sufficient to cover a diabetes management program and apply the cost-share provisions outlined in chapter 366, Laws of 2023 (breast examinations—health plan cost sharing) in the uniform medical plan, effective January 1, 2025. The rates are not sufficient to add coverage of prescription drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. The authority shall not add coverage of prescription drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss without a specific appropriation from the legislature. Nothing in this section requires removal of any existing coverage of prescription drugs to treat diabetes.
COMPENSATION—REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES—OUTSIDE HEALTH CARE—COALITION—INSURANCE BENEFITS
Appropriations for state agencies in this act are sufficient for represented employees outside the coalition for health benefits, and are subject to the following conditions and limitations: The monthly employer funding rate for insurance benefit premiums, public employees' benefits board administration, and the uniform medical plan, may not exceed $1,347 per eligible employee for fiscal year 2026. For fiscal year 2027, the monthly employer funding rate may not exceed $1,348 per eligible employee.
COMPENSATION—NONREPRESENTED EMPLOYEES—INSURANCE BENEFITS
Appropriations for state agencies in this act are sufficient for nonrepresented state employee health benefits for state agencies, including institutions of higher education, and are subject to the following conditions and limitations: The employer monthly funding rate for insurance benefit premiums, public employees' benefits board administration, and the uniform medical plan, shall not exceed $1,347 per eligible employee for fiscal year 2026. For fiscal year 2027, the monthly employer funding rate shall not exceed $1,348 per eligible employee.
The rates are sufficient to cover a diabetes management program and apply the cost-share provisions outlined in chapter 366, Laws of 2023 (breast examinations—health plan cost sharing) in the uniform medical plan, effective January 1, 2025. The rates are not sufficient to add coverage of prescription drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. The authority shall not add coverage of prescription drugs for the treatment of obesity or weight loss without a specific appropriation from the legislature. Nothing in this section requires removal of any existing coverage of prescription drugs to treat diabetes.
GENERAL WAGE INCREASES
Appropriations for state agency employee compensation in this act are sufficient to provide general wage increases to state agency employees and employees of institutions of higher education, who are not represented or who bargain under statutory authority other than chapter 41.80 or 47.64 RCW or RCW 41.56.473 or 41.56.475.
Funding is provided for a three percent general wage increase effective July 1, 2025, for all classified employees as specified in subsection (1) of this section, employees in the Washington management service, and exempt employees under the jurisdiction of the office of financial management. The appropriations are also sufficient to fund a three percent salary increase effective July 1, 2025, for executive, legislative, and judicial branch employees exempt from merit system rules whose maximum salaries are not set by the commission on salaries for elected officials.
Funding is provided for a two percent general wage increase effective July 1, 2027, for all classified employees as specified in subsection (1) of this section, employees in the Washington management service, and exempt employees under the jurisdiction of the office of financial management. The appropriations are also sufficient to fund a two percent salary increase effective July 1, 2027, for executive, legislative, and judicial branch employees exempt from merit system rules whose maximum salaries are not set by the commission on salaries for elected officials.
COMPENSATION—PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS
Appropriations are adjusted to reflect changes to agency appropriations to reflect savings resulting from changes to pension funding as provided in Substitute House Bill No. 1467 (actuarial funding of pension systems).
MANAGEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDS WHEN THE LEGISLATURE IS NOT IN SESSION
The 2005 transportation partnership projects or improvements, 2015 connecting Washington projects or improvements, and move ahead WA projects or improvements are listed in the LEAP Transportation Document 2025-1 as developed March 23, 2025, which consists of a list of specific projects by fund source and amount over multiple biennia. Current fiscal biennium funding for each project is a line-item appropriation, while the outer year funding allocations represent a 16-year plan. The department of transportation is expected to use the flexibility provided in this section to assist in the delivery and completion of all transportation partnership account, connecting Washington account, and move ahead WA account projects on the LEAP transportation document referenced in this subsection. For the 2023-2025 project appropriations, unless otherwise provided in this act, the director of the office of financial management may provide written authorization for a transfer of appropriation authority between projects funded with transportation partnership account appropriations, connecting Washington account appropriations, or move ahead WA account appropriations to manage project spending and efficiently deliver all projects in the respective program under the following conditions and limitations:
Transfers may only be made within each specific fund source referenced on the respective project list;
Transfers from a project may not be made as a result of the reduction of the scope of a project or be made to support increases in the scope of a project;
Transfers from a project may be made if the funds appropriated to the project are in excess of the amount needed in the current fiscal biennium;
Transfers may not occur for projects not identified on the applicable project list;
Transfers to a project may not occur if that project is a programmatic funding item described in broad general terms on the applicable project list without referencing a specific state route number;
Transfers may not be made while the legislature is in session;
Transfers to a project may not be made with funds designated as attributable to practical design savings as described in RCW 47.01.480;
The total amount of transfers under this section may not exceed $50,000,000;
Each transfer between projects may only occur if the director of the office of financial management finds that any resulting change will not hinder the completion of the projects as approved by the legislature; and
Transfers between projects may be made by the department of transportation without the formal written approval provided under this subsection (1)(k), provided that the transfer amount to a single project does not exceed $250,000 or 10 percent of the total project per fiscal biennium, whichever is less. These transfers must be reported quarterly to the director of the office of financial management and the chairs of the house of representatives and senate transportation committees.
The department of transportation must submit quarterly all transfers authorized under this section in the transportation executive information system. The office of financial management must maintain a legislative baseline project list identified in the LEAP transportation documents referenced in this act, and update that project list with all authorized transfers under this section, including any effects to the total project budgets and schedules beyond the current fiscal biennium.
At the time the department submits a request to transfer funds under this section, a copy of the request must be submitted to the chairs and ranking members of the transportation committees of the legislature.
