The wait now begins for interpretation of the Bush's new order, which "is up to Washington, D.C.," says Kathleen Garrity, executive director of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington. "There appears to be some debate as to whether the order applies to projects that are fully funded by the Federal government, or if mixed-funded projects are included."
The ABC, of course, is taking the position that it should apply to construction receiving any level of federal funding. The membership of ABC, headquartered in Bellevue, is particularly interested in projects such as such as public libraries, airports, Sound Transit, and Seattle's new municipal buildings. Those projects are currently off-limits to nonunion workers because of PLA's in place. Garrity clarifies that even if interpretation of the order allows nonunion participation in such mixed-funds projects, only those that have not already been contracted would be open to bids under the new guidelines.
One project the ABC will be looking at closely is the $89 million renovation of the Legislative Building in Olympia. If ABC finds there are any federal funds associated with the project, then the organization will push to allow nonunion contractors to bid.
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