SR 165 replacements

AN ACT Relating to emergency replacement of failed infrastructure 1
on state route number 165; adding a new section to chapter 47.20 RCW; 2
and declaring an emergency. 3
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 47.20 5
RCW to read as follows: 6
(1) The legislature declares the failure of the Fairfax bridge 7
and its permanent closure on April 22, 2025, created an emergency 8
that requires immediate attention. 9
(2) The department is directed to restore access via state route 10
number 165 across the Carbon river as soon as possible.11
(3) The secretary is granted emergency authority to expedite the 12
process of planning and construction of the replacement of the 13
Fairfax bridge on state route number 165 that includes the ability to 14
waive or suspend statutory obligations or limitations in the 15
following areas: 16
(a) Liability for participation in interlocal agreements;17
(b) Inspection fees owed to the department of labor and 18
industries; 19
(c) Regulations, tariffs, and notice requirements under the 20
jurisdiction of the utilities and transportation commission;21
H-3103.1
HOUSE BILL 2645
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Barkis, Penner, and Jacobsen
Read first time 01/23/26. Referred to Committee on Transportation.
p. 1 HB 2645
(d) Application of tax due dates and penalties relating to 1
collection of taxes; and 2
(e) Such other statutory and regulatory obligations or 3
limitations prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business, 4
or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency if strict 5
compliance with the provision of any statute, order, rule, or 6
regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary 7
action in coping with the emergency, unless (i) the waiver or 8
suspension would conflict with federal requirements that are a 9
prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, 10
or (ii) the waiver or suspension would conflict with the rights, 11
under the First Amendment, of freedom of speech or of the people to 12
peaceably assemble. 13
(4) The secretary shall give as much notice as practical to the 14
governor, legislative leadership of the transportation committees, 15
and impacted local governments when issuing orders under this 16
section. 17
(5) Activities and projects performed to implement this section 18
are not subject to any of the provisions of Executive Order 25-07.19
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. This act is necessary for the immediate 20
preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of 21
the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes 22
effect immediately.23
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p. 2 HB 2645