SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2012
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of March 20, 2015
Title: An act relating to the department of transportation implementation of practical design.
Brief Description: Concerning the implementation of practical design by the department of transportation.
Sponsors: House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Orcutt, Clibborn, Hargrove, Hayes, Pike, Zeiger, Muri and Wilson).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/09/15, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Transportation: 3/18/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Clint McCarthy (786-7319)
Background: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) defines practical design as an approach for project decisions that focuses on the need for the project and looks for cost-effective solutions. It engages local stakeholders at the earliest stages of defining scope to ensure their input is included at the beginning stage of project design. Practical design implementation is part of WSDOT's current agency-wide reform plan. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6001 directs WSDOT to implement a practical design strategy for transportation design standards and report by June 30, 2015, on where practical design has been applied or is intended to be applied and the cost savings resulting from the use of practical design.
Summary of Bill: WSDOT must use principles of practical design to develop projects that are cost efficient, meet community needs, and do not have a negative impact to safety or operations. WSDOT is given flexibility to deviate from the standard design manual if applying the standards would result in unnecessary additional costs. WSDOT must report on its use of practical design by November 15, 2016, and November 15, 2017, and biennially thereafter. The reporting requirement sunsets in 2025. The report must include all projects in which practical design was used, the estimated cost savings for each project, and what other performance objectives or goals were achieved. Additionally, WSDOT should include projects in which practical design was unable to be applied due to federal requirements.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Practical design has directed planners and designers within WSDOT to reduce costs to construct projects and the costs to maintain infrastructure without compromising safety. It integrates community involvement with WSDOT's planning and design process.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Alison Camden, WSDOT.
Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.