reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 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.
2023 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.]
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.]
2023 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.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.400 - Produce railcar pool—Findings—Intent.

RCW 47.76.400
Produce railcar pool—Findings—Intent.
The legislature finds that an actively coordinated and cooperatively facilitated railcar pool for transportation of perishable agricultural commodities is necessary for the continued viability and competitiveness of Washington's agricultural industry. The legislature also finds that the rail transportation model established by the Washington Grain Train program has been successful in serving the shipping needs of the wheat industry.
It is, therefore, the intent of the legislature to authorize and direct the Washington department of transportation to develop a railcar program for Washington's perishable commodity industries to be known as the Washington Produce Railcar Pool. This railcar program should be modeled from the Washington Grain Train program, but be made flexible enough to work with entities outside state government in order to fulfill its mission, including, but not limited to, the federal and local governments, commodity commissions, and private entities.
[ 2003 c 191 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.410 - Produce railcar pool—Definition.

RCW 47.76.410
Produce railcar pool—Definition.
As used in RCW 47.76.400 through 47.76.450 "short line railroad" means a Class II or Class III railroad as defined by the United States Surface Transportation Board.
[ 2003 c 191 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.420 - Produce railcar pool—Departmental authority.

RCW 47.76.420
Produce railcar pool—Departmental authority.
In addition to powers otherwise granted by law, the department may establish a Washington Produce Railcar Pool to promote viable, cost-effective rail service for Washington produce, including but not limited to apples, onions, pears, and potatoes, both processed and fresh.
To the extent that funds are appropriated, the department may:
(1) Operate the Washington Produce Railcar Pool program while working in close coordination with the department of agriculture, interested commodity commissions, port districts, and other interested parties;
(2) For the purposes of this program:
(a) Purchase or lease new or used refrigerated railcars;
(b) Accept donated refrigerated railcars; and
(c) Refurbish and remodel the railcars;
(3) Hire, in consultation with affected stakeholders, including but not limited to short line railroads, commodity commissions, and port districts, a transportation management firm to perform the function outlined in RCW 47.76.440; and
(4) Contribute the efforts of a short line rail-financing expert to find funding for the project to help interested short line railroads in this state to accomplish the necessary operating arrangements once the railcars are ready for service.
[ 2003 c 191 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.430 - Produce railcar pool—Funding.

RCW 47.76.430
Produce railcar pool—Funding.
To the extent that funds are appropriated, the department shall fund the program as follows: The department may accept funding from the federal government, or other public or private sources, to purchase or lease new or used railcars and to refurbish and remodel the railcars as needed. Nothing in this section precludes other entities, including but not limited to short line railroads, from performing the remodeling under RCW 47.76.400 through 47.76.450.
[ 2003 c 191 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.440 - Produce railcar pool—Management.

RCW 47.76.440
Produce railcar pool—Management.
(1) The transportation management firm hired under RCW 47.76.420(3) shall manage the day-to-day operations of the railcars, such as monitoring the location of the cars, returning them to this state, distributing them, arranging for pretrips and repairs, and arranging for per diem, mileage allowances, and other freight billing charges with the railroads.
(2) The railcar pool must be managed over the life of the railcars so that the railcars will be distributed to railroads and port districts around the state for produce loadings as market conditions warrant or to other users, including out-of-state users by contractual agreement, during times of excess capacity.
(3) To maximize railcar availability and use, the department or the transportation management firm may make agreements with the transcontinental railroad systems to pool Washington-owned or Washington-managed railcars with those of the railroads. In such instances, the railroad must agree to provide immediately an equal number of railcars to the Washington railcar pool.
(4) The department shall act in an oversight role to verify that the railcar pool is managed in accordance with subsections (2) and (3) of this section.
[ 2003 c 191 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.450 - Produce railcar pool account.

RCW 47.76.450
Produce railcar pool account.
The produce railcar pool account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All receipts from per diem charges, mileage charges, and freight billing charges paid by railroads and shippers that use the railcars in the Washington Produce Railcar Pool must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purposes of RCW 47.76.400 through 47.76.440. Only the secretary of transportation or the secretary's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.
[ 2003 c 191 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.460 - Freight rail investment bank program.

RCW 47.76.460
Freight rail investment bank program.
(1) The department shall establish a freight rail investment bank program for the purpose of supporting freight rail capital needs by providing low-interest loans to entities based on the state's interests as outlined in RCW 47.76.240.
(2) The department shall issue freight rail investment bank program loans with a repayment period of no more than 15 years, and charge only so much interest as is necessary to recoup the department's costs to administer the loans.
(3) The department shall report annually to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management on all freight rail investment bank loans issued.
(4) Projects shall be evaluated using a cost-benefit methodology. The methodology must use the following legislative priorities:
(a) Economic, safety, or environmental advantages of freight movement by rail compared to alternative modes;
(b) Self-sustaining economic development that creates family-wage jobs;
(c) Preservation of transportation corridors that would otherwise be lost;
(d) Increased access to efficient and cost-effective transport to market for Washington's agricultural and industrial products;
(e) Better integration and cooperation within the regional, national, and international systems of freight distribution; and
(f) Mitigation of impacts of increased rail traffic on communities.
[ 2023 c 447 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.76 - Rail Freight Service. › 47.76.470 - Statewide emergent freight rail assistance program.

RCW 47.76.470
Statewide emergent freight rail assistance program.
(1) The department shall establish the statewide emergent freight rail assistance program for the purpose of supporting freight rail capital needs by awarding grants based on the state's interests as outlined in RCW 47.76.240.
(2) Grants shall be selected using the cost-benefit methodology as outlined in RCW 47.76.460.
(3) The department shall report annually to the transportation committees of the legislature and the office of financial management on all freight rail assistance program grants issued.
[ 2023 c 447 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.010 - Legislative declaration.

RCW 47.79.010
Legislative declaration.
The legislature recognizes that major intercity transportation corridors in this state are becoming increasingly congested. In these corridors, population is expected to grow by nearly forty percent over the next twenty years, while employment will grow by nearly fifty percent. The estimated seventy-five percent increase in intercity travel demand must be accommodated to ensure state economic vitality and protect the state's quality of life.
The legislature finds that high-speed ground transportation offers a safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible alternative to increasing highway capacity. High-speed ground transportation can complement and enhance existing air transportation systems. High-speed ground transportation can be compatible with growth management plans in counties and cities served by such a system. Further, high-speed ground transportation offers a reliable, all-weather service capable of significant energy savings over other intercity modes.
[ 1993 c 381 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.020 - Program established—Goals.

RCW 47.79.020
Program established—Goals.
The legislature finds that there is substantial public benefit to establishing a high-speed ground transportation program in this state. The program shall implement the recommendations of the high-speed ground transportation steering committee report dated October 15, 1992. The program shall be administered by the department of transportation in close cooperation with the utilities and transportation commission and affected cities and counties.
The high-speed ground transportation program shall have the following goals:
(1) Implement high-speed ground transportation service offering top speeds over 150 m.p.h. between Everett and Portland, Oregon by 2020. This would be accomplished by meeting the intermediate objectives of a maximum travel time between downtown Portland and downtown Seattle of two hours and thirty minutes by the year 2000 and maximum travel time of two hours by the year 2010;
(2) Implement high-speed ground transportation service offering top speeds over 150 m.p.h. between Everett and Vancouver, B.C. by 2025;
(3) Implement high-speed ground transportation service offering top speeds over 150 m.p.h. between Seattle and Spokane by 2030.
The department of transportation shall, subject to legislative appropriation, implement such projects as necessary to achieve these goals in accordance with the implementation plans identified in RCW 47.79.030 and 47.79.040.
[ 1993 c 381 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.030 - Project priority—Funding sources.

