Bill would require WSDOT to share project plans with utilities, prompt report on federal funding for fish‑barrier relocations

The House Transportation Committee heard public testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 5690, a measure that would require the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to adopt policies proactively sharing planned highway-project information with utility owners so they can coordinate installation or relocation work.

The bill’s sponsor and staff told the committee the change is meant to reduce duplicated work and ratepayer costs by encouraging utilities to take advantage of “open ditch” opportunities during state projects. “This is just a good government efficiency bill…when one agency is doing work on something, we let other agencies know what’s going on so that we can collaborate,” said Senator Drew McEwen, sponsor of the measure.

Supporters from utilities and public utility districts said better notice and coordinated planning…