Before approval, the office of financial management shall work with legislative staff of the house of representatives and senate transportation committees to review the requested transfers in a timely manner and address any concerns raised by the chairs and ranking members of the transportation committees.
No fewer than 10 days after the receipt of a project transfer request, the director of the office of financial management must provide written notification to the department of any decision regarding project transfers, with copies submitted to the transportation committees of the legislature.
The department must submit annually as part of its budget submittal a report detailing all transfers made pursuant to this section, including any effects to the total project budgets and schedules beyond the current fiscal biennium.
BOND REIMBURSEMENT
To the extent that any appropriation authorizes expenditures of state funds from the motor vehicle account, special category C account, Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account, transportation 2003 account (nickel account), transportation partnership account, transportation improvement account, Puget Sound capital construction account, multimodal transportation account, state route number 520 corridor account, connecting Washington account, or other transportation capital project account in the state treasury for a state transportation program that is specified to be funded with proceeds from the sale of bonds authorized in chapter 47.10 RCW, the legislature declares that any such expenditures made before the issue date of the applicable transportation bonds for that state transportation program are intended to be reimbursed from proceeds of those transportation bonds in a maximum amount equal to the amount of such appropriation.
BELATED CLAIMS
The agencies and institutions of the state may expend moneys appropriated in this act, upon approval of the office of financial management, for the payment of supplies and services furnished to the agency or institution in prior fiscal biennia.
REAPPROPRIATIONS REPORTING
As part of its 2026 supplemental budget submittal, the department of transportation shall provide a report to the legislature and the office of financial management that:
Identifies, by capital project, the amount of state funding that has been reappropriated from the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium into the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium; and
Identifies, for each project, the amount of cost savings or increases in funding that have been identified as compared to the 2023 enacted omnibus transportation appropriations act.
As part of the agency request for capital programs, the department shall load reappropriations separately from funds that were assumed to be required for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium into budgeting systems.
WEBSITE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The department of transportation shall post on its website every report that is due from the department to the legislature during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium on one web page in a manner consistent with past practices as specified in section 605, chapter 333, Laws of 2021.
TRANSIT, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN ELEMENTS REPORTING
By November 15th of each year, the department of transportation must report on amounts expended to benefit transit, bicycle, or pedestrian elements within all connecting Washington projects in programs I, P, and Z identified in LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, in a manner consistent with past practices as specified in section 602, chapter 186, Laws of 2022.
PROJECT SCOPE CHANGES
During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, while the legislature is not in session, the director of the office of financial management may approve project scope change requests to connecting Washington projects and move ahead WA projects in the highway improvements program, provided that the requests meet the criteria outlined in RCW 47.01.480 if a connecting Washington project, and are subject to the limitations in this section.
At the time the department of transportation submits a request for a project scope change under this section, a copy of the request must be submitted to the transportation committees of the legislature.
Before approval, the office of financial management shall work with legislative staff of the house of representatives and senate transportation committees to review the requested project scope changes.
No fewer than 10 days after the receipt of a scope change request, the director of the office of financial management must provide written notification to the department of any decision regarding project scope changes, with copies submitted to the transportation committees of the legislature.
As part of its annual budget submittal, the department of transportation must report on all approved scope change requests from the prior year, including a comparison of the scope before and after the requested change.
TOLL CREDITS
The department of transportation may provide up to $5,000,000 in toll credits to Kitsap transit for its role in delivering capital projects related to Kitsap transit public transportation services including, but not limited to, ferry service. The number of toll credits provided must be equal to, but no more than, the number sufficient to meet federal match requirements for grant funding for passenger-only ferry service, but must not exceed the amount authorized in this section.
LOCAL PARTNER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS
If a transportation project, where the Washington state department of transportation is the lead and the project is scheduled to be delivered or completed in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium as shown on the LEAP Transportation Document 2025-2 ALL PROJECTS as developed March 23, 2025, is in jeopardy of being delayed because the department is unable to deliver or complete the project within the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium and other local jurisdictions are able to deliver or complete the work, the department must coordinate with the appropriate local jurisdictions to determine if a potential local partner is ready, willing, and able to execute delivery and completion of the project within the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
The department must compile a list of projects under this section, including the timing under which the local partner agency can deliver or complete the projects within the 2025-2027 and 2027-2029 fiscal biennia. The department must submit the compiled list of projects to the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature by November 1, 2025.
Appropriations in this act from the natural climate solutions account, carbon emissions reduction account, climate transit programs account, and climate active transportation account are subject to the requirements of RCW 70A.65.030.
DEVELOPMENT OF CLIMATE COMMITMENT ACT EVALUATION TOOLS
The department of transportation shall cooperate and provide assistance, as requested, in the joint transportation committee's development of program delivery evaluation tools and methodologies provided under section 204 of this act for programs, projects, and other activities that receive funding from the carbon emissions reduction account.
The state commercial aviation work group shall submit a progress report to the governor and the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2026, and annually every July 1st thereafter. The first report of the work group shall include a list of areas that will not have further review as the areas are in conflict with the operations of a military installation. The 2025 report must also identify unsuitable geographies due to either environmental impacts or impacts to overburdened communities. Additionally, during the 2025-2027 biennium, the work group must:
Work to understand what studies currently exist on state transportation needs and capacities and identify any gaps of information; and
Conduct meaningful community engagement with overburdened and vulnerable populations with a focus on the environmental justice impact of aviation on communities.
Effective June 1, 2006, for agencies complying with the ultra-low sulfur diesel mandate of the United States environmental protection agency for on-highway diesel fuel, agencies shall use biodiesel as an additive to ultra-low sulfur diesel for lubricity, provided that the use of a lubricity additive is warranted and that the use of biodiesel is comparable in performance and cost with other available lubricity additives. The amount of biodiesel added to the ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel shall be not less than two percent.
Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, effective June 1, 2009, state agencies are required to use a minimum of 20 percent biodiesel as compared to total volume of all diesel purchases made by the agencies for the operation of the agencies' diesel‑powered vessels, vehicles, and construction equipment.
All state agencies using biodiesel fuel shall, beginning on July 1, 2016, file annual reports with the department of enterprise services documenting the use of the fuel and a description of how any problems encountered were resolved.
By December 1, 2009, the department of enterprise services shall:
Report to the legislature on the average true price differential for biodiesel by blend and location; and
Examine alternative fuel procurement methods that work to address potential market barriers for in-state biodiesel producers and report these findings to the legislature.
During the 2021-2023 , 2023-2025, and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the Washington state ferries is required to use a minimum of five percent biodiesel as compared to total volume of all diesel purchases made by the Washington state ferries for the operation of the Washington state ferries diesel-powered vessels, as long as the price of a B5 or B10 biodiesel blend does not exceed the price of conventional diesel fuel by five percent or more.
The ignition interlock device revolving account program is created within the department to assist in covering the monetary costs of installing, removing, and leasing an ignition interlock device, and applicable licensing, for indigent persons who are required under RCW 46.20.385, 46.20.720, and 46.61.5055 to install an ignition interlock device in all vehicles owned or operated by the person. For purposes of this subsection, "indigent" has the same meaning as in RCW 10.101.010, as determined by the department. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the ignition interlock device revolving account program also includes ignition interlock enforcement work conducted by the Washington state patrol.
A pilot program is created within the ignition interlock device revolving account program for the purpose of monitoring compliance by persons required to use ignition interlock devices and by ignition interlock companies and vendors.
The department, the state patrol, and the Washington traffic safety commission shall coordinate to establish a compliance pilot program that will target at least one county from eastern Washington and one county from western Washington, as determined by the department, state patrol, and Washington traffic safety commission.
At a minimum, the compliance pilot program shall:
Review the number of ignition interlock devices that are required to be installed in the targeted county and the number of ignition interlock devices actually installed;
Work to identify those persons who are not complying with ignition interlock requirements or are repeatedly violating ignition interlock requirements; and
Identify ways to track compliance and reduce noncompliance.
As part of monitoring compliance, the Washington traffic safety commission shall also track recidivism for violations of RCW 46.61.502 and 46.61.504 by persons required to have an ignition interlock driver's license under RCW 46.20.385 and 46.20.720.
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A state highway shall be constructed, altered, repaired, or improved, and improvements located on property acquired for right‑of‑way purposes may be repaired or renovated pending the use of such right‑of‑way for highway purposes, by contract or state forces. The work or portions thereof may be done by state forces when the estimated costs thereof are less than $50,000 and effective July 1, 2005, $60,000.
When delay of performance of such work would jeopardize a state highway or constitute a danger to the traveling public, the work may be done by state forces when the estimated cost thereof is less than $80,000 and effective July 1, 2005, $100,000.
When the department of transportation determines to do the work by state forces, it shall enter a statement upon its records to that effect, stating the reasons therefor.
To enable a larger number of small businesses and veteran, minority, and women contractors to effectively compete for department of transportation contracts, the department may adopt rules providing for bids and award of contracts for the performance of work, or furnishing equipment, materials, supplies, or operating services whenever any work is to be performed and the engineer's estimate indicates the cost of the work would not exceed $80,000 and effective July 1, 2005, $100,000.
The rules adopted under this section:
Shall provide for competitive bids to the extent that competitive sources are available except when delay of performance would jeopardize life or property or inconvenience the traveling public; and
Need not require the furnishing of a bid deposit nor a performance bond, but if a performance bond is not required then progress payments to the contractor may be required to be made based on submittal of paid invoices to substantiate proof that disbursements have been made to laborers, material suppliers, mechanics, and subcontractors from the previous partial payment; and
May establish prequalification standards and procedures as an alternative to those set forth in RCW 47.28.070, but the prequalification standards and procedures under RCW 47.28.070 shall always be sufficient.
The department of transportation shall comply with such goals and rules as may be adopted by the office of minority and women's business enterprises to implement chapter 39.19 RCW with respect to contracts entered into under this chapter. The department may adopt such rules as may be necessary to comply with the rules adopted by the office of minority and women's business enterprises under chapter 39.19 RCW.
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Work for less than $100,000 may be performed on ferry vessels and terminals by state forces. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, work for less than $350,000 may be performed on ferry vessels and terminals by state forces.
When the estimated cost of work to be performed on ferry vessels and terminals is between $100,000 and $200,000, or between $350,000 and $450,000 during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the department shall contact, by mail or email, contractors that appear on the department's small works roster as created pursuant to procedures in chapter 39.04 RCW to do specific work the contractors are qualified to do to determine if any contractor is interested and capable of doing the work. If there is a response of interest within 72 hours, the small works roster procedures commence. If no qualified contractors respond with interest and availability to do the work, the department may use its regular contracting procedures. If the secretary determines that the work to be completed is an emergency, procedures governing emergencies apply.
The department shall hire a disinterested, third party to conduct an independent analysis to identify methods of reducing out-of-service times for vessel maintenance, preservation, and improvement projects. The analysis must include options that consider consolidating work while vessels are at shipyards by having state forces perform services traditionally performed at Eagle Harbor at the shipyard and decreasing the allowable time at shipyards. The analysis must also compare the out-of-service vessel times of performing services by state forces versus contracting out those services which in turn must be used to form a recommendation as to what the threshold of work performed on ferry vessels and terminals by state forces should be. This analysis must be presented to the transportation committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 1, 2010.