RCW 47.79.030
Project priority—Funding sources.
The legislature finds it important to develop public support and awareness of the benefits of high-speed ground transportation by developing high quality intercity passenger rail service as a first step. This high quality intercity passenger rail service shall be developed through incremental upgrading of the existing service. The department of transportation shall, subject to legislative appropriation, develop a prioritized list of projects to improve existing passenger rail service and begin new passenger rail service, to include but not be limited to:
(1) Improvement of depots;
(2) Improved grade crossing protection or grade crossing elimination;
(3) Enhanced train signals to improve rail corridor capacity and increase train speeds;
(4) Revised track geometry or additional trackage to improve ride quality and increase train speeds; and
(5) Contract for new or improved service in accordance with federal requirements to improve service frequency.
Service enhancements and station improvements must be based on the extent to which local comprehensive plans contribute to the viability of intercity passenger rail service, including providing efficient connections with other transportation modes such as transit, intercity bus, and roadway networks. Before spending state moneys on these projects, the department of transportation shall seek federal, local, and private funding participation to the greatest extent possible. Funding priorities for station improvements must also be based on the level of local and private in-kind and cash contributions.
[ 1993 c 381 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.040 - Rail passenger plan.

RCW 47.79.040
Rail passenger plan.
The legislature recognizes the need to plan for the high-speed ground transportation service and the high quality intercity rail passenger service set forth in RCW 47.79.020 and 47.79.030. The department of transportation shall, subject to legislative appropriation, develop a rail passenger plan through the conduct of studies addressing, but not limited to, the following areas:
(1) Refined ridership estimates;
(2) Preliminary location and environmental analysis on new corridors;
(3) Detailed station location assessments in concert with affected local jurisdictions;
(4) Coordination with the air transportation commission on statewide air transportation policy and its effects on high-speed ground transportation service; and
(5) Coordination with the governments of Oregon and British Columbia, when appropriate, on alignment, station location, and environmental analysis.
[ 1993 c 381 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.050 - Facility acquisition and management.

RCW 47.79.050
Facility acquisition and management.
Subject to appropriation, the department is authorized to acquire by purchase, lease, condemnation, gift, devise, bequest, grant, or exchange, title to or any interests or rights in real property adjacent to or used in association with state intercity passenger rail service which may include, but are not limited to, depots, platforms, parking areas, and maintenance facilities. The department is authorized to contract with a public or private entity for the operation, maintenance, and/or management of these facilities.
[ 1999 c 253 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.060 - Gifts.

RCW 47.79.060
Gifts.
Subject to appropriation, the department is authorized to accept and expend or use gifts, grants, and donations for the benefit of any depot, platform, parking area, maintenance facility, or other associated rail facility. However, such an expenditure shall be for the public benefit of the state's intercity passenger rail service.
[ 1999 c 253 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.070 - Adjacent real property.

RCW 47.79.070
Adjacent real property.
Subject to appropriation, the department is authorized to exercise all the powers and perform all the duties necessary, convenient, or incidental to the planning, designing, constructing, improving, repairing, operating, and maintaining real property adjacent to or used in association with the state intercity passenger rail service which may include, but are not limited to, depots, platforms, parking areas, and maintenance facilities, even if such real property is owned or controlled by another entity. However, any expenditure of public funds for these purposes shall be directly related to public benefit of the state's intercity passenger rail service. The department shall enter into a written contract with the affected real property owners to secure the public's investment.
[ 1999 c 253 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.110 - King Street station—Findings.

RCW 47.79.110
King Street station—Findings.
The legislature finds that a balanced, multimodal transportation system is an essential element of the state's infrastructure, and that effective rail passenger service is an integral part of a balanced, multimodal transportation system. The legislature further finds that the King Street railroad station is the key hub for both Puget Sound's intermodal passenger transportation system and the state's rail passenger system. The legislature recognizes that the redevelopment of the King Street railroad station depot, along with necessary and related properties, is critical to its continued functioning as a transportation hub and finds that innovative funding arrangements can materially assist in furthering the redevelopment at reduced public expense.
[ 2001 c 62 § 1.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2001 c 62: "Due to the irrevocable expiration of federal and Amtrak funds critical to the redevelopment of the King Street railroad station on or before June 30, 2001, sections 1 through 6 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [April 18, 2001]." [ 2001 c 62 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.120 - King Street station—Acquisition.

