Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Transportation Committee

HB 1844

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: Concerning work performed by state forces on ferry vessels and terminals.

Sponsors: Representatives Moscoso, Kochmar, Clibborn, Fey, Appleton, Ortiz-Self and Tarleton.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases the dollar threshold for work that may be performed on ferry vessels and terminals by state forces.

  • Removes the reference to a specific time period during which the threshold is in place.

Hearing Date: 2/11/15

Staff: Paul Ingiosi (786-7114).

Background:

The Washington State Ferries (WSF) division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) operates and maintains ferry vessels and terminals, constructs terminals, and acquires vessels. The system serves eight Washington counties and one Canadian province through 23 vessels and 20 terminals.

As part of the marine highway system, the WSF is subject to a $60,000 limit on work that can be performed by state forces on state highways.

The dollar limit and effective time period has changed several times since 2010:

Bill

Dollar Threshold

Time Period

ESHB 3209 (2010)

$120,000

March 15, 2010–June 30, 2011

ESHB 1175 (2011)

$120,000

July 1, 2011–June 30, 2013

$ 60,000

July 1, 2013–March 14, 2014

ESSB 6001 (2014)

$120,000

March 15, 2014–June 30, 2015

Under current law, the WSF is subject to a $120,000 limit on work that can be performed by state forces on state highways through June 30, 2015.

Summary of Bill:

The bill would permanently increase the dollar threshold for work that may be performed on ferry vessels and terminals by state forces from $120,000 to $240,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2015.