Tag Archives: Department of Transportation

Senate approves King’s measure to bolster disadvantaged businesses

Today the Senate unanimously approved Sen. Curtis King’s bill that would provide a new avenue for minority-owned contracting companies to work with state transportation leaders on issues that affect their businesses.

“I was approached by minority-owned business leaders who had become frustrated with the Department of Transportation. These leaders were requesting some minor changes that would provide additional oversight to the admittedly complicated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. The result of their meeting with me was this simple bill,” said King, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Senate Bill 6180 would create a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Advisory Committee. within the Washington State Transportation Commission, aimed at increasing accountability and transparency regarding DBE activities.

“The law requires compliance with the goals of the DBE program. This bill will go a long way toward ensuring those goals are being met,” said King. “It was gratifying to see both sides of the aisle come together in support of this legislation today.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

Keeping Washington moving forward, Senate passes transpo budget

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and co-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, today expressed his thanks and gratitude to members of the Senate and its staff after the unanimous passage of the Senate’s 2013-15 transportation budget proposal. King, along with co-chair Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way, and fellow budget writers Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, and Sen. Joe Fain of Auburn, spoke positively of the bipartisan atmosphere in which the budget was created.

“When a committee has co-chairs with the same authority, the potential for gridlock is increased,” King said, “but Senator Eide has been an extreme pleasure to work with, as have our vice chairs. It’s been an honor to work with these individuals, the other members of the transportation committee, and both partisan and non-partisan staff, without whom none of this would have been possible.”

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DOT secretary’s questionable choice for review leader

Newly-appointed Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson announced last week that Ron Paananen – now a private consultant – will lead a comprehensive assessment of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement, the State Route 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program, and the Interstate 5 Columbia River Crossing projects. I am concerned about the her choice of a former WSDOT administrator and project director to review these three mega-projects. Continue reading →

Senate transportation co-chair raises questions about WSDOT pick for mega-project review leader

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, and co-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, today expressed his concern about the state Department of Transportation’s choice of a former WSDOT administrator and project director to review three of the state’s transportation mega-projects. Newly-appointed Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson announced Thursday that Ron Paananen, now a private consultant, will lead a comprehensive assessment of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement, the State Route 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program, and the Interstate 5 Columbia River Crossing projects.

“I have no doubt that Mr. Paananen is technically qualified to lead the review of these three, multibillion-dollar projects; that’s not the issue here,” King said. “What troubles me is the fact that Mr. Paananen was a former administrator on two of these projects and his private employer receives millions in consulting fees from DOT, including current payouts of $2.4 million on the Columbia River Crossing – one of the projects to be reviewed. This is obviously an enormous conflict of interest.”

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King co-sponsors resolution to honor fallen DOT worker

On Jan. 16, Billy “Bud” Rhynalds was killed by a falling tree during a storm while he set up safety cones on State Route 203 near Carnation, in rural King County. Today, members of the Washington State Senate paused to remember Rhynalds, a 12-year maintenance employee with the Washington State Department of Transportation.

“He was helping to protect motorists from water over the roadway during that powerful storm,” said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, “and he ended up giving his life for them. It’s something we don’t often think about, and I’m proud to support this resolution honoring Mr. Rhynalds.” Continue reading →

King honors Nile Valley Landslide recovery effort participants

Today the Washington State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8690, sponsored by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, honoring those whose hard work and dedication assisted in the swift recovery effort following the Nile Valley Landslide on Oct. 11.

“On October 11 the Nile Valley landslide devastated our community, forcing many people out of their homes and completely destroying others,” King said. “I would like to acknowledge all of those whose hard work contributed to the recovery effort.”

King’s resolution honored Gov. Christine Gregoire, Washington State Department of Transportation employees, Yakima County Public Services, and numerous other state and local agencies who aided the recovery effort. Continue reading →