The department shall develop a proposed ferry vessel maintenance, preservation, and improvement program and present it to the transportation committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 1, 2010. The proposed program must:
Improve the basis for budgeting vessel maintenance, preservation, and improvement costs and for projecting those costs into a 16-year financial plan;
Limit the amount of planned out-of-service time to the greatest extent possible, including options associated with department staff as well as commercial shipyards; and
Be based on the service plan in the capital plan, recognizing that vessel preservation and improvement needs may vary by route.
In developing the proposed ferry vessel maintenance, preservation, and improvement program, the department shall consider the following, related to reducing vessel out-of-service time:
The costs compared to benefits of Eagle Harbor repair and maintenance facility operations options to include staffing costs and benefits in terms of reduced out-of-service time;
The maintenance requirements for on-vessel staff, including the benefits of a systemwide standard;
The costs compared to benefits of staff performing preservation or maintenance work, or both, while the vessel is underway, tied up between sailings, or not deployed;
A review of the department's vessel maintenance, preservation, and improvement program contracting process and contractual requirements;
The costs compared to benefits of allowing for increased costs associated with expedited delivery;
A method for comparing the anticipated out-of-service time of proposed projects and other projects planned during the same construction period;
Coordination with required United States coast guard dry dockings;
A method for comparing how proposed projects relate to the service requirements of the route on which the vessel normally operates; and
ix. A method for evaluating the ongoing maintenance and preservation costs associated with proposed improvement projects.
The department of licensing technology improvement and data management account is created in the highway safety account. All receipts from fees collected under RCW 46.12.630(5) must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for investments in technology and data management at the department. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the account may also be used for responding to public records requests. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.
The transportation partnership account is hereby created in the motor vehicle account. All distributions to the account from RCW 46.68.090 must be deposited into the account. Money in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account must be used only for projects or improvements identified as 2005 transportation partnership projects or improvements in the omnibus transportation appropriations act, including any principal and interest on bonds authorized for the projects or improvements.
The legislature finds that:
Citizens demand and deserve accountability of transportation-related programs and expenditures. Transportation-related programs must continuously improve in quality, efficiency, and effectiveness in order to increase public trust;
Transportation-related agencies that receive tax dollars must continuously improve the way they operate and deliver services so citizens receive maximum value for their tax dollars; and
Fair, independent, comprehensive performance audits of transportation-related agencies overseen by the elected state auditor are essential to improving the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of the state's transportation system.
For purposes of chapter 314, Laws of 2005:
"Performance audit" means an objective and systematic assessment of a state agency or agencies or any of their programs, functions, or activities by the state auditor or designee in order to help improve agency efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. Performance audits include economy and efficiency audits and program audits.
"Transportation-related agency" means any state agency, board, or commission that receives funding primarily for transportation-related purposes. At a minimum, the department of transportation, the transportation improvement board or its successor entity, the county road administration board or its successor entity, and the traffic safety commission are considered transportation-related agencies. The Washington state patrol and the department of licensing shall not be considered transportation-related agencies under chapter 314, Laws of 2005.
Within the authorities and duties under chapter 43.09 RCW, the state auditor shall establish criteria and protocols for performance audits. Transportation-related agencies shall be audited using criteria that include generally accepted government auditing standards as well as legislative mandates and performance objectives established by state agencies. Mandates include, but are not limited to, agency strategies, timelines, program objectives, and mission and goals as required in RCW 43.88.090.
Within the authorities and duties under chapter 43.09 RCW, the state auditor may conduct performance audits for transportation-related agencies. The state auditor shall contract with private firms to conduct the performance audits.
The audits may include:
Identification of programs and services that can be eliminated, reduced, consolidated, or enhanced;
Identification of funding sources to the transportation-related agency, to programs, and to services that can be eliminated, reduced, consolidated, or enhanced;
Analysis of gaps and overlaps in programs and services and recommendations for improving, dropping, blending, or separating functions to correct gaps or overlaps;
Analysis and recommendations for pooling information technology systems used within the transportation-related agency, and evaluation of information processing and telecommunications policy, organization, and management;
Analysis of the roles and functions of the transportation-related agency, its programs, and its services and their compliance with statutory authority and recommendations for eliminating or changing those roles and functions and ensuring compliance with statutory authority;
Recommendations for eliminating or changing statutes, rules, and policy directives as may be necessary to ensure that the transportation-related agency carry out reasonably and properly those functions vested in the agency by statute;
Verification of the reliability and validity of transportation-related agency performance data, self-assessments, and performance measurement systems as required under RCW 43.88.090;
Identification of potential cost savings in the transportation-related agency, its programs, and its services;
Evaluation of planning, budgeting, and program evaluation policies and practices;
Evaluation of personnel systems operation and management;
Evaluation of purchasing operations and management policies and practices;
Evaluation of organizational structure and staffing levels, particularly in terms of the ratio of managers and supervisors to nonmanagement personnel; and
Evaluation of transportation-related project costs, including but not limited to environmental mitigation, competitive bidding practices, permitting processes, and capital project management.
Within the authorities and duties under chapter 43.09 RCW, the state auditor must provide the preliminary performance audit reports to the audited state agency for comment. The auditor also may seek input on the preliminary report from other appropriate officials. Comments must be received within 30 days after receipt of the preliminary performance audit report unless a different time period is approved by the state auditor. The final performance audit report shall include the objectives, scope, and methodology; the audit results, including findings and recommendations; the agency's response and conclusions; and identification of best practices.
The state auditor shall provide final performance audit reports to the citizens of Washington, the governor, the joint legislative audit and review committee, the appropriate legislative committees, and other appropriate officials. Final performance audit reports shall be posted on the internet.