RCW 47.79.120
King Street station—Acquisition.
The department may acquire, or contract to acquire, by purchase, lease, option to lease or purchase, condemnation, gift, devise, bequest, grant, or exchange of title, the King Street railroad station depot located in Seattle, or any interests or rights in it, and other real property and improvements adjacent to, or used in association with, the King Street railroad station depot. The property may include, but not be limited to, the depot, platforms, parking areas, pedestrian and vehicle access areas, and maintenance facilities. These properties, in the aggregate, will be known as the King Street railroad station.
[ 2001 c 62 § 2.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2001 c 62: See note following RCW 47.79.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.130 - King Street station—Department's powers and duties.

RCW 47.79.130
King Street station—Department's powers and duties.
During all periods that the department contracts to own or lease some, or all, of the King Street railroad station properties, the department may exercise all the powers and perform all the duties necessary, convenient, or incidental for planning, designing, constructing, improving, repairing, renovating, restoring, operating, and maintaining the King Street railroad station properties. These powers also include authority to lease or sell, assign, sublease, or otherwise transfer all, or portions of, the King Street railroad station properties for transportation or other public or private purposes and to contract with other public or private entities for the operation, administration, maintenance, or improvement of the King Street railroad station properties after the department takes possession of some, or all, of the properties, as the secretary deems appropriate. If the department transfers any of its fee ownership interests in the King Street railroad station properties, proceeds from the transaction must be placed in an account that supports multimodal programs, but not into an account restricted by Article II, section 40 of the state Constitution.
[ 2001 c 62 § 3.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2001 c 62: See note following RCW 47.79.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.140 - King Street station—Leases and contracts for multimodal terminal.

RCW 47.79.140
King Street station—Leases and contracts for multimodal terminal.
To facilitate tax exempt financing for the acquisition and improvement of the King Street railroad station, the department may lease from or contract with public or private entities for the acquisition, lease, operation, maintenance, financing, renovation, restoration, or management of some, or all, of the King Street railroad station properties as a multimodal terminal that supports the state intercity passenger rail service. The leases or contracts are not subject to either chapter 39.94 or 43.82 RCW. The leases and contracts will expire no later than fifty years from the time they are executed, and at that time the department will either receive title or have the right to receive title to the financed property without additional obligation to compensate the owner of those properties for the acquisition of them. The secretary may take all actions necessary, convenient, or incidental to the financing.
[ 2001 c 62 § 4.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2001 c 62: See note following RCW 47.79.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.150 - King Street railroad station facility account.

RCW 47.79.150
King Street railroad station facility account.
(1) The department may establish the King Street railroad station facility account as an interest-bearing local account. Receipts from the sources listed in subsection (2) of this section must be deposited into the account. Nothing in this section is a pledge of funds deposited to the account for repayment of tax exempt financing related to the King Street railroad station. The department may invest funds from the account as permitted by law and may enter into contracts with financial advisors as deemed necessary for that purpose. Only the secretary or the secretary's designee may authorize expenditures from the account.
(2) All funds appropriated to the King Street railroad station facility account by the legislature; all contributions, payments, grants, gifts, and donations to the account from other public or private entities; all receipts from departmental transactions involving capital facility sales, transfers, property leases and rents, incomes, and parking fees associated with the King Street railroad station; as well as all investment income associated with the account must be deposited into the King Street railroad station facility account for purposes specified in subsection (3) of this section.
(3) All funds deposited into the King Street railroad station facility account must be expended by the department solely to pay the following expenses:
(a) Costs for management of the account;
(b) Purchase and acquisition costs for King Street railroad station properties;
(c) Payments, including incidental expenses, relating to the King Street railroad station depot as required by a lease or contract under RCW 47.79.140;
(d) Maintenance and operating costs for the King Street railroad station properties; and
(e) Capital improvement projects initiated by the department associated with, and for the benefit of, the King Street railroad station depot occurring after the date of the department's beneficial occupancy of the renovated King Street railroad station depot, and for capital improvement projects initiated at any time by the department for the benefit of King Street railroad station properties other than the depot including, but not limited to, improvements to associated platforms, parking areas, temporary buildings, maintenance facilities, pedestrian access, and other improvements essential to the operation of the station as a multimodal terminal.
(4) Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the right of the department from otherwise funding purchase, acquisition, capital improvement, maintenance, rental, operational, and other incidental costs relating to the King Street railroad station from appropriations and resources that are not designated for deposit in the King Street railroad station facility account.
[ 2001 c 62 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2001 c 62: See note following RCW 47.79.110.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.79 - High-Speed Ground Transportation. › 47.79.900 - Effective date—1993 c 381.

