(1) It is the intent of the legislature to establish policy goals for the planning, operation, performance of, and investment in, the state’s transportation system. Public investments in transportation should support achievement of these policy goals:

(a) Preservation: To maintain, preserve, and extend the life and utility of prior investments in transportation systems and services, including the state ferry system;

(b) Safety: To provide for and improve the safety and security of transportation customers and the transportation system;

(c) Stewardship: To continuously improve the quality, effectiveness, resilience, and efficiency of the transportation system;

(d) Mobility: To improve the predictable movement of goods and people throughout Washington state, including congestion relief and improved freight mobility;

(e) Economic vitality: To promote and develop transportation systems that stimulate, support, and enhance the movement of people and goods to ensure a prosperous economy; and

(f) Environment: To enhance Washington’s quality of life through transportation investments that promote energy conservation, enhance healthy communities, and protect the environment.

(2) The powers, duties, and functions of state transportation agencies must be performed in a manner consistent with the policy goals set forth in subsection (1) of this section with preservation and safety being priorities.

(3) These policy goals are intended to be the basis for establishing detailed and measurable objectives and related performance measures.

(4) It is the intent of the legislature that the office of financial management, in consultation with the transportation commission, establish objectives and performance measures for the department and other state agencies with transportation-related responsibilities to ensure transportation system performance at local, regional, and state government levels progresses toward the attainment of the policy goals set forth in subsection (1) of this section. The office of financial management shall submit objectives and performance measures to the legislature for its review and shall provide copies of the same to the commission during each regular session of the legislature during an even-numbered year thereafter.

(5) A local or regional agency engaging in transportation planning may voluntarily establish objectives and performance measures to demonstrate progress toward the attainment of the policy goals set forth in subsection (1) of this section or any other transportation policy goals established by the local or regional agency. A local or regional agency engaging in transportation planning is encouraged to provide local and regional objectives and performance measures to be included with the objectives and performance measures submitted to the legislature pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.

(6) This section does not create a private right of action.

Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 16: “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 [July 6, 2015].” [ 2015 3rd sp.s. c 16 § 2.]

Findings—Intent—2007 c 516: See note following RCW 47.01.011.

Effective date—2002 c 5 § 101: “Section 101 of this act takes effect July 1, 2002.” [ 2002 c 5 § 102.]

Captions not law—2002 c 5: “Captions and part headings used in this act are not part of the law.” [ 2002 c 5 § 419.]

Severability—2002 c 5: “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.” [ 2002 c 5 § 420.]