SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2882

BYRepresentatives R. Fisher and Schmidt

Authorizing the department of transportation to approve emergency contracts.

House Committe on Transportation

Senate Committee on Transportation

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Patterson, Chairman; Thorsness, Vice Chairman; von Reichbauer, Vice Chairman; Barr, Bender, Benitz, DeJarnatt, McMullen, Madsen, Murray, Nelson, Patrick, Sellar.

Senate Staff:Louise Bray Sandison (786-7322)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Under current law, the secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) may award emergency contracts without Transportation Commission authorization only when the contract amount is under $100,000.

When the contract amount exceeds $100,000, the Transportation Commission must find that the existing state highway is in jeopardy or is rendered impassible due to accident, natural disaster or other emergency.  If the commission so finds, then it may authorize the DOT to obtain three written bids without publishing a call for bids and award the contract.

Whenever the commission finds it necessary to protect a highway facility from imminent damage or to perform emergency work to reopen a highway, it may authorize the DOT to contract for that work on a negotiated basis not to exceed force account rates for a period not to exceed 30 days.

SUMMARY:

The secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) is authorized to make the necessary findings and to award emergency contracts.  If the contract award exceeds $200,000, the secretary must review the approved contract with the Transportation Commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Del Vandehey, DOT