BILL REQ. #:  H-0233.1 

Read first time 01/22/09.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to the construction of a state boundary bridge; and amending RCW 47.56.042.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 47.56.042 and 1984 c 7 s 249 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department is authorized to enter into agreements with any county of this state and/or with an adjoining state or county thereof for the purpose of implementing an investigation of the feasibility of any toll bridge project for the bridging of a river forming a portion of the boundary of this state, and the adjoining state. The department may use funds available to it to carry out the purposes of this subsection. These agreements may provide that if any such project is determined to be feasible and is adopted, any advancement of funds by any state or county may be reimbursed out of any proceeds derived from the sale of bonds or out of tolls and revenues to be derived from the project.
     (2) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for the purpose of constructing a state boundary bridge, the department shall issue a request for proposals to interested parties that must include, at least, the following:
     (a) A requirement that the contractor comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including those pertaining to the environment, worker health and safety, apprenticeship utilization, and prevailing wages; and
     (b) A requirement that the department seek to use products, materials, and components required for the construction of a state boundary bridge that are fabricated within the boundaries of the state of Washington or the adjoining state, or both, while considering factors such as the ability to recycle and utilize recycled materials in the construction process, the proximity of fabrication plants to the construction site, and transportation cost and conveniences. For the purposes of this subsection (2)(b), "construction" means fabrication by the joining together, by welding or fastening, of all steel parts from which the total bridge is constructed.