The audited transportation-related agency is responsible for follow-up and corrective action on all performance audit findings and recommendations. The audited agency's plan for addressing each audit finding and recommendation shall be included in the final audit report. The plan shall provide the name of the contact person responsible for each action, the action planned, and the anticipated completion date. If the audited agency does not agree with the audit findings and recommendations or believes action is not required, then the action plan shall include an explanation and specific reasons.
The office of financial management shall require periodic progress reports from the audited agency until all resolution has occurred. The office of financial management is responsible for achieving audit resolution. The office of financial management shall annually report by December 31st the status of performance audit resolution to the appropriate legislative committees and the state auditor. The legislature shall consider the performance audit results in connection with the state budget process.
The auditor may request status reports on specific audits or findings.
For the period from July 1, 2005, until June 30, 2007, the amount of $4,000,000 is appropriated from the transportation partnership account to the state auditors office for the purposes of subsections (2) through (9) of this section.
During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the transportation partnership account to the motor vehicle account and the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account.
The freight mobility investment account is hereby created in the state treasury. Money in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for freight mobility projects that have been recommended by the freight mobility strategic investment board in RCW 47.06A.020 and may include any principal and interest on bonds authorized for the projects or improvements. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the expenditures from the account may also be used for the administrative expenses of the freight mobility strategic investment board.
The regional mobility grant program account is hereby created in the state treasury. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the grants provided under RCW 47.66.030.
Beginning with September 2007, by the last day of September, December, March, and June of each year, the state treasurer shall transfer from the multimodal transportation account to the regional mobility grant program account $5,000,000.
Beginning with September 2015, by the last day of September, December, March, and June of each year, the state treasurer shall transfer from the multimodal transportation account to the regional mobility grant program account $6,250,000.
During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys from the regional mobility grant program account to the multimodal transportation account.
The license plate technology account is created in the state treasury. All receipts collected under RCW 46.17.015 must be deposited into this account. Expenditures from this account must support current and future license plate technology and systems integration upgrades for both the department and correctional industries. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Additionally, the moneys in this account may be used to reimburse the motor vehicle fund for any appropriation made to implement the digital license plate system. During the 2011-2013 and 2013-2015 fiscal biennia, the legislature may transfer from the license plate technology account to the highway safety fund such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the license plate technology account. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the account may also be used for the maintenance of recently modernized information technology systems for vehicle registrations.
The connecting Washington account is created in the motor vehicle account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account must be used only for projects or improvements identified as connecting Washington projects or improvements in a transportation appropriations act, including any principal and interest on bonds authorized for the projects or improvements.
Moneys in the connecting Washington account may not be expended on the state route number 99 Alaskan Way viaduct replacement project.
During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the connecting Washington account to the move ahead WA account.
The climate active transportation account is hereby created in the state treasury. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the following active transportation grant programs: Safe routes to schools, school-based bike program, bicycle and pedestrian grant program, complete streets grants program, and connecting communities grant program, as well as pedestrian and bicycle or other active transportation projects identified in an omnibus transportation appropriations act as move ahead WA projects.
Beginning July 1, 2023, the state treasurer shall annually transfer 24 percent of the revenues accruing annually to the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240 to the climate active transportation account. This subsection does not apply during the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia.
The climate transit programs account is hereby created in the state treasury. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the following transit grant programs: Transit support grant program, tribal transit mobility grants, transit coordination grants, special needs transit grants, bus and bus facility grant program, green transit grants, and transportation demand management grants, as well as transit projects identified in an omnibus transportation appropriations act as move ahead WA projects.
Beginning July 1, 2023, the state treasurer shall annually transfer 56 percent of the revenues accruing annually to the carbon emissions reduction account created in RCW 70A.65.240 to the climate transit programs account. This subsection does not apply during the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia.
The move ahead WA account is created in the motor vehicle fund. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account must be used only for projects or improvements identified as move ahead WA projects or improvements in an omnibus transportation appropriations act, including any principal and interest on bonds authorized for the projects or improvements. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys from the move ahead WA account to the motor vehicle fund and the transportation partnership account.
A special account to be known as the state route number 520 civil penalties account is created in the state treasury. All state route number 520 bridge replacement and HOV program civil penalties generated from the nonpayment of tolls on the state route number 520 corridor must be deposited into the account, as provided under RCW 47.56.870(4)(b)(vii). Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account must be used to fund legal obligations associated with bonds and loans associated with the construction and operation of state route number 520 under circumstances where the toll revenue collections at the time are not sufficient to fully cover such legal obligations, and then may be used to fund any project within the state route number 520 bridge replacement and HOV program, including mitigation. The legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the state route number 520 civil penalties account to the state route number 520 corridor account. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to transfer moneys in the state route number 520 civil penalties account to the motor vehicle fund.
For purposes of this section, "legal obligations associated with bonds and loans" includes, but is not limited to, debt service and all other activities necessary to comply with financial covenants associated with state route number 520, costs associated with the civil penalties program, and operation and maintenance costs.
The commission shall adopt fares and pricing policies by rule, under chapter 34.05 RCW, according to the following schedule:
Each year the department shall provide the commission a report of its review of fares and pricing policies, with recommendations for the revision of fares and pricing policies for the ensuing year;
By September 1st of each year, beginning in 2008, the commission shall adopt by rule fares and pricing policies for the ensuing year.
The commission may adopt by rule fares that are effective for more or less than one year for the purposes of transitioning to the fare schedule in subsection (1) of this section.
The commission may increase ferry fares included in the schedule of charges adopted under this section by a percentage that exceeds the fiscal growth factor.
The chief executive officer of the ferry system may authorize the use of promotional, discounted, and special event fares to the general public and commercial enterprises for the purpose of maximizing capacity use and the revenues collected by the ferry system. The department shall report to the commission a summary of the promotional, discounted, and special event fares offered during each fiscal year and the financial results from these activities.
