WSDOT outlines phased rollout for new public–private partnership program

Washington State Department of Transportation officials briefed the Senate Transportation Committee on Feb. 19 about implementing a new public–private partnership (P3) program authorized by 2025 legislation.

Anthony Buckley, WSDOT’s Director of Innovative Partnerships, said the department has adopted a four-phase approach: project initiation and consultant procurement; drafting an implementation (program) manual and governance framework; stakeholder engagement to refine program design; and preparing for program launch, including identifying candidate projects and internal capacity building. He told the committee the consultant selection is complete and personnel hiring is underway.

"Phase 1 is the project initiation, defining the program, its objectives and success metrics," Buckley said. He told senators the program manual will include value-for-money tools, standardized RFQ/RFP materials and contract templates—documents WSDOT does not currently maintain for P3 activity.

Buckley said the department will coordinate with the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, the State Treasurer, the Attorney General, and OFM as it develops rules and policies. He said the department plans to submit proposed program guidance and the implementation manual to the House and Senate committees by Sept. 1, 2026, with a program effective date of Jan. 1, 2027.

Buckley emphasized stakeholder engagement and transparency. He said staff will test the marketability of candidate projects (the "bankability" of P3 proposals) and estimate a program office budget, including financing and legal procurement expertise.

The committee did not vote; staff and members will have an opportunity to review draft guidance ahead of the department’s Sept. 1 report and the program’s operationalization in 2027.