HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1849


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 Reported by House Committee On:
Transportation

Title: An act relating to design-build construction for transportation projects.

Brief Description: Preserving the use of design-build construction on certain transportation projects.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan and Ormsby; by request of Department of Transportation.

Brief History:

Transportation: 2/14/07, 2/22/07 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the expiration date for the directive that the Washington State Department of Transportation develop a design-build process.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Jarrett, Ranking Minority Member; Schindler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Appleton, Armstrong, Campbell, Dickerson, Eddy, Ericksen, Hailey, Hankins, Hudgins, Lovick, Rodne, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Wallace and Wood.

Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7157).

Background:

In 1998 the Legislature granted the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) statutory authority to use design-build contracting on two pilot projects, each of which had to cost over $10 million. The WSDOT was directed to develop criteria for use of the design-build process to include the scope of services, contractor pre-qualification requirements, evaluation criteria, and a dispute-resolution procedure.

In 2001, the Legislature granted the authority to use design-build on projects costing over $10 million, and extended the expiration date to April 30, 2008. During the 2006 session, the Legislature removed the April 30, 2008, expiration date, and authorized up to five pilot projects on smaller design-build projects costing between $2 and $5 million.


Summary of Bill:

The expiration date for the Washington State Department of Transportation to develop a design-build process is removed.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The WSDOT has used design build successfully in delivering several 2003 Nickel projects, and plans to use the process on several up-coming highway projects. Last year the Legislature removed the sunset on a related design-build statute, and this bill would remove the sunset allowing the WSDOT to continue to use the design-build process.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Steve Reinmuth, Washington State Department of Transportation.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.