FYI from Lynn Peterson Secretary of Transportation Friday, July 12, 2013 In the days since the legislature adjourned, we’ve received many questions about the Columbia River Crossing and what steps must be taken to properly shut down the project. Although the project is no longer funded in the legislatively approved budget, WSDOT must meet contractual and legal obligations, adhere to archiving and records retention policies, comply with public information and disclosure laws, and begin a reduction in force (layoff). There are financial ramifications to these obligations; in addition, agency staff resources (particularly WSDOT HR personnel) will be necessary for some time as the project is closed down. Obligations include but are not limited to those listed below. WSDOT’s portion of shutdown costs is estimated to be $2.9 million. All closeout activities, with the exception of public disclosure and contractual obligations, will be concluded by September 1, 2013. Contracts and Agreements: Consultant contracts: WSDOT is party to multiple contracts related to Columbia River Crossing. These contracts include one with the prime consultant, David Evans and Associates and several additional consultant contracts or tasks associated with CRC. WSDOT issued stop-work orders to all consultants effective July 1, 2013. The only work authorized as of July 1, 2013 is the minimal amount necessary for final closeout activities. The majority of consultant staff will be moved off of the project by July 12, 2013; all consultant staff will conclude closeout activities by September 1, 2013. Interagency agreements: There are 10 interagency agreements with federal, state, and local agencies. Office lease: WSDOT contracted for office space via a five-year lease that ends September 2014. Personnel: WSDOT has 22 staff members working on the CRC project. On July 1st, CRC staff was directed to stop further progress of work, assess status, gather documents, and begin the archival process based on WSDOT’s records retention policy. 15 WSDOT staff will be transitioned off the project by August 2, 2013. Remaining staff members will conclude closeout activities by September 1, 2013. All 22 project positions must be eliminated via reduction-in-force (RIF). Public Disclosure Requests: All public disclosure requests relating to the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) will be processed by the WSDOT HQ’s Records and Information Services Office. Responses will be coordinated with ODOT. There are currently 16 open requests. USCG Permit/Mitigation Agreements: Because the legislature did not pass a transportation revenue package, there are no funds appropriated for continuation of the project. Therefore, WSDOT cannot perform any tasks associated with the USCG permit process. Agreements were reached with Oregon Ironworks and Greenberry, two potentially affected manufacturers. The agreements are contingent upon receipt of funding and the USCG permit. No further negotiations are scheduled with Thompson Metal Fab, another manufacturer potentially affected by the proposed bridge height. Forensic Audit: Under the current law budget (ESSB 5024, Section 108), JLARC was directed to conduct a forensic audit of the Columbia River Crossing project; $200,000 was appropriated for the task. JLARC has contracted with the State Auditor’s Office (SAO) for investigational services. WSDOT’s Internal Audit Office has been contacted by SAO, which provided a preliminary list of requested documents; CRC will provide these materials to auditors this week. Litigation: If USDOT intends to continue defending this FEIS and Record of Decision, WSDOT is a party to the case and will be bound by the court’s decision. Most of the work is on the administrative record, and therefore most of the vendor costs, are completed, so the primary cost will be attorney fees, expected to be in the range of $50,000 – 100,000 through December 2014. Lynn Peterson Secretary of Transportation
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 06:11:32 +0000