reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 47.72.050 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.72 - Navigation Canals.|47.72.050 - Powers and duties.

RCW 47.72.050 Powers and duties.In its capacity as successor to the canal commission, the department of transportation may:(1) Adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.(2) Make such investigations, surveys, and studies it deems necessary to determine the feasibility of the development of a navigation canal, or systems of navigation canals within the state of Washington.(3) Construct, maintain, and/or operate any navigation canal, or navigation canal systems deemed feasible by the department of transportation.(4) Acquire by gift, purchase, or condemnation from any person, municipal, public, or private corporation, or the state of Washington, or lease from the United States of America, any lands, rights-of-way, easements, or property rights in, over, or across lands or waters necessary for the construction, operation, or maintenance of any navigation canal, or navigation canal system. The acquisition of such rights is for a public use. The exercise of the right of eminent domain shall be in the manner provided by chapter 8.04 RCW, and all actions initiated thereunder shall be brought in the name of the department of transportation.(5) Hold public hearings. Prior to a determination of feasibility for any proposed project, the department shall hold a public hearing so that members of the public may present their views thereon.(6) Accept and expend moneys appropriated by the legislature or received from any public or private source, including the federal government, in carrying out the purposes of this chapter.(7) Negotiate and cooperate with the United States of America for the purpose of inducing the United States to undertake the construction, operation, or maintenance of any navigation canal, or navigation canal system provided for in this chapter.(8) As a local sponsor cooperate, contract, and otherwise fully participate on behalf of the state of Washington with the United States of America, in any study relating to a determination of feasibility of a navigation canal or navigation canal system, and in any project relating to the construction, operation, or maintenance of a navigation canal, or navigation canal system to be undertaken by the United States of America.The authority granted herein includes, but is not limited to, contributing such moneys to the United States of America as may be required and appropriated for that purpose by the legislature and furnishing without cost to the United States of America all lands, easements, and rights-of-way, performing all necessary alterations to utilities arising from any project, and holding the United States of America free from any claims for damages arising out of the construction of any project.[ 1977 ex.s. c 151 § 75; 1965 ex.s. c 123 § 5. Formerly RCW 91.12.050.]
WA Rev Code § 47.72.060 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.72 - Navigation Canals.|47.72.060 - "Canal" defined.

RCW 47.72.060 "Canal" defined.For the purposes of this chapter, "canal" is defined as any waterway for navigation created by construction of reservoirs or construction of channels by excavation in dry ground, in streams, rivers or in tidal waters and any existing waterway incorporated into such a canal and including any appurtenant features necessary for operation and maintenance of the canal.[ 1965 ex.s. c 123 § 6. Formerly RCW 91.12.060.]
WA Rev Code § 47.76.200 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.200 - Legislative findings.

RCW 47.76.200 Legislative findings.The legislature finds that a balanced multimodal transportation system is required to maintain the state's commitment to the growing mobility needs of its citizens and commerce. The state's freight rail system, including branch lines, mainlines, rail corridors, terminals, yards, and equipment, is an important element of this multimodal system. Washington's economy relies heavily upon the freight rail system to ensure movement of the state's agricultural, chemical, and natural resources and manufactured products to local, national, and international markets and thereby contributes to the economic vitality of the state.Since 1970, Washington has lost over one-third of its rail miles to abandonment and bankruptcies. The combination of rail abandonments and rail system capacity constraints may alter the delivery to market of many commodities. In addition, the resultant motor vehicle freight traffic increases the burden on state highways and county roads. In many cases, the cost of maintaining and upgrading the state highways and county roads exceeds the cost of maintaining rail freight service. Thus, the economy of the state will be best served by a policy of maintaining and encouraging a healthy rail freight system by creating mechanisms that keep rail freight lines operating if the benefits of the service outweigh the cost.Recognizing the implications of this trend for freight mobility and the state's economic future, the legislature finds that better freight rail planning, better cooperation to preserve rail lines, and increased financial assistance from the state are necessary to maintain and improve the freight rail system within the state.[ 1995 c 380 § 1; 1993 c 224 § 1; 1983 c 303 § 4. Formerly RCW 47.76.010.]
WA Rev Code § 47.76.210 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.210 - State freight rail program.

