Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Capital Budget Committee

HB 2735

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: Regarding intermediate capital projects and minor works.

Sponsors: Representatives Wylie, Zeiger and Dunshee.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases the threshold for minor works projects from $2 million to $5 million for higher education institutions.

  • Increases the threshold for predesign requirements from $5 million to $10 million for higher education institutions.

Hearing Date: 1/31/12

Staff: Steve Masse (786-7115).

Background:

The capital budget includes appropriations for the construction and repair of colleges and universities, state office buildings, prisons and juvenile rehabilitation facilities, parks, public schools, and for other capital facilities and programs.

Minor Works Projects.

Minor works appropriations in the capital budget are lump sum appropriations to cover smaller preservation and programmatic projects that are similar in nature and cost less than $1 million for most state agencies or less than $2 million for higher education institutions. Typically minor works projects are completed within one biennium. State agencies must file minor works lists and requested revisions with the Office of Financial Management (OFM), the House Capital Budget Committee, and the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Predesigns.

A predesign is a decision-making tool that is required for all capital projects that exceed $5 million. The Legislature and the OFM may also require a predesign for certain stand-alone projects between $1 million and $5 million. The purpose of the predesign is to clearly identify the facility need or problem to be addressed and provide a thoughtful analysis of the options to meet the need or solve the problem. The predesign includes information about the space needs of the proposed program, alternatives to the preferred project, and estimated budget information. The predesign often is prepared by architectural consultants and usually includes a detailed space plan.

Summary of Bill:

The minor works project threshold for higher education institutions is raised from $2 million to $5 million. The predesign threshold for higher education institutions is raised from $5 million to $10 million.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.