BILL REQ. #:  H-1901.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/01/13.   

     AN ACT Relating to highway construction workforce development; and amending RCW 47.01.435.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 47.01.435 and 2012 c 66 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall expend federal funds received by the department, and funds that may be available to the department, under 23 U.S.C. Sec. 140(b) to increase diversity in the highway construction workforce and prepare individuals interested in entering the highway construction workforce by conducting activities in subsection (4) of this section.
     (2) The requirements contained in subsection (1) of this section do not apply to or reduce the federal funds that would be otherwise allocated to local government agencies.
     (3) The department shall, ((to the greatest extent practicable,)) in coordination with the apprenticeship and training council described in chapter 49.04 RCW, expend ((moneys from other sources)) one million nine hundred thousand dollars per year, or one-half of one percent of federal highway surface transportation program capital funds, whichever is less, for apprenticeship preparation, apprenticeships, and support services. These funds may be reduced by the amount of funds expended from sources other than those specified in subsection (1) of this section for the activities in subsection (4) of this section.
     (4) The department shall coordinate with the apprenticeship and training council to provide any portion of the following services:
     (a) Preapprenticeship programs approved by the apprenticeship and training council;
     (b) Preemployment counseling;
     (c) Orientations on the highway construction industry, including outreach to women, minorities, and other disadvantaged individuals;
     (d) Basic skills improvement classes;
     (e) Career counseling;
     (f) Remedial training;
     (g) Entry requirements for training programs;
     (h) Supportive services and assistance with transportation;
     (i) Child care and special needs;
     (j) Job site mentoring and retention services; ((and))
     (k) Assistance with tools, protective clothing, and other related support for employment costs; and
     (l) The recruitment of women, veterans, and persons of color to participate in the apprenticeship program at the department.
     (5) The department, in coordination with the apprenticeship and training council, shall submit a report to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1st of each year beginning in 2012. The report must contain:
     (a) An analysis of the results of the activities in subsection (4) of this section;
     (b) The amount available to the department from federal funds for the activities in subsection (4) of this section and the amount expended for those activities; and
     (c) The performance outcomes achieved from each activity, including the number of persons receiving services, training, and employment.