The bill amends RCW 47.28.030 to adjust monetary limits for contracting rules related to 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 performance delays could jeopardize public safety from $100,000 to $160,000. Additionally, it allows the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for competitive bidding for contracts when the estimated cost does not exceed $160,000. The bill also includes provisions for work on ferry vessels and terminals, permitting state forces to perform work under $100,000, and during the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, work under $400,000.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Department of Transportation conduct an independent analysis to explore methods for reducing out-of-service times for ferry maintenance and improvement projects. This analysis will compare the efficiency of state forces versus contracted services and will inform recommendations on the appropriate threshold for work performed by state forces. The department is also required to develop a proposed maintenance and improvement program for ferry vessels, which will be presented to the transportation committees of the legislature by December 1, 2010. This program aims to enhance budgeting for maintenance costs and minimize planned out-of-service times.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 47.28.030