Motion No. M2019-119
A motion of the Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority Adopting the Sound Transit
2020 State Legislative Program and directing staff to evaluate and engage in issues that impact the
agency as it continues to implement a regional high-capacity transit system.

Background
The Board annually considers a State Legislative Program. The program has typically included issues
and policy guidance to staff and contract lobbyists to assist them in representing the agency’s interests
during the legislative session.
This action would authorize Sound Transit staff and consultants in Olympia to advocate and/or pursue
the following positions during the upcoming state legislative session:


Support and engage with partner agencies and others on efforts to facilitate the safe, costeffective and efficient delivery of transit projects and services.
Sound Transit has historically supported the legislative efforts of our partners and others that
facilitate the efficient, safe and cost-effective delivery of transit projects and services. As part of ongoing coordination efforts, Sound Transit will work in collaboration on efforts aimed at improving the
transit system, including proposals impacting transit operations, the ORCA program, public safety
and public works contracting.



Oppose legislation that increases the costs of transit improvements and services or
otherwise impairs the agency’s ability to deliver its voter-approved regional high capacity
transit program.
With a total of more than 48.2 million trips in 2018 across 51 cities, and with more than $2.5 billion
capital investment to develop infrastructure scheduled in 2020, the Sound Transit Board will oppose
legislation that would negatively alter the oversight, planning, financing, construction, delivery and
operation of Sound Transit projects and services.



Continue to work collaboratively with the State Legislature to support the public’s desire to
base vehicle taxes on a vehicle’s true current value, in a revenue neutral manner.
The Board, through Motion No. M2017-37 directed Sound Transit staff to engage with the State
Legislature and pursue options to address public concerns about Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes and
the depreciation schedule in use for Sound Transit 3. Sound Transit will work with the Legislature to
develop solutions that seek to implement the public’s desire to base vehicle taxes on a vehicle’s true
current value, in a revenue neutral manner.



Work with our agency partners to maintain mobility and service amid uncertainty subsequent
to passage of I-976.
Sound Transit relies on our agency partners’ ability to integrate with our regional system in order to
effectively deliver on our mission to provide regional transit service throughout the Puget Sound.
Sound Transit will work alongside our partners and support efforts that preserve or strengthen their
ability to delivery mobility and transit services to customers.

 

Support efforts to create new flexible revenue options to fund transit and transportation
investments
Washington State restricts the use of gas tax revenue (its main funding source for state
transportation projects) to be spent solely for highway purposes. As the State undertakes discussion
of new transportation funding options, Sound Transit supports flexibility in the requirements for use
of any such funding, to support an effective, efficient transportation system that meets the varying
needs across Washington State.

Motion
It is hereby moved by the Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority that the Sound
Transit 2020 State Legislative Program is adopted, and staff is directed to evaluate and engage in
issues that impact the agency as it continues to implement a regional high-capacity transit system.
APPROVED by the Board of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority at a regular meeting
thereof held on
.

John Marchione
Board Chair
Attest:

Kathryn Flores
Board Administrator

Motion No. M2019-119

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