Intercity Transit’s (IT) Board of Directors authorized Interim General Manager Emily Bergkamp to sign two new contracts with its state and federal lobbyists on Wednesday, September 20.
The board first authorized a new contract with Gordon Thomas Honeywell (GTH) Governmental Affairs to serve as IT’s liaison to US Congress for one year, with an option to renew for an additional year, four times.
GTH has represented IT in Washington, D.C. for 15 years already. Its last contract already reached the maximum number of terms, so it proposed a new contract for $7,800 a year, 8.8% higher than its previous contract.
No other firm sent a proposal to provide the services.
The board also authorized a one-year contract extension with Foster Government Relations, IT’s lobbyist at the state legislature for $48,000, which was unchanged from its original terms.
Foster earned its current contract in October 2021 with an initial term of one year and four one-year renewal options. IT has been working with the lobbying firm for the past seven years.
Asked what legislative topics IT wants to prioritize, Bergkamp mentioned that they are looking to secure zero-emission program grants, as they launch two pilot projects and execute their zero-emissions transition plan.
Bergkamp also shared that they have been conducting tours with state legislators to thank them for the grant IT received through the Move Ahead Washington funding package. Bergkamp explained that the funding allowed transit agencies across the state to provide free transit for minors.
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