WA Legislature Clarifies Legislative Intent on Alternative Public Works

Steve Goldblatt, recently retired, longtime University of Washington Construction Management faculty member specializing in design and construction law, has been covering the legislative scene in Olympia for more than 25 years.

In this guest blog entry, Steve summarizes one bill regarding alternative public works contracting that was approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Chris Gregoire.

Alternative Public Works Contracting: EHB 1690 (Chapter 21, 2010 Laws 1st Special Session) clarifies legislative intent that public bodies may use only authorized alternative public works contracting procedures (Chapter 39.10 RCW); directs the Capital Projects Advisory Review Board to recommend to the Legislature other procedures (RCW 39.10.230); and clarifies that housing authorities (RCW 35.82.200) are subject to the alternative public works laws and prevailing wage laws (Chapter 39.12 RCW) except when federal laws or regulations are authorized or preemptive effective July 13, 2010.