SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6794
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 Senate Committee On:
Transportation, January 29, 2008
Title: An act relating to the procurement of new ferry vessels that carry no more than one hundred motor vehicles.
Brief Description: Requiring the procurement of new ferry vessels that carry no more than one hundred motor vehicles.
Sponsors: Senators Haugen, Spanel, Shin and Rockefeller; by request of Governor Gregoire.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 1/28/08, 1/29/08 [DPS, w/oRec].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6794 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Marr, Vice Chair; Murray, Vice Chair; Swecker, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Kastama, Kilmer, Sheldon and Spanel.
Minority Report: Do not pass.Signed by Senator Benton.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Holmquist, King and Pflug.
Staff: Janice Baumgardt (786-7319)
Background: In November of 2007, the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) ordered the state's four eighty-year old steel electric class vessels to be immediately removed from service because of corrosion and pitting discovered in the vessel hulls.
Summary of Bill: The bill as referred to committee was not considered.
SUMMARY OF BILL (Recommended Substitute): The Legislature declares that an expedited
procurement is required for the construction of new vessels to replace the steel electric class
vessels.
The DOT is directed to construct one or more ferry vessels for service on routes that require
vessels that carry no more than 100 vehicles. The vessels must be constructed within the
boundaries of Washington State. Exempt from the build in Washington requirement are
equipment furnished by the state and standard manufactured components, products and systems.
Generally, warranty work must also be performed within the boundaries of Washington.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This will employ people, help develop a capable
workforce, and create a positive economic benefit in Washington State.
CON: This bill is too vague. Removing the "build it in Washington" requirement would mean
a better deal for taxpayers.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Jill Satran, Governor's Transportation Advisor; Paula Hammond,
Secretary, Washington State Department of Transportation; Gordon Baxter, Puget Sound Metal
Trades Council; Robert Scott, Puget Sound Metal Trades Council.
CON: Tom Henry, Evergreen Freedom Foundation.