Bill would let I‑5 bridge retirement account keep its interest earnings

House Bill 2111 was briefed to the Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 23. Committee staff said the bill would allow the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement Project toll facility bond retirement account to retain interest earnings while tolls are collected and funds remain unspent, instead of the current default that directs interest to the general fund.

Haley Gamble described the account as a niche fund the state treasurer would use to pay debt service when the project is active, and noted a similar provision appears in the resources bill (Senate Bill 6352, as referenced in staff comments). No public testimony was offered during the hearing.

A sponsor arrived later and described the measure as a straightforward effort suggested by the state treasurer’s office to ensure interest benefits the bridge project; a brief, informal question‑and‑answer exchange followed. The committee did not vote on the bill during the hearing.