Bill > SB5690

This bill directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish and follow policies that proactively inform utility owners, such as those providing electricity or water, about upcoming state highway projects aimed at removing fish barriers, ideally with at least one year's notice to allow for cooperation. Additionally, the DOT is instructed to actively pursue federal funding for these fish barrier removal projects, specifically aiming to use these funds to cover the costs associated with relocating utilities, which are the expenses incurred when a utility's infrastructure needs to be moved to accommodate a project. The bill encourages the DOT 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 suggestions for improving how the state or utilities can more effectively obtain federal grants or reimbursements for utility relocation costs, as permitted by federal programs and regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5690&Year=2025&Initiative=false