WA HB2669

Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee must conduct a performance audit of the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project over the Columbia River by December 1, 2027

Audit must assess financial transparency, compliance with state and federal reporting requirements, and benchmark the project against similar megaprojects like the Brent Spence bridge (KY/OH), Key bridge (Baltimore), and I-10 Calcasieu River bridge (Louisiana)

Expenditure review must analyze funding allocation since the 2019 project restart, examine the general engineering consultant contract where compensation increased sixfold while deliverables remained unchanged, and identify major cost overruns

Audit must evaluate reliability of traffic, ridership, and toll revenue projections, assess whether the design meets congestion-reduction goals, and review consideration of alternatives like bus rapid transit

JLARC may contract for outside expertise in transportation infrastructure, financial management, or project auditing; the section expires December 31, 2027