Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 1321
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring reporting regarding the costs of certain transportation projects.
Sponsors: Representatives Wylie, Vick, Harris, Stonier and Rude.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/28/19
Staff: David Munnecke (786-7315).
Background:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) utilizes the services of consultants in a variety of aspects of transportation project delivery when those services are not available from public resources. The areas where the WSDOT contracts with consultants include the following:
architectural services;
engineering services;
environmental review; and
permitting.
There are currently 14 projects in the Governor's proposed budget for 2019-21 that have a value of more than $500 million, and there were 13 projects with a value of more than $500 million in the enacted 2017-19 biennial budget.
Summary of Bill:
The WSDOT is required to provide a report regarding a project's expected use of consultants to the transportation committees of the Legislature or the Joint Transportation Committee, for any project with a value of more than $500 million. The report must be provided as soon as is practicable and prior to the letting of any contracts.
The report must describe:
each of the activities that consultants will be used for;
the state and federal law requirements, if any, necessitating the use of consultants;
the expected outcomes of studies, analyses, and mitigation efforts related to the project; and
the expected consultant costs for each activity listed in the report.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 23, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on August 1, 2019.