Bill > HB2149

This bill addresses the emergency replacement of the Fairfax bridge on state route number 165 after its permanent closure on April 22, 2025. The legislature declares this situation an emergency and grants the transportation secretary extraordinary administrative powers to expedite the bridge replacement process. These powers include the ability to waive or suspend various statutory obligations related to interlocal agreements, inspection fees, utility regulations, tax collection, and other procedural requirements that might otherwise slow down the emergency response. The secretary is required to provide practical notice to the governor, legislative leadership, and local governments when issuing emergency orders. The bill also modifies the climate commitment account to potentially allow full funding for the infrastructure replacement during the 2025-2027 and 2027-2029 fiscal biennia, specifically noting that the replacement is necessary due to inadequate addressing of climate impacts. The bill contains an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, and is designed to quickly restore access across the Carbon river and address the critical infrastructure failure.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2149&Year=2025&Initiative=false