Study set on fairness of WSDOT contracting

OLYMPIA – People with experience with transportation-related contracts are invited to participate in a study that will help determine whether the Washington State Department of Transportation’s contracting activities are fair and equitable for all.

The WSDOT is holding a series of meetings across the state this month to share information about the disparity study. It will also gather personal accounts of experience with the agency’s contracting and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

The study will help determine if discrimination is occurring in WSDOT-administered contracts related to state transportation projects, including highways, transit and aviation.

All meetings will be held from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

There will be one on Feb. 16 at the WSDOT Eastern Region Headquarters, 2714 N. Mayfair St., Spokane.

Another will be held on Feb. 21 at the Yakima Valley Opportunities Industrialization Center Training Center, 815 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima

To register, email [email protected] with your first and last name and indicate which event you will be attending. You may also call toll free, 1-888-259-9143, or 360-705-7084 to register.

The WSDOT will also accept written comments regarding  experiences in the State of Washington transportation contracting industry. To submit a written comment, email [email protected]  or write: Disparity Study WSDOT, Office of Equal Opportunity, PO Box 47314, Olympia, WA  98504-7314.