Fare revenues and other revenues deposited in the Puget Sound ferry operations account created in RCW 47.60.530 may not be used to support the Puget Sound capital construction account created in RCW 47.60.505, unless the support for capital is separately identified in the fare or except as provided in section 715, chapter 333, Laws of 2021 during the 2021-2023 biennium , section 716, chapter 472, Laws of 2023 during the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, and section 719, chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (section 719 of this act) during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium.
The commission may not raise fares until the fare rules contain pricing policies developed under RCW 47.60.290, or September 1, 2009, whichever is later.
The commission shall impose a vessel replacement surcharge of 25 cents on every one-way and round-trip ferry fare sold, including multiride and monthly pass fares. This surcharge must be clearly indicated to ferry passengers and drivers and, if possible, on the fare media itself.
Except as provided in subsection (10) of this section, beginning May 1, 2020, the commission shall impose an additional vessel replacement surcharge in an amount sufficient to fund 25 year debt service on one 144-auto hybrid vessel taking into account funds provided in chapter 417, Laws of 2019 or chapter . . . (SSB 5419), Laws of 2019. The department of transportation shall provide to the commission vessel and debt service cost estimates. Information on vessels constructed or purchased with revenue from the surcharges must be publicly posted including, but not limited to, the commission website.
The vessel replacement surcharges imposed in this section may only be used for the construction or purchase of ferry vessels and to pay the principal and interest on bonds authorized for the construction or purchase of new ferry vessels.
The commission shall not impose the additional vessel replacement surcharge in subsection (8) of this section if doing so would increase fares by more than 10 percent.
For the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, any ferry fuel surcharge imposed by the commission may not go into effect until after the ensuing regular legislative session. If a fuel surcharge is imposed as provided under this subsection, the commission must reevaluate the need for the surcharge on at least a quarterly basis to determine if the surcharge is still needed to cover increased fuel costs, and revoke the surcharge if the determination is that the surcharge is no longer needed for this purpose.
The capital vessel replacement account is created in the motor vehicle account. All revenues generated from the vessel replacement surcharge under RCW 47.60.315(7) and service fees collected by the department of licensing or county auditor or other agent appointed by the director under RCW 46.17.040, 46.17.050, and 46.17.060 must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the construction or purchase of ferry vessels and to pay the principal and interest on bonds authorized for the construction or purchase of ferry vessels. However, expenditures from the account must first be used to support the construction or purchase, including any applicable financing costs, of a ferry vessel with a carrying capacity of at least one hundred forty-four cars.
The state treasurer may transfer moneys from the capital vessel replacement account to the transportation 2003 account (nickel account) for debt service on bonds issued for the construction of 144-car class ferry vessels.
The legislature may transfer from the capital vessel replacement account to the connecting Washington account created under RCW 46.68.395 such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the capital vessel replacement account to be used for ferry terminal construction and preservation.
During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the capital vessel replacement account to the transportation partnership account and the connecting Washington account.
The Puget Sound ferry operations account is created in the motor vehicle account.
The following funds must be deposited into the account:
All moneys directed by law;
All revenues generated from ferry fares; and
All revenues generated from commercial advertising, concessions, parking, and leases as allowed under RCW 47.60.140.
Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.
Expenditures from the account may be used only for the maintenance, administration, and operation of the Washington state ferry system.
During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the Puget Sound ferry operations account to the Puget Sound capital construction account.
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The department's public transportation division shall establish a green transportation capital grant program. The purpose of the grant program is to aid any transit authority in funding cost-effective capital projects to reduce the carbon intensity of the Washington transportation system, examples of which include: Electrification of vehicle fleets, including battery and fuel cell electric vehicles; modification or replacement of capital facilities in order to facilitate fleet electrification and/or hydrogen refueling; necessary upgrades to electrical transmission and distribution systems; and construction of charging and fueling stations. The department's public transportation division shall identify projects and shall submit a prioritized list of all projects requesting funding to the legislature by December 1st of each even-numbered year.
The department's public transportation division shall select projects based on a competitive process that considers the following criteria:
The cost-effectiveness of the reductions in carbon emissions provided by the project; and
The benefit provided to transitioning the entire state to a transportation system with lower carbon intensity.
During the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium, the department must incorporate principles into the grant selection process with the goal of increasing the distribution of funding to communities based on addressing environmental harms and providing environmental benefits for overburdened communities, as defined in RCW 70A.02.010, and vulnerable populations.
The department's public transportation division must establish an advisory committee to assist in identifying projects under subsection (1) of this section. The advisory committee must include representatives from the department of ecology, the department of commerce, the utilities and transportation commission, and at least one transit authority.
In order to receive green transportation capital grant program funding for a project, a transit authority must provide matching funding at the level deemed appropriate by the department.
The department's public transportation division must report annually to the transportation committees of the legislature on the status of any grant projects funded by the program created under this section.
For purposes of this section, "transit authority" means a city transit system under RCW 35.58.2721 or chapter 35.95A RCW, a county public transportation authority under chapter 36.57 RCW, a metropolitan municipal corporation transit system under chapter 36.56 RCW, a public transportation benefit area under chapter 36.57A RCW, an unincorporated transportation benefit area under RCW 36.57.100, a regional transit authority under chapter 81.112 RCW, or any special purpose district formed to operate a public transportation system.
During the 2021-2023 fiscal biennium, the department may provide up to 20 percent of the total green transportation capital grant program funding for zero emissions capital transition planning projects. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the department may provide up to 10 percent of the total green transportation capital grant program funding for zero emissions capital transition planning projects.
