Public interest finding.

(1) The department may evaluate eligible transportation projects that are already programmed for other delivery methods to determine their appropriateness for delivery under a public-private partnership model.(2) Before entering into a formal solicitation or procurement to develop a project as a public-private partnership, the department must make formal findings that utilizing a public-private partnership delivery method is in the public's interest. The department must adopt rules detailing the process and criteria for making such findings. At a minimum, the criteria must consider whether:(a) Public ownership of the asset can be retained;(b) Transparency during the consideration of a public-private partnership agreement can be provided;(c) Public oversight of the private entity's management of the asset can be provided; and(d) Additional criteria that reflects the legislative findings in RCW 47.47.010.(3) Before commencing any solicitation to deliver the project as a public-private partnership, the department must provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposed project and delivery method.(4) Upon a finding of public interest pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the department must provide written notification of their finding of public interest and intent to deliver the project as a public-private partnership to the general public, to the chairs and ranking members of the transportation committees of the legislature, and to the governor.(5) Upon a finding of public interest pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, the department may:(a) Solicit concepts or proposals for the identified public-private partnership project from private entities and units of government;(b) Evaluate the concepts or proposals received under this section. The evaluation under this subsection must include consultation with any appropriate unit of government; and(c) Select potential projects based on the concepts or proposals.[ 2025 c 417 s 1209.]Notes:Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 304 and 1201-1224: See note following RCW 46.63.200.Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.