An interagency, multijurisdictional system improvement team (Team) was established in 2017 to identify, implement, and report on system improvements for investing in infrastructure projects, including optimizing federal and private infrastructure funding and evaluating the needed capacity in communities for designing, financing, and building projects to meet communities’ long-term needs as well as minimizing project costs.

The membership of the Team consists of representatives of state infrastructure programs that provide funding for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and broadband programs.  Represented funding programs include the Public Works Board; the Departments of Ecology, Health, and Commerce; and others.  Originally set to expire June 30, 2021, the Team’s expiration date was extended, in 2021, to June 30, 2025.

The Interagency, Multijurisdictional System Improvement Team is made permanent.  A biennial report to the Legislature is required beginning November 1, 2026.

(In support) The Interagency, Multijurisdictional System Improvement Team (SYNC) is made up of state and local representatives and is designed to make infrastructure funding operate more efficiently, including promoting the "dig once" philosophy.  The SYNC has been improved by adding broadband and recently creating a data dashboard.  The purpose of the group is to identify efficiencies and ways to save money.  This legislation has been requested by the Public Works Board.  The SYNC's monthly meetings bring value to the state by encouraging collaboration among funders to identify ways to complete infrastructure projects.  The SYNC has created a publicly available dashboard that gives policymakers insights into where investments have been made and can be made.  The report required under the bill will create accountability to the Legislature to show the SYNC's work.

(Opposed) None.

Representative Peter Abbarno, prime sponsor; and Justin Clary, Member, Public Works Board.