Do bid and prevailing wage laws apply to public development authorities (PDAs) established under RCW 35.21.730?
Although there is no statute that specifically addresses the application of bid laws to PDAs, it makes logical sense that bid laws should apply to PDAs in their capacity as creations of municipalities, to which bid laws specifically apply. The prevailing wage laws specifically apply to “the state or any county, municipality or political subdivision created by its laws.” RCW 39.12.020. A PDA is a form of political subdivision authorized by state law. Accordingly, the prevailing wage law applies. Also, it is likely that bidding and prevailing wage laws would apply by virtue of RCW 35.21.759, discussed in the preceding question. • Is a city liable for debts incurred by a public corporation? The legislative intent of RCW 35.21.730(4) appears to be that a city, town or county would not be liable for any debts incurred by a public corporation. Any liabilities incurred are to be satisfied exclusively from the assets and properties of the public corporation. See also RCW 35.21.750.
