Chapter 3.63
TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT
Sections:
3.63.020 Establishing the transportation benefit district.
3.63.040 Functions of the district.
3.63.050 Transportation improvements funded.
3.63.060 Transportation benefit district fund.
3.63.070 Dissolution of district.
3.63.080 Liberal construction.
3.63.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a transportation benefit district (TBD) pursuant to RCW 35.21.225 and Chapter 36.73 RCW, consistent with the public interest, to provide adequate levels of funding for transportation improvements that preserve, maintain and, as appropriate, construct or reconstruct the transportation infrastructure of the city of Longview. (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3334 § 3, 2016).
3.63.020 Establishing the transportation benefit district.
There is created a transportation benefit district to be known as the Longview transportation benefit district or “district” with geographical boundaries comprised of the corporate limits of the city as they currently exist or as they may exist following future annexations. (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3334 § 3, 2016).
3.63.030 Governing board.
(1) The governing board of the Longview transportation benefit district shall be the Longview city council, which shall have the authority to exercise the statutory powers set forth in Chapter 36.73 RCW and this chapter.
(2) The treasurer of the transportation benefit district shall be the city finance director.
(3) The board shall develop a material change policy to address major plan changes that affect project delivery or the ability to finance the plan, pursuant to the requirements set forth in RCW 36.73.160(1). The policy must at least address material changes to cost, scope and schedule, the level of change that will require governing body involvement and how the governing body will address those changes. At a minimum, if the district funding participation in a transportation improvement exceeds its original cost by more than 20 percent as identified in the district’s original plan, a public hearing shall be held to solicit public comment regarding how the cost change should be resolved.
(4) The board shall issue an annual report, pursuant to the requirements of RCW 36.73.160(2). (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3341 § 2, 2017; Ord. 3334 § 3, 2016).
3.63.040 Functions of the district.
(1) The district, by a majority vote of its governing board, may authorize a motor vehicle license fee of up to $20.00 as provided in RCW 82.80.140 for the purposes set forth in this chapter, and may subsequently increase such motor vehicle license fee as authorized according to law.
(2) In addition to or in lieu of the motor vehicle license fee authorized above, the district may impose additional taxes, fees or charges authorized by RCW 36.73.040, or ad valorem property taxes authorized by RCW 36.73.060, only if approved by district voters pursuant to RCW 36.73.065.
(3) The district shall have all powers and functions provided by Chapter 36.73 RCW to fulfill the functions of the district, including the power to issue general obligation bonds and revenue bonds as provided in RCW 36.73.070, or form a local improvement district as provided in RCW 36.73.080. (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3334 § 3, 2016).
3.63.050 Transportation improvements funded.
The funds generated by the transportation benefit district may be used for transportation improvements that preserve, maintain, operate, construct and reconstruct the existing transportation infrastructure of the city, consistent with Chapter 36.73 RCW, as it now exists or is hereafter amended. In addition to the foregoing, the funds generated may be used for any purpose allowed by law, including to operate the district and to make transportation improvements that are consistent with state, regional and local transportation plans and necessitated by existing or reasonably foreseeable congestion levels, pursuant to Chapter 36.73 RCW. The district shall select to the extent practicable projects for funding that reduce the risk of transportation facility failure and improve safety, decrease travel time, increase daily and peak period trip capacity, improve modal connectivity, provide for economic development, improve accessibility for persons with special transportation needs, and preserve and maintain optimal performance of the infrastructure over time to avoid expensive infrastructure construction and replacement in the future.
All funds raised through the district shall be expended only for such construction, reconstruction, preservation, maintenance and operation, including administrative, design, permitting, and other such costs necessary to complete the improvements, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 36.73 RCW as it now exists or is hereafter amended. The funds expended by the district shall preserve, maintain, operate and improve the city’s investments in the transportation infrastructure, reduce the risk of transportation facility failure, improve safety, continue the cost effectiveness of the city’s infrastructure investments, provide for economic development and continue the optimal performance of the transportation system.
The Longview transportation benefit district improvements plan is adopted and made part of this chapter by reference, as it now exists or is hereafter amended. Additional transportation improvement projects may be funded only after compliance with the provisions of RCW 36.73.050(2)(b) following notice, public hearing and enactment of an authorizing ordinance. (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3334 § 3, 2016).
3.63.060 Transportation benefit district fund.
There is created and established the transportation benefit district fund. The purpose of the transportation benefit district fund is to segregate, budget, expend and account for moneys derived from transportation benefit district fees. Expenditures from the transportation benefit district fund may only be used for the purposes and activities described in LMC 3.63.050, including but not limited to city administrative and personnel costs, contractors and professional services, equipment, and materials and supplies. (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017).
3.63.070 Dissolution of district.
The district shall be automatically dissolved when all indebtedness of the district has been retired and when all of the district’s anticipated responsibilities and improvements have been satisfied and completed. (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3334 § 3, 2016. Formerly 3.63.060).
3.63.080 Liberal construction.
This chapter is to be liberally construed to accomplish the purpose of establishing a transportation benefit district with the broadest possible authority under Chapter 36.73 RCW, as it now exists or is hereafter amended. (Ord. 3355 § 1, 2017; Ord. 3334 § 3, 2016. Formerly 3.63.070).