The bill seeks to improve transportation project procurement and delivery in Washington State by establishing new public-private partnership (P3) laws. It emphasizes the need for innovative approaches that leverage private sector expertise and capital, aiming to enhance project value through expedited delivery and effective life-cycle cost management. Key provisions include the establishment of definitions for P3s, the powers of the Washington State Department of Transportation, and criteria for evaluating eligible projects. The bill also streamlines approval processes for alternative delivery models, such as progressive design-build and general contractor/construction manager methods, while repealing existing statutes that may obstruct these new approaches.

Additionally, the legislation introduces a Public-Private Partnerships Account to manage project-related funds and mandates that partnership agreements include provisions for maintenance, tolling, and risk management. It outlines confidentiality measures for proprietary information, applies prevailing wage laws to publicly funded projects, and allows the state to enter agreements with other governmental entities. The bill also amends certification processes for public bodies to use alternative contracting procedures, exempting the Department of Transportation from certain requirements, and mandates a review of alliance contracting procedures by the joint transportation committee, with a report due by July 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to foster collaboration and efficiency in transportation infrastructure development while ensuring accountability and oversight.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 47.56.030, 47.56.031, 70A.15.4030, 47.20.780, 47.20.785, 39.10.270, 39.10.280, 43.131.408
Substitute Bill: 47.56.030, 47.56.031, 70A.15.4030, 47.20.780, 47.20.785, 39.10.270, 39.10.280, 43.131.408