Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing the Washington State Department of Transportation Certification Acceptance Qualification Agreement
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Resolution authorizing the Washington State Department of Transportation Certification Acceptance Qualification Agreement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Resolution authorizing the Washington State Department of Transportation Certification Acceptance Qualification Agreement.
Staff Contact:
Heather Reed, Procurement and Contract Manager, Public Works Department, 360.753.8771
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) requires local agencies administering Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funds to maintain Certification Acceptance (CA) status. The CA program allows qualified agencies to independently administer federal transportation projects while adhering to WSDOT Local Agency Guidelines and federal requirements.
To maintain CA status, the City must execute the Certification Acceptance Qualification Agreement (DOT Form 140-043), which outlines required policies, procedures, and designated approval authorities for project development, environmental review, consultant agreements, construction contract award, and contract administration. The Agreement also states that CA projects must comply with WSDOT/APWA (American Public Works Association) Standard Specifications and remain available for FHWA and State review at any time.
WSDOT requires governing body authorization of specific staff positions responsible for approving plans, specifications, estimates, consultant agreements, and contract awards. The accompanying Resolution establishes those positions, including City Engineer, Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Director, Deputy Public Works Director, and City Manager, as designated approval authorities. The Resolution also authorizes the Mayor to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.
Climate Analysis:
This action is administrative and does not have direct climate impacts. Future projects administered under the CA program will be evaluated for applicable environmental and climate considerations as part of the project development process.
Equity Analysis:
This action is administrative and does not have direct equity impacts. Equity considerations will be addressed as part of the planning and development of individual transportation projects.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
No specific neighborhood or community concerns have been identified. This action is administrative and supports the City’s continued ability to administer federally funded projects.
Financial Impact:
There is no direct financial impact associated with approving the Resolution and Agreement. Maintaining CA status allows the City to administer eligible federally funded transportation projects.
If the Resolution and Agreement are not approved, the City would lose CA status and its ability to administer federally funded projects would be limited. WSDOT Highway and Local Programs would need to administer these projects on the City’s behalf, resulting in additional project management costs to the City.
Options:
1. Move to approve the Resolution authorizing the Washington State Department of Transportation Certification Acceptance Qualification Agreement.
Ensures continued CA status and the City’s ability to administer federally funded projects.
2. Move to approve, with modifications, the Resolution authorizing the Washington State Department of Transportation Certification Acceptance Qualification Agreement.
May delay approval; as any changes would require WSDOT review and could affect the City’s CA status.
3. Do not approve.
The City would lose CA status and would require WSDOT administration of federally funded projects, increasing project costs, timelines, and oversight requirements.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement