BILL REQ. #:  S-1536.1 

Read first time 02/11/09.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to eliminating a requirement that certain ferry vessels be constructed within the boundaries of the state of Washington; amending RCW 47.56.780; and declaring an emergency.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 47.56.780 and 2008 c 4 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature finds that Washington state has a strong shipbuilding industry, which can be competitive with the best shipyards across the nation. The federal government is poised to deliver a sizable transportation investment package to the states in the form of economic stimulus funds. In order to best position Washington's shipbuilding industry to receive some of those stimulus dollars to build ferry vessels, it is necessary to allow Washington's shipbuilding industry to compete with other shipyards across the nation for the construction of these vessels.
     (2) The department shall construct one or more new ferry vessels ((for service on routes that require a vessel that carries)) that carry no more than one hundred motor vehicles. ((The department shall include in the procurement of the new vessels a requirement that the vessels be constructed within the boundaries of the state of Washington, except that equipment furnished by the state and components, products, and systems that are standard manufactured items are not subject to the in-state requirement under this subsection.
     (2) For purposes of this section, "constructed" means: The fabrication, by the joining together by welding or fastening, of all steel parts from which the total vessel is constructed including, but not limited to, all shell frames, longitudinals, bulkheads, webs, piping runs, wire ways, and ducting. "Constructed" also means (a) the installation of all components and systems including, but not limited to, equipment and machinery, castings, electrical, electronics, deck covering, lining, paint, and joiner work required by the contract and (b) the interconnection of all equipment, machinery, and services, such as piping, wiring, and ducting.
     (3) The procurement of the new ferry vessels must also include a requirement that all warranty work on the vessels be performed within the boundaries of the state of Washington, insofar as practicable.))

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.