Wash. Rev. Code § 47.60.355
RCW 47.60.355
Findings-Intent- 2010 c 283 : "The legislature finds that the Washington state ferry system is a critical component of the state's highway system. The legislature further finds that ferry system revenues are inadequate to support the capital requirements of aging vessels and terminals, and operating cost growth is fast outpacing the growth of fare revenue and gas tax revenue dedicated to the ferry system. As such, and drawing on more than four consecutive years of legislative analysis and operating policy reforms, the legislature finds that a realignment of the ferry compensation policy framework is an appropriate next step toward the legislature's long-term goal of assuring sustainable, cost-effective ferry service. The legislature further intends to address increased costs of ferry system operations in a manner that balances the interests of the ferry system, ferry workforce, and fare payers. It is the intent of the legislature that final recommendations from the joint transportation committee ferry study, submitted to the legislature during the 2009 regular legislative session, be enacted by the legislature and implemented by the department of transportation as soon as practicable in order to benefit from the efficiencies and cost savings identified in the recommendations. It is also the intent of the legislature to make various additional policy changes aimed at further efficiencies and cost savings. Since the study began in 2006, recommendations have been made with regard to long range planning and implementing the most efficient and effective balance between ferry capital and operating investments. It is intended that this act, the 2009-2011 omnibus transportation appropriations act, and subsequent transportation appropriations acts serve as vehicles for enacting these recommendations in order to maximize the utilization of existing capacity and to make the most efficient use of existing assets and tax dollars." [2010 c 283 s 1.]
Effective date- 2010 c 283 : "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 [April 1, 2010]." [2010 c 283 s 24.]
Finding-Intent-2007 c 512: See note following RCW 47.06.140.