BILL REQ. #:  Z-0982.3 

Read first time 01/24/08.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to the procurement of new ferry vessels that carry no more than one hundred motor vehicles; adding a new section to chapter 47.56 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Washington's marine highways provide vital transportation links between communities. Citizens, businesses, and visitors depend on the state's ferry system to provide safe, dependable auto and passenger service in order to conduct daily life and commerce activities. On November 20, 2007, the secretary of the department of transportation ordered the eighty-year old steel electric class vessels to be immediately removed from service because previously undetected corrosion and pitting in the vessel hulls posed a risk to the safety of passengers and crew. The emergency removal of the state ferry system's steel electric class vessels has imposed a significant hardship on the citizens and businesses served by the Port Townsend-Keystone route. The unique features of the Port Townsend-Keystone route prevent the ferry system from assigning other state-operated auto/passenger vessels to that route. Therefore, an expedited procurement is required for the construction of new vessels to restore permanent auto/passenger ferry service to the Port Townsend-Keystone route.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 47.56 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall construct one or more new ferry vessels for service on the Port Townsend-Keystone route or other routes that require a vessel that carries 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. 3   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.