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Lawmakers consider continuing multiagency SYNC team to coordinate infrastructure 'dig once' efforts
Summary
A bill to remove the expiration date for the interagency multi‑jurisdictional System Improvement Team (SYNC) and require biannual reporting was briefed and supported by local public‑works officials.
House Bill 10 64 would remove the statutory expiration for the interagency multi‑jurisdictional System Improvement Team (known as SYNC), which coordinates agencies on infrastructure projects to reduce repeated street excavations and enable coordinated installation of utilities such as sewer, water and broadband.
Sponsor Representative Peter Robarno described SYNC as a successful, no‑cost forum for state agencies and public-works officials to pursue a “dig‑once” approach: “If we're gonna rip up the street once for sewer, can we do water? Can we do broadband?” he said, framing the group as an efficiency mechanism.
Justin Clary, a member of the Washington State Public Works Board and general manager of Lakewood Water and Sewer District, testified in support and noted there is no fiscal impact because participating agency staff perform the work within existing resources.
The committee briefly discussed the companion Senate bill, which had previously passed the Senate committee; the hearing was suspended and no further action was recorded at this session.
