A bill from Rep. Andrew Barkis (R–Olympia) authorizes cities, counties, and the state to require utility franchise holders to cover the expense of utility relocation when a public roadway project is undertaken by a private entity as part of a development agreement.

HB 1643 specifies that when the state, a city, or county determines that a street or bridge construction project is needed, is in the public interest, and has been included in a public notice, the jurisdiction may require facility relocation at the expense of the utility, including when the project is carried out by a private entity. Currently in such cases, the private entity is typically responsible for covering the cost of utility relocation.

The bill expresses the intent that “whether a utility franchise holder is required to bear the costs of utility relocation should not be determined on the basis of who is undertaking the project, but rather, on the basis of the extent to which the general public will benefit from the project.”

Date to remember

HB 1643 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Transportation Committee on Monday, February 3 at 4 pm.