Lawmakers scrap oversight panel for viaduct-replacement project

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Lawmakers in Olympia have eliminated the independent committee overseeing the trouble-plagued Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement project.

Patricia Galloway, who chaired the Expert Review Panel, said she was "shocked" to receive the termination letter from Washington state Secretary of Transportation Lynn Peterson last week.

The three-member panel was set up four years ago to help lawmakers understand the roles and responsibilities of the contractors and the government for the $3.1 billion project and make recommendations for contract changes.

House Transportation Committee Chairwoman Rep. Judy Clibborn (D-Mercer Island) said the panel is no longer necessary because the division of duties is now well-established and the contract is no longer evolving.

“Even though the project itself may have issues," Clibborn said, "the contract doesn’t need to be opened up and looked at on a regular basis."

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http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2015/06/22/lawmakers-scrap-oversight-panel.html?ana=e_du_pub&s=article_du&ed=2015-06-22&u=ColXVN5SPzQtLHFP87ho2w07857290&t=1435015625

[Suich]

1. I can't tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

What do you think?

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

2. I was shrugging too

The committee didn't stop the present problems but could it be worse without them? Don't know.

[HeiressofBickworth]

3. I disagree

Before I retired I worked for an engineering company -- we continually reviewed portions of contracts to review agreed-upon scope or to recommend revisions of scope and cost. As a project proceeds, previously unknown circumstances or projected work activities can require amendments to contracts. With $3.1B on the table, not having a review panel just invites cost over-runs, scope-creep, if not out right fraud. I think this decision will come back to bite them in the ass.