(1) The
department shall direct and be responsible for the acquisition,
operation, maintenance, storage, repair, and replacement of state
motor vehicles under its control. The department shall utilize
state facilities available for the maintenance, repair, and
storage of such motor vehicles, and may provide directly or by
contract for the maintenance, repair, and servicing of all motor
vehicles, and other property related thereto and under its
control.
(2) The department may arrange, by agreement with agencies,
for the utilization by one of the storage, repair, or maintenance
facilities of another, with such provision for charges and
credits as may be agreed upon. The department may acquire and
maintain storage, repair, and maintenance facilities for the
motor vehicles under its control from such funds as may be
appropriated by the legislature.
(3)(a) The legislature finds that a clean environment is
important and that global warming effects may be offset by
decreasing the emissions of harmful compounds from motor
vehicles. The legislature further finds that the state is in a
position to set an example of large scale use of alternative
fuels in motor vehicles and other clean technologies.
(b) The department shall consider the use of state vehicles
to conduct field tests on alternative fuels in areas where air
pollution constraints may be eased by these optional fuels. These fuels should include but are not limited to gas-powered and
electric-powered vehicles.
(c) For planned purchases of vehicles using alternative
fuels, the department and other state agencies shall explore
opportunities to purchase these vehicles together with the
federal government, agencies of other states, other Washington
state agencies, local governments, or private organizations for
less cost. All state agencies must investigate and determine
whether or not they can make clean technologies more
cost-effective by combining their purchasing power before
completing a planned vehicle purchase.
[2002 c 285 § 2; 1989 c 113 § 1; 1982 c 163 § 11; 1975 1st ex.s. c 167 § 4.]
NOTES:
Severability -- Effective date -- 1982 c 163: See notes following RCW 2.10.052.
Severability -- 1975 1st ex.s. c 167: See note following RCW 43.19.010.