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Analysis: tribal discounts would affect less than 1% of bridge trips but carry administrative costs
Summary
A sensitivity analysis tested tribal discount options (10 vs 38 tribes; 50% discount vs 100% exemption) and found participation would be under 1% of I‑5 transactions with estimated FY 2036 net revenue impacts between roughly $400,000 and $1.5 million; staff warned of staffing and verification costs.
Commissioners received a sensitivity analysis of potential tribal discounts and exemptions and heard operational considerations tied to verification and account management.
Liz Horta summarized the approach: two eligibility options were considered (limited eligibility for 10 federally recognized tribes consulting on the project and a broader statewide set of 38 tribes) and two discount levels (50% and 100%). The analysis assumed tribal members or tribal government vehicles would enroll in the Good2Go program, have a transponder and meet documentation requirements; staff used a 60% opt‑in assumption consistent with other discount programs. Under all four sensitivity cases, tribal participants were estimated to represent less than 1% of I‑5 bridge transactions. Fiscal‑year 2036 net revenue impacts for those cases were approximately $400,000 (50% discount, 10 tribes), about $850,000 (100% discount, 10 tribes), about $700,000 (50% discount, 38 tribes) and about $1.5 million (100% discount, 38 tribes), representing under 1.5% of net toll revenue in the modeled year.
Ed Barry (WSDOT Toll Division) described enrollment and verification steps, emphasized the need for Good2Go accounts and documentation (vehicle registration and tribal membership), and warned that operational staffing, transponder distribution and dispute resolution could generate additional ongoing costs. Commissioners raised concerns about administrative efficiency and suggested alternatives such as voucher or tribe‑managed distribution to reduce back‑office burdens.
