Bill > SB5710

This bill addresses diesel vessel procurement for the Washington State Ferries by authorizing the department of transportation to contract for the acquisition of clean diesel ferry vessels to replace the current Issaquah class. The bill allows the department to use multiple procurement methods, including design-build, design-bid-build, or lease-to-buy options, and provides flexibility in the vessel acquisition process. Notably, the bill includes a 13 percent bid price credit for vessels constructed in Washington state, which represents the economic impact and additional costs associated with out-of-state shipbuilding. The legislation exempts these vessel procurement contracts from certain standard procurement requirements and allows the department to postpone hybrid electric vessel conversions if service problems might arise. The bill also includes provisions for independent oversight, such as employing third-party experts to monitor the vessel procurement process, and requires contractors to meet various state and federal requirements related to apprenticeships, environmental standards, and business enterprise goals. An emergency clause is included, indicating the immediate importance of the legislation for public safety and state transportation infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5710&Year=2025&Initiative=false