RCW 47.76.210 State freight rail program.The Washington state department of transportation shall implement a state freight rail program that supports the freight rail service objectives identified in the state's multimodal transportation plan required under chapter 47.06 RCW. The support may be in the form of projects and strategies that support branch lines and light-density lines, provide access to ports, maintain adequate mainline capacity, and preserve or restore rail corridors and infrastructure.[ 1995 c 380 § 2; 1990 c 43 § 2. Formerly RCW 47.76.110.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—Headings—1990 c 43: See notes following RCW 81.100.010.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.220 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.220 - State rail plan—Contents.

RCW 47.76.220 State rail plan—Contents.(1) The department of transportation shall prepare and periodically update a state rail plan, the objective of which is to identify, evaluate, and encourage essential rail services. The plan shall:(a) Identify and evaluate mainline capacity issues;(b) Identify and evaluate port-to-rail access and congestion issues;(c) Identify and evaluate those rail freight lines that may be abandoned or have recently been abandoned;(d) Quantify the costs and benefits of maintaining rail service on those lines that are likely to be abandoned;(e) Establish priorities for determining which rail lines should receive state support. The priorities should include the anticipated benefits to the state and local economy, the anticipated cost of road and highway improvements necessitated by the abandonment or capacity constraints of the rail line, the likelihood the rail line receiving funding can meet operating costs from freight charges, surcharges on rail traffic, and other funds authorized to be raised by a county or port district, and the impact of abandonment or capacity constraints on changes in energy utilization and air pollution;(f) Identify and describe the state's rail system;(g) Prepare a state freight rail system map;(h) Identify and evaluate rail commodity flows and traffic types;(i) Identify lines and corridors that have been rail banked or preserved; and(j) Identify and evaluate other issues affecting the state's rail traffic.(2) The state rail plan may be prepared in conjunction with the rail plan prepared by the department pursuant to the federal Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act.[ 1995 c 380 § 3; 1993 c 224 § 2; 1985 c 432 § 1; 1983 c 303 § 5. Formerly RCW 47.76.020.]
WA Rev Code § 47.76.230 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.230 - Freight rail planning—Railroad safety.

RCW 47.76.230 Freight rail planning—Railroad safety.(1) The department of transportation shall continue its responsibility for the development and implementation of the state rail plan and programs, and the utilities and transportation commission shall continue its responsibility for railroad safety issues.(2) The department of transportation shall maintain an enhanced data file on the rail system. Proprietary annual station traffic data from each railroad and the modal use of major shippers must be obtained to the extent that such information is available.(3) The department of transportation shall provide technical assistance, upon request, to state agencies and local interests. Technical assistance includes, but is not limited to, the following:(a) Rail project cost-benefit analyses conducted in accordance with methodologies recommended by the federal railroad administration;(b) Assistance in the formation of county rail districts and port districts; and(c) Feasibility studies for rail service continuation or rail service assistance, or both.(4) With funding authorized by the legislature, the department of transportation, in collaboration with the *department of community, trade, and economic development, and local economic development agencies, and other interested public and private organizations, shall develop a cooperative process to conduct community and business information programs and to regularly disseminate information on rail matters.[ 2007 c 234 § 94; 1995 c 380 § 4; 1990 c 43 § 3. Formerly RCW 47.76.120.]NOTES:*Reviser's note: The "department of community, trade, and economic development" was renamed the "department of commerce" by 2009 c 565.Construction—Severability—Headings—1990 c 43: See notes following RCW 81.100.010.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.240 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.240 - Rail preservation program.

RCW 47.76.240 Rail preservation program.The state, counties, local communities, ports, railroads, labor, and shippers all benefit from continuation of rail service and should participate in its preservation. Lines that provide benefits to the state and local jurisdictions, such as avoided roadway costs, reduced traffic congestion, economic development potential, environmental protection, and safety, should be assisted through the joint efforts of the state, local jurisdictions, and the private sector.State funding for rail service, rail preservation, and corridor preservation projects must benefit the state's interests. The state's interest is served by reducing public roadway maintenance and repair costs, increasing economic development opportunities, increasing domestic and international trade, preserving jobs, and enhancing safety. State funding for projects is contingent upon appropriate local jurisdiction and private sector participation and cooperation. Before spending state moneys on projects, the department shall seek federal, local, and private funding and participation to the greatest extent possible.(1) The department of transportation shall continue to monitor the status of the state's mainline and branchline common carrier railroads and preserved rail corridors through the state rail plan and various analyses, and shall seek alternatives to abandonment prior to interstate commerce commission proceedings, where feasible.(2) The utilities and transportation commission shall intervene in proceedings of the surface transportation board, or its successor agency, on abandonments, when necessary, to protect the state's interest.(3) The department of transportation, in consultation with the Washington state freight rail policy advisory committee, shall establish criteria for evaluating rail projects and corridors of significance to the state.(4) Local jurisdictions may implement rail service preservation projects in the absence of state participation.(5) The department of transportation shall continue to monitor projects for which it provides assistance.[ 2007 c 234 § 95; 1995 c 380 § 5; 1993 c 224 § 3; 1990 c 43 § 4. Formerly RCW 47.76.130.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—Headings—1990 c 43: See notes following RCW 81.100.010.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.255 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.255 - Essential rail assistance account—Deposit of revenue from lease or operations on Palouse River and Coulee City rail lines.