The transportation 2003 account (nickel account) is hereby created in the motor vehicle fund. Money in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account must be used only for projects or improvements identified as transportation 2003 projects or improvements in the omnibus transportation budget and to pay the principal and interest on the bonds authorized for transportation 2003 projects or improvements. Upon completion of the projects or improvements identified as transportation 2003 projects or improvements, moneys deposited in this account must only be used to pay the principal and interest on the bonds authorized for transportation 2003 projects or improvements, and any funds in the account in excess of the amount necessary to make the principal and interest payments may be used for maintenance on the completed projects or improvements.
During the 2015-2017 fiscal biennium, the legislature may transfer from the transportation 2003 account (nickel account) to the connecting Washington account such amounts as reflect the excess fund balance of the transportation 2003 account (nickel account).
During the 2017-2019 and the 2019-2021 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the transportation 2003 account (nickel account) to the connecting Washington account, the Puget Sound capital construction account, and the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account.
During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the transportation 2003 account (nickel account) to the state patrol highway account.
The "nickel account" means the transportation 2003 account.
The electric vehicle account is created in the transportation infrastructure account. Proceeds from the principal and interest payments made on loans from the account must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes specified in RCW 47.04.350, 82.08.9999, and 82.12.9999, and the support of other transportation electrification and alternative fuel related purposes, including RCW 47.01.520. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. During the 2023-2025 and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature may direct the state treasurer to make transfers of moneys in the electric vehicle account to the move ahead WA flexible account and multimodal transportation account.
Employers in this state who are taxable under chapter 82.04 or 82.16 RCW and provide financial incentives to their own or other employees for ride sharing, for using public transportation, for using car sharing, or for using nonmotorized commuting before January 1, 2027, are allowed a credit against taxes payable under chapters 82.04 and 82.16 RCW for amounts paid to or on behalf of employees for ride sharing in vehicles carrying two or more persons, for using public transportation, for using car sharing, or for using nonmotorized commuting, not to exceed $60 per employee per fiscal year.
Property managers who are taxable under chapter 82.04 or 82.16 RCW and provide financial incentives to persons employed at a worksite in this state managed by the property manager for ride sharing, for using public transportation, for using car sharing, or for using nonmotorized commuting before January 1, 2027, are allowed a credit against taxes payable under chapters 82.04 and 82.16 RCW for amounts paid to or on behalf of these persons for ride sharing in vehicles carrying two or more persons, for using public transportation, for using car sharing, or for using nonmotorized commuting, not to exceed $60 per person per fiscal year.
The credit under this section is equal to the amount paid to or on behalf of each employee multiplied by 50 percent, but may not exceed $60 per employee per fiscal year. No refunds may be granted for credits under this section.
A person may not receive credit under this section for amounts paid to or on behalf of the same employee under both chapters 82.04 and 82.16 RCW.
A person may not take a credit under this section for amounts claimed for credit by other persons.
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The department must keep a running total of all credits allowed under RCW 82.70.020 during each fiscal year. The department may not allow any credits that would cause the total amount allowed to exceed $2,750,000 in any fiscal year.
If the total amount of credit applied for by all applicants in any year exceeds the limit in this subsection, the department must ratably reduce the amount of credit allowed for all applicants so that the limit in this subsection is not exceeded. If a credit is reduced under this subsection, the amount of the reduction may not be carried forward and claimed in subsequent fiscal years.
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Tax credits under RCW 82.70.020 may not be claimed in excess of the amount of tax otherwise due under chapter 82.04 or 82.16 RCW.
Through June 30, 2005, a person with taxes equal to or in excess of the credit under RCW 82.70.020, and therefore not subject to the limitation in (a) of this subsection, may elect to defer tax credits for a period of not more than three years after the year in which the credits accrue. For credits approved by the department through June 30, 2015, the approved credit may be carried forward and used for tax reporting periods through December 31, 2016. Credits approved after June 30, 2015, must be used for tax reporting periods within the calendar year for which they are approved by the department and may not be carried forward to subsequent tax reporting periods. Credits carried forward as authorized by this subsection are subject to the limitation in subsection (1)(a) of this section for the fiscal year for which the credits were originally approved.
No person may be approved for tax credits under RCW 82.70.020 in excess of $100,000 in any fiscal year. This limitation does not apply to credits carried forward from prior years under subsection (2)(b) of this section.
No person may claim tax credits after June 30, 2027.
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During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, the director shall on the 25th of February, May, August, and November of each year advise the state treasurer of the amount of credit taken under RCW 82.70.020 during the preceding calendar quarter ending on the last day of December, March, June, and September, respectively.
On the last day of March, June, September, and December of each year, the state treasurer, based upon information provided by the department, shall deposit to the general fund a sum equal to the dollar amount of the credit provided under RCW 82.70.020 from the multimodal transportation account.
This chapter expires July 1, 2027.
FUEL CONVERSION ACTIVITY REPORTING
The department of transportation shall continue to cooperate and provide assistance, as requested, in the joint transportation committee's development of program delivery evaluation tools and methodologies provided under section 204 of this act for programs, projects, and other activities that receive funding from the carbon emissions reduction account.
The department shall provide information related to emission reductions resulting from fuel conversion activities funded with appropriations from the carbon emissions reduction account to the joint transportation committee in accordance with section 701, chapter . . ., Laws of 2025 (House Bill No. 2043) (concerning transportation resources).
The department shall establish a statewide school-based bicycle education grant program. The grant will support two programs: One for elementary and middle school; and one for junior high and high school aged youth to develop the skills and street safety knowledge to be more confident bicyclists for transportation and/or recreation. In development of the grant program, the department is encouraged to consult with the environmental justice council and the office of equity.
