Bill > HB2498

This bill declares a state of emergency for the Washington ferry system in order to authorize expedient actions. The key provisions include: - Requesting the governor to declare an emergency to expedite permitting and conduct an emergency procurement of at least two non-hybrid electric ferries, with the first one to be delivered within two years, using the existing Olympic class vessel design. - Allowing the Department of Transportation to postpone the conversion of the second and third Jumbo Mark II vessels to hybrid electric until the first conversion is proven effective. - Amending existing laws to allow the Department to negotiate emergency contracts for new vessel construction and use alternative procurement methods to expedite the process. - Repealing a previous law establishing a vessel and terminal electrification program. The bill is intended to address the ongoing challenges facing the ferry system, including deteriorating service and delayed delivery of new hybrid electric vessels, by prioritizing immediate solutions to improve reliability and accessibility of ferry transportation for Washington residents.