Bill > SB5690

This bill directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to establish policies that proactively inform utility owners, such as those providing electricity or water, about planned state highway projects aimed at removing fish barriers, ideally with at least one year's notice to facilitate cooperation. Furthermore, the bill mandates that WSDOT actively pursue federal funding for these fish barrier removal projects, specifically seeking to use federal grants to cover the costs associated with relocating utility infrastructure, which are the expenses incurred when utilities need to move their lines or pipes due to construction. To achieve this, WSDOT is encouraged to deposit any federal funds received for utility relocation into the multimodal transportation account and to report to the legislature and the office of financial management with recommendations for improving the state's ability to secure federal grants or reimbursements for utility relocation costs, as permitted by federal programs and regulations.