About the Construction Standards Committee

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide Construction Standards General Special Provisions (GSPs), bidding/contracting forms, and best practices, to help Local Agencies bid and administer public works projects when using the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications as a base.  To do that, we:

  • Learn – Network and gather information on Local Agency current practices, concerns, and needs; current public works procurement and administration issues; and current and pending related laws and regulations.
  • Develop tools – Develop, write, and publish GSPs that complement Division 1 of the Standard Specifications; select bidding and contracting forms, information, and checklists; and select Best Practices. We also pursue approval of these tools for use on FHWA-funded projects.
  • Share and teach – Share pertinent and timely information and promote discussion through webinars, CAEC workshops, APWA Conference sessions, or other means.

Our Committee:
  • Diane Sheesley, PE, Chair, Perteet, an Ardurra Company
  • Sam Therres, Vice-Chair, Snohomish County
  • Aubrey Collier, PE, SE, City of Lacey
  • Chris Pirnke, Esq Inslee Best Committee Attorney
  • Dan Ireland PE, SCJ Alliance, Board Liaison
  • Gina Loring, EIT, City of Everett
  • Kyle Potuzak, PE, PTOE, City of Bellevue
  • Lori McFarland, PE, Otak
  • Michele Britton, PE, WSDOT
  • Nicole Brockwell, PE, City of Wenatchee
  • Paki Perala, PE, HTNB
  • Russel Craven, PE, Perteet, an Ardurra Company, Spec writer under contract
  • Susan Holdener, Pierce County
  • Tani Stafford, PE, Gray & Osborne
  • Terry Wright, PE, Psomas
  • Tina Lakose, Pierce County
  • Tina Nelson, PE, Psomas
  • William Wonch, WSDOT
  • Kate Molleson, Perteet, an Ardurra Company, Website support by contract

Committee Contact:

specifications.apwa.wa@gmail.com

 

Learn More:

Meetings:
The Construction Standards Committee meets 5-6 times a year with at least one meeting in person.

Meeting Notes:

Fall 2025 APWA WA Conference | Yakima, WA

We will be holding a session on “2026 WSDOT/APWA specifications changes – Divisions 1-4”. We will follow up with in person training across the state put on by various committee members in January through March 2026. If an agency would like to have the class hosted at their location, they should email the email address below to reach the committee. We will post class dates and locations as they are finalized.

Committee email: specifications.apwa.wa@gmail.com
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