RCW 47.76.255 Essential rail assistance account—Deposit of revenue from lease or operations on Palouse River and Coulee City rail lines.All revenue received by the department of transportation from operating leases or other business operations on the Palouse River and Coulee City rail lines must be deposited in the essential rail assistance account created in RCW 47.76.250 and used only for the refurbishment or improvement of the Palouse River and Coulee City rail lines.[ 2011 c 161 § 3.]
WA Rev Code § 47.76.270 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.270 - Essential rail banking account merged into essential rail assistance account.

RCW 47.76.270 Essential rail banking account merged into essential rail assistance account.The essential rail banking account is merged into the essential rail assistance account created under RCW 47.76.250. Any appropriations made to the essential rail banking account are transferred to the essential rail assistance account, and are subject to the restrictions of that account.[ 1995 c 380 § 7; 1993 c 224 § 6; 1991 sp.s. c 13 § 120; 1991 c 363 § 127; 1990 c 43 § 7. Formerly RCW 47.76.160.]NOTES:Effective dates—Severability—1991 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 18.08.240.Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.Construction—Severability—Headings—1990 c 43: See notes following RCW 81.100.010.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.280 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.280 - Sale or lease for use as rail service—Time limit.

RCW 47.76.280 Sale or lease for use as rail service—Time limit.(1) The department may sell or lease property acquired under this chapter to a county rail district established under chapter 36.60 RCW, a county, a port district, or any other public or private entity authorized to operate rail service. Any public or private entity that originally donated funds to the department under this chapter shall receive credit against the purchase price for the amount donated to the department, less management costs, in the event such public or private entity purchases the property from the department.(2) If no county rail district, county, port district, or other public or private entity authorized to operate rail service purchases or leases the property within six years after its acquisition by the department, the department may sell or lease such property in the manner provided in RCW 47.76.290. Failing this, the department may sell or convey all such property in the manner provided in RCW 47.76.300 or 47.76.320.(3) Property acquired by the department under this chapter that is not essential for the operation of the rail service contemplated in subsections (1) and (2) of this section may be sold or leased at any time following acquisition in the manner provided in RCW 47.76.290.[ 2011 c 161 § 1; 1995 c 380 § 8; 1993 c 224 § 7; 1991 sp.s. c 15 § 61; 1991 c 363 § 126; 1985 c 432 § 3. Formerly RCW 47.76.040.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—1991 sp.s. c 15: See note following RCW 46.68.110.Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.300 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.300 - Sale for other use—Governmental entity.

RCW 47.76.300 Sale for other use—Governmental entity.If real property acquired by the department under this chapter is not sold to a public or private entity authorized to operate rail service within six years of its acquisition by the department, the department may transfer and convey the property to the United States, its agencies or instrumentalities, to any other state agency, or to any county or city or port district of this state when, in the judgment of the secretary, the transfer and conveyance is consistent with the public interest. Whenever the secretary makes an agreement for any such transfer or conveyance, the secretary shall execute and deliver to the grantee a deed of conveyance, easement, or other instrument, duly acknowledged, as necessary to fulfill the terms of the agreement. All moneys paid to the state of Washington under this section shall be deposited in the essential rail banking account of the general fund.[ 1993 c 224 § 9; 1991 sp.s. c 15 § 63; 1985 c 432 § 5. Formerly RCW 47.76.060.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—1991 sp.s. c 15: See note following RCW 46.68.110.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.310 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.310 - Rent or lease of lands.

RCW 47.76.310 Rent or lease of lands.The department is authorized subject to the provisions and requirements of zoning ordinances of political subdivisions of government, to rent or lease any lands acquired under this chapter, upon such terms and conditions as the department determines.[ 1993 c 224 § 10; 1991 sp.s. c 15 § 64; 1985 c 432 § 6. Formerly RCW 47.76.070.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—1991 sp.s. c 15: See note following RCW 46.68.110.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.320 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.320 - Sale at public auction.

