The bill aims to utilize revenues from the Climate Commitment Act to fund major transportation infrastructure projects in Washington State. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining and improving the state's transportation system to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. The legislation asserts that auction revenues from the Climate Commitment Act, which were previously restricted from being used for major road and bridge projects, should now be allocated for such purposes. Specifically, the bill mandates that these revenues be directed towards significant highway projects and bridge replacements, including the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River and the US 395 North Spokane corridor.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to the distribution of auction proceeds, ensuring that a portion of the funds is allocated to the carbon emissions reduction account, climate investment account, and air quality and health disparities improvement account. It introduces new provisions for the use of these funds, including maintenance and improvements of highways, active transportation, and transit programs. The legislation also establishes a new section that outlines the immediate need for these changes, declaring an emergency and setting an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.65.100, 70A.45.020, 70A.65.250