The bill amends RCW 47.28.030 to adjust monetary limits related to contracting rules for state highway construction and procurement. Specifically, it raises the threshold for work that can be performed by state forces from $60,000 to $100,000, and for work that may be done when delay would jeopardize public safety from $100,000 to an inflation-adjusted amount starting at $160,000 until January 1, 2027. The Department of Transportation is required to annually calculate and publish this adjusted amount based on the national highway construction cost index. Additionally, the bill allows for bids and contracts for work not exceeding $160,000 to enable greater participation from small businesses and minority contractors.

Furthermore, the bill outlines provisions for work on ferry vessels and terminals, permitting state forces to perform work under $100,000, and up to $400,000 during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium. It mandates the Department to contact contractors from a small works roster for projects between $100,000 and $200,000, or between $400,000 and $500,000 during the specified biennium. The bill also requires an independent analysis to explore methods for reducing out-of-service times for vessel maintenance and improvement projects, and it sets forth a proposed program for ferry vessel maintenance that includes budgeting, limiting out-of-service time, and evaluating costs and benefits of various operational strategies.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 47.28.030
Substitute bill: 47.28.030
Bill as passed Legislature: 47.28.030
Session law: 47.28.030