Panel advances charter language to prioritize county roads; legal questions raised about trails and federal law

The Charter Review Commission advanced to step 2 a proposed amendment that would require the Department of Public Works to use the County Road Fund “solely to the County Road System for maintenance and capital improvements” and direct non-road programs — including county trails and nonmotorized vehicle services — to be funded from the county general fund or other designated funds.

The draft reads: “The Department of Public Works shall utilize the County Road Fund and dedicate such resources solely to the County Road System for maintenance and capital improvements. Non road related programs, including county trails and non motorized vehicle services shall be funded through the county general fund and designated fund of their own or outside revenue sources. These programs shall not be included as requirements of the 6 year transportation improvement program.” Commissioner Tozer presented the item as step 1; commissioners agreed to advance it to step 2 for additional study.

Multiple commissioners and members of the public urged caution. Commissioner Fleck noted federal requirements for metropolitan and statewide transportation improvement programs under 23 U.S.C. sections 134 and 135, and said federal guidance and RCW provisions commonly require nonmotorized pedestrian and bicycle facilities to be included in state and local TIPs when federal funds are involved. A commissioner also cited RCW provisions and the Olympic Discovery Trail as examples of nonroad infrastructure that has been funded through federal and state transportation grants.

Speakers urged bringing public-works staff and the county’s public-works expert to provide technical and legal analysis before any charter language is finalized. One commissioner said, “At the very least, we need to have the public works expert in, to present this.” Members also raised equity and practical-need concerns: commenters noted that some residents depend on nonmotorized facilities and public transportation as essential mobility, not luxury recreation.

Ending: The commission moved the item to step 2 and directed staff to schedule public-works testimony and obtain legal analysis about RCW and federal TIP requirements prior to recommending ballot language.