Lawmakers Cancel Failed Computer System

State leaders agreed during an emergency high-level meeting Thursday to cancel the failed LAMP computer system that has cost taxpayers about $40 million.

Rather than continue with development of the Department of Licensing’s new database on driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, legislative leaders and the Locke administration agreed to stop the project, effective Tuesday, and perform a $3.2 million fix on the current system.

In the meantime, the Department of Licensing will assess the value of what’s been developed so far and see if there’s a way to build on it. The agency is to report back to the Legislature in January.

“This is the best option for preserving the money invested in LAMP to date,” said Joe Dear, Gov. Gary Locke’s chief of staff, who organized the meeting.

The Information Services Board, an appointed group of state managers, elected officials and private citizens, decided last month to kill the Licensing Application Migration Project because it’s over budget, behind schedule and of questionable value to the state.

The contract with a Quebec-based company will be canceled Tuesday.

Legislative and administration officials have been concerned about the political impact of the decision.