(1) The toll collection account is created in the custody of the state treasurer for the deposit of prepaid customer tolls and clearing activities benefiting multiple toll facilities.

(2) All receipts from prepaid customer tolls must be deposited into the account. Prepaid customer tolls may be used only to refund customer prepaid tolls or for distributions to the appropriate toll facility account based on an equitable methodology to be determined by the department in consultation with the office of financial management. For purposes of accounting, distributions from the account constitute earned toll revenues in the receiving toll facility account at the time of distribution.

(3) Operations that benefit multiple toll facilities may be recorded in the account. At least monthly, operating activities must be distributed to the benefiting toll facility accounts.

(4) On a monthly basis, interest earnings on deposits in the account must be distributed to the toll facility accounts based on an equitable methodology to be determined by the department in consultation with the office of financial management.

(5) Only the secretary of transportation or the secretary's designee may authorize distributions from the account. Distributions of revenue and refunds from this account are not subject to the allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW and an appropriation is not required.

Contingent effective date—2010 c 249: See note following RCW 47.56.795.

Effective date—2008 c 122 ss 23 and 24: "Sections 23 and 24 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [March 25, 2008]." [ 2008 c 122 s 26.]