RCW 47.76.320 Sale at public auction.(1) If real property acquired by the department under this chapter is not sold, conveyed, or leased to a public or private entity within six years of its acquisition by the department, the department may, in its discretion, sell the property at public auction in accordance with subsections (2) through (5) of this section.(2) The department shall first give notice of the sale by publication on the same day of the week for two consecutive weeks, with the first publication at least two weeks before the date of the auction, in a legal newspaper of general circulation in the area where the property to be sold is located. The notice shall be placed in both the legal notices section and the real estate classified section of the newspaper. The notice shall contain a description of the property, the time and place of the auction, and the terms of the sale. The sale may be for cash or by real estate contract.(3) In accordance with the terms set forth in the notice, the department shall sell the property at the public auction to the highest and best bidder if the bid is equal to or higher than the appraised fair market value of the property.(4) If no bids are received at the auction or if all bids are rejected, the department may, in its discretion, enter into negotiations for the sale of the property or may list the property with a licensed real estate broker. No property may be sold by negotiations or through a broker for less than the property's appraised fair market value. Any offer to purchase real property under this subsection shall be in writing and may be rejected at any time before written acceptance by the department.(5) Conveyances made under this section shall be by deed executed by the secretary of transportation and shall be duly acknowledged.(6) All moneys received under this section shall be deposited in the essential rail banking account of the general fund.[ 1993 c 224 § 11; 1991 sp.s. c 15 § 65; 1985 c 432 § 7. Formerly RCW 47.76.080.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—1991 sp.s. c 15: See note following RCW 46.68.110.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.330 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.330 - Eminent domain exemptions.

RCW 47.76.330 Eminent domain exemptions.Transfers of ownership of property acquired under this chapter are exempt from chapters 8.25 and 8.26 RCW.[ 1993 c 224 § 12; 1991 sp.s. c 15 § 66; 1985 c 432 § 8. Formerly RCW 47.76.090.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—1991 sp.s. c 15: See note following RCW 46.68.110.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.350 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.350 - Monitoring federal rail policies.

RCW 47.76.350 Monitoring federal rail policies.The department of transportation shall continue to monitor federal rail policies and congressional action and communicate to Washington's congressional delegation and federal transportation agencies the need for a balanced transportation system and associated funding.[ 1990 c 43 § 10. Formerly RCW 47.76.190.]NOTES:Construction—Severability—Headings—1990 c 43: See notes following RCW 81.100.010.
WA Rev Code § 47.76.360 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.360 - Transfer of funds in excess of grain train program operating needs or capital reserves authorized.

RCW 47.76.360 Transfer of funds in excess of grain train program operating needs or capital reserves authorized.Funds deemed by the department of transportation, in consultation with relevant port districts, to be in excess of current operating needs or capital reserves of the grain train program may be transferred from the miscellaneous program account to the essential rail assistance account created in RCW 47.76.250 for the purpose of sustaining the grain train program.[ 2012 c 86 § 801.]NOTES:Effective date—2012 c 86: "Except for sections 701 through 713, 805, and 806 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 23, 2012]." [ 2012 c 86 § 902.]
WA Rev Code § 47.76.370 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation|Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service.|47.76.370 - Royal Slope railroad right-of-way—Transfer, reversion, agreement.

RCW 47.76.370 Royal Slope railroad right-of-way—Transfer, reversion, agreement.(1) The department must transfer, at no cost, to the Port of Royal Slope the Royal Slope railroad right-of-way, and any materials, equipment, and supplies purchased as a part of the Royal Slope rehabilitation project (L1000053).(2) The Port of Royal Slope must maintain the Royal Slope railroad right-of-way and contract with an operator to provide service.(3)(a) If the Port of Royal Slope is unable to secure an operator for any continuous five-year period, the right-of-way and any materials, equipment, and remaining supplies revert to the department.(b) If ownership of the right-of-way reverts to the department under this subsection, the property must be in at least substantially the same condition as when the right-of-way was initially transferred under this section.(4) Any operator agreement entered into under this section must not limit the state's ability to enter into a franchise agreement on the rail line. If the state enters into such a franchise agreement, the agreement must allow any person operating on that rail line pursuant to a valid contract to continue to operate under the terms of the contract.[ 2015 c 281 § 1.]NOTES:Effective date—2015 c 281: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 18, 2015]." [ 2015 c 281 § 3.]