Utilities

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Headquarters - Utilities, Railroads, and Agreements

The WSDOT Utilities, Railroads, and Agreements Section provides statewide policy and consistency with utilities, agreements, and railroad crossings.

Tom Swafford
Utilities, Railroad, and Agreements Section Manager
360-705-7237
mailto:swaffot@wsdot.wa.gov

 
Utilities   toptop

  • Ensure consistent application of utility accommodation policy statewide.
  • Review non-standard utility agreements.
  • Provide determination of utilities compensable rights for utilities relocations.
  • Review and approve proposed longitudinal installations within fully controlled access highway right of way.
  • Approve variance requests for non-encasement of pipeline utilities.
  • Interpret the Utilities Manual when clarification is needed.
  • Update the Utilities Manual.
  • Maintain the Utilities Permit and Franchise database (UFP).
  • Coordinate review of proposed utility agreement language with the Office of the Attorney General and FHWA.
  • Manage master on-call consultant agreement for Subsurface Utility Engineering.

For additional information or guidance, contact:

Rhonda Wiest
Utilities Specialist
360-705-7318
wiestr@wsdot.wa.gov


Railroad   toptop

  • Provide liaison between the Department and impacted railroad companies regarding the project.
  • Work closely with project staff to negotiate and develop railroad construction and maintenance (C & M) agreements and related documents.
  • Participate in and coordinate meetings with railroads.
  • Coordinate with the Office of the Attorney General to ensure that Railroad C & M agreements and related documents are consistent with State laws and policies.
  • Assist Real Estate Services staff to negotiate Railroad access and easement issues.
  • Maintain the Railroad/Highway Grade Crossing Safety inventory.

For additional information or guidance, contact:

Ahmer Nizam
Railroad Specialist
360-705-7271
nizama@wsdot.wa.gov

 
Agreements  toptop

  • Review proposed non-standard agreements for compliance with laws, policies, and procedures of the FHWA and WSDOT.
  • Work closely with project staff to develop non-standard agreement language.
  • Interpret the Agreements Manual when clarification is needed.
  • Coordinate review of proposed agreement language with the Office of the Attorney General and FHWA.
  • Provide advice on a state wide basis on direction and formulation of agreements with regard to engineering and administrative policy.
  • Maintain the Agreements Manual.

For additional information or guidance, contact:

Art Veach
Agreements Engineering Review Specialist
360-705-7238
veacha@wsdot.wa.gov

 
Contracts  toptop

  • Review agreements from an audit and third party perspective. Are they readable? Do they make sense?
  • Review agreements for compliance with WSDOT policy and procedures.
  • Review all financial information to verify completeness, supportability and accuracy.
  • Work with WSDOT staff in making suggested changes and corrections.
  • Review agreements and attached documents for general completeness prior to sending to WSDOT Financial Services to be entered into WSDOT’s financial data bases.
  • Interpret the Agreement Manual when clarification is needed

For additional information or guidance, contact:

Rich Gleckler
Contracts Manager
360-705-7459
glecklr@wsdot.wa.gov

Frank Cook
Agreements Policy & Fiscal Review Specialist
360-705-7240
CookFr@wsdot.wa.gov


Utilities, Railroads, and Agreements Technician

  • Assist Agreement, Contracts, Utility, and Railroad Specialists as needed.
  • Review agreements.
  • Maintain database of all agreements that come through this office.
  • Compile reports as needed.
  • Research prior agreements to assist regions.
  • Create and maintain unit web page.

For additional information or guidance, contact:

Sharon Morton
360-705-7232
mortons@wsdot.wa.gov

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