HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2271

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: Authorizing state forces to perform work on ferry vessels or terminals when estimated costs are less than one hundred twenty thousand dollars.

Sponsors: Representatives Liias, Rodne, Sells, Clibborn, Johnson, Takko, Van De Wege, Springer, Williams, Finn, Nelson, Seaquist and Simpson; by request of Department of Transportation.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Transportation: 2/24/09, 2/27/09 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows state work forces to maintain and preserve Washington State Department of Transportation ferry vessels and terminals if the estimated cost of the work is less than $120,000, as opposed to the current limit of $60,000.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 25 members: Representatives Clibborn, Chair; Liias, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Rodne, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Armstrong, Campbell, Cox, Eddy, Ericksen, Finn, Flannigan, Herrera, Johnson, Klippert, Moeller, Morris, Rolfes, Sells, Simpson, Springer, Takko, Upthegrove, Wallace, Williams and Wood.

Background:

State highways may be constructed, altered, repaired, or improved by state work forces or by contractors. The work may be done by state work forces when:

estimated costs are less than $60,000; or
estimated costs are less than $100,000 and delay of the project would jeopardize a state highway or constitute a danger to the traveling public.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division has a maintenance facility located at Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island. The WSDOT employees at the site perform maintenance and preservation work on ferry vessels and terminals within the contracting limits in state law.

Summary of Bill:

State work forces may construct, alter, repair, or improve the WSDOT ferry vessels and terminals if the estimated cost of the work is less than $120,000.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill is the product of cooperation between management and labor, and will help reduce costs and improve efficiency. The workers at Eagle Harbor are highly skilled and know ferry terminals and vessels, whereas there is a learning curve when hiring a contractor.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Liias, prime sponsor; Gordon Baxter and Marty Yellaw, Puget Sound Metal Trades Council; Brett Olsen, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 46 and Puget Sound Metal Trades Council; and Paul Brodeur, Washington State Ferries.