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For the elementary and middle school program, the department shall contract with a nonprofit organization with relevant reach and experience, including a statewide footprint and demonstrable experience deploying bicycling and road safety education curriculum via a train the trainer model in schools. The selected nonprofit shall identify partner schools that serve target populations, based on the criteria in subsection (3) of this section. Partner schools shall receive from the nonprofit: In-school bike and pedestrian safety education curriculum, materials, equipment guidance and consultation, and physical education teacher trainings. Youth grades three through eight are eligible for the program.
Selected school districts shall receive and maintain a fleet of bicycles for the youth in the program. Youth and families participating in the school-base bicycle education grant program shall have an opportunity to receive a bike, lock, helmet, and lights free of cost.
For the junior high and high school program, the department shall contract with a nonprofit organization with relevant reach and experience, including a statewide footprint; demonstrable experience developing and managing youth-based programming serving youth of color in an after-school and/or community setting; and deploying bicycling and road safety education curriculum via a train the trainer model. The selected nonprofit shall use the equity-based criteria in subsection (4) of this section to identify target populations and partner organizations including, but not limited to, schools, community-based organizations, housing authorities, and parks and recreation departments, that work with the eligible populations of youth ages 14 to 18. Partner organizations shall receive from the nonprofit: Education curriculum, materials, equipment including, but not limited to, bicycles, helmets, locks, and lights, guidance and consultation, and initial instructor/volunteer training, as well as ongoing support.
In selecting schools and partner organizations for the school-based bicycle education grant program, the department and nonprofit must consider, at a minimum, the following criteria:
Population impacted by poverty, as measured by free and reduced lunch population or 200 percent federal poverty level;
People of color;
People of Hispanic heritage;
People with disabilities;
Environmental health disparities, such as those indicated by the diesel pollution burden portion of the Washington environmental health disparities map developed by the department of health, or other similar indicators;
Location on or adjacent to an Indian reservation;
Geographic location throughout the state;
Crash experience involving pedestrians and bicyclists;
Identified need in the state active transportation plan or a regional, county, or community plan.
The department shall submit a report for both programs to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2022, and each December 1st thereafter identifying the selected programs and school districts for funding by the legislature. The report must also include the status of previously funded programs.
For the purposes of the program in the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium:
The program for elementary and middle school is for youth in grades three through eight.
The program for junior high and high school is for youth in grades six through 12.
The opportunity to receive a bike, lock, helmet, and lights free of cost must be limited to youth participants in both programs.
For the purposes of the program for youth in grades three through eight, the contracted nonprofit may identify partner organizations, in addition to partner schools, that serve target populations based on the criteria in subsection (4) of this section, and provide the partner organizations with the same curricula, materials, guidance, consultation, and trainings that are provided to the partner schools.
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE SERVICES
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
FOR THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
FOR THE WASHINGTON TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
FOR THE COUNTY ROAD ADMINISTRATION BOARD
FOR THE JOINT TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
FOR THE TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TOLL OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE—PROGRAM B
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY—PROGRAM C
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—FACILITY MAINTENANCE, OPERATIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION—PROGRAM D—OPERATING
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—AVIATION—PROGRAM F
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PROGRAM DELIVERY MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT—PROGRAM H
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS—PROGRAM K
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE—PROGRAM M
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS—PROGRAM Q—OPERATING
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT—PROGRAM S
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, DATA, AND RESEARCH—PROGRAM T
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—CHARGES FROM OTHER AGENCIES—PROGRAM U
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION—PROGRAM V
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—MARINE—PROGRAM X
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—LOCAL PROGRAMS—PROGRAM Z—OPERATING
FOR THE WASHINGTON STATE PATROL
FOR THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT BOARD
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—FACILITIES—PROGRAM D—(DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION-ONLY PROJECTS)—CAPITAL
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—IMPROVEMENTS—PROGRAM I
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—PRESERVATION—PROGRAM P
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS—PROGRAM Q—CAPITAL
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES CONSTRUCTION—PROGRAM W
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—RAIL—PROGRAM Y—CAPITAL
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION—LOCAL PROGRAMS—PROGRAM Z—CAPITAL
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—BOND RETIREMENT AND INTEREST, AND ONGOING BOND REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER CHARGES: FOR BOND SALES DISCOUNTS AND DEBT TO BE PAID BY MOTOR VEHICLE ACCOUNT AND TRANSPORTATION FUND REVENUE
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—BOND RETIREMENT AND INTEREST, AND ONGOING BOND REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER CHARGES: FOR BOND SALE EXPENSES AND FISCAL AGENT CHARGES
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—STATE REVENUES FOR DISTRIBUTION
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—TRANSFERS
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING—TRANSFERS
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSFERS
FOR THE STATE TREASURER—BOND RETIREMENT AND INTEREST, AND ONGOING BOND REGISTRATION AND TRANSFER CHARGES: FOR DEBT TO BE PAID BY STATUTORILY PRESCRIBED REVENUE
MANAGEMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FUNDS WHEN THE LEGISLATURE IS NOT IN SESSION
TRANSIT, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN ELEMENTS REPORTING
LOCAL PARTNER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS
The appropriations to the department of transportation in chapter 472, Laws of 2023, chapter 310, Laws of 2024, and this act must be expended for the programs and in the amounts specified in chapter 472, Laws of 2023, chapter 310, Laws of 2024, and this act. However, after May 1, 2025, unless specifically prohibited, the department may transfer state appropriations for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium among operating programs after approval by the director of the office of financial management. However, the department shall not transfer state moneys that are provided solely for a specific purpose. The department shall not transfer funds, and the director of the office of financial management shall not approve the transfer, unless the transfer is consistent with the objective of conserving, to the maximum extent possible, the expenditure of state funds and not federal funds. The director of the office of financial management shall notify the appropriate transportation committees of the legislature two weeks prior to approving any allotment modifications or transfers under this section.
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
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.