RCW 47.79.900
Effective date—1993 c 381.
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 shall take effect July 1, 1993.
[ 1993 c 381 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.80 - Regional Transportation Planning Organizations. › 47.80.010 - Findings—Declaration.

RCW 47.80.010
Findings—Declaration.
The legislature finds that while the transportation system in Washington is owned and operated by numerous public jurisdictions, it should function as one interconnected and coordinated system. Transportation planning, at all jurisdictional levels, should be coordinated with local comprehensive plans. Further, local jurisdictions and the state should cooperate to achieve both statewide and local transportation goals. To facilitate this coordination and cooperation among state and local jurisdictions, the legislature declares it to be in the state's interest to establish a coordinated planning program for regional transportation systems and facilities throughout the state.
[ 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 § 53.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.80 - Regional Transportation Planning Organizations. › 47.80.011 - Legislative intent.

RCW 47.80.011
Legislative intent.
The legislature recognizes that recent legislative enactments have significantly added to the complexity of and to the potential for benefits from integrated transportation and comprehensive planning and that there is currently a unique opportunity for integration of local comprehensive plans and regional goals with state and local transportation programs. Further, approaches to transportation demand management initiatives and local and state transportation funding can be better coordinated to insure an efficient, effective transportation system that insures mobility and accessibility, and addresses community needs.
The legislature further finds that transportation and land use share a critical relationship that policymakers can better utilize to address regional strategies.
Prudent and cost-effective investment by the state and by local governments in highway facilities, local streets and arterials, rail facilities, marine facilities, nonmotorized transportation facilities and systems, public transit systems, transportation system management, transportation demand management, and the development of high capacity transit systems can help to effectively address mobility needs. Such investment can also enhance local and state objectives for effective comprehensive planning, economic development strategies, and clean air policies.
The legislature finds that addressing public initiatives regarding transportation and comprehensive planning necessitates an innovative approach. Improved integration between transportation and comprehensive planning among public institutions, particularly in the state's largest metropolitan areas is considered by the state to be imperative, and to have significant benefit to the citizens of Washington.
[ 1994 c 158 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.80 - Regional Transportation Planning Organizations. › 47.80.020 - Regional transportation planning organizations authorized.

RCW 47.80.020
Regional transportation planning organizations authorized.
The legislature hereby authorizes creation of regional transportation planning organizations within the state. Each regional transportation planning organization shall be formed through the voluntary association of local governments within a county, or within geographically contiguous counties. Each organization shall:
(1) Encompass at least one complete county;
(2)(a) Have a population of at least one hundred thousand, (b) have a population of at least seventy-five thousand and contain a Washington state ferries terminal, (c) have a population of at least forty thousand and cover a geographic area of at least five thousand square miles, or (d) contain a minimum of three counties; and
(3) Have as members all counties within the region, and at least sixty percent of the cities and towns within the region representing a minimum of seventy-five percent of the cities' and towns' population.
The state department of transportation must verify that each regional transportation planning organization conforms with the requirements of this section.
In urbanized areas, the regional transportation planning organization is the same as the metropolitan planning organization designated for federal transportation planning purposes.
[ 2017 c 68 § 1; 2016 c 27 § 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 § 54.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2016 c 27: "This act takes effect July 1, 2016." [ 2016 c 27 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.80 - Regional Transportation Planning Organizations. › 47.80.026 - Comprehensive plans, transportation guidelines, and principles.

RCW 47.80.026
Comprehensive plans, transportation guidelines, and principles.
Each regional transportation planning organization, with cooperation from component cities, towns, and counties, shall establish guidelines and principles by July 1, 1995, that provide specific direction for the development and evaluation of the transportation elements of comprehensive plans, where such plans exist, and to assure that state, regional, and local goals for the development of transportation systems are met. These guidelines and principles shall address at a minimum the relationship between transportation systems and the following factors: Concentration of economic activity, residential density, development corridors and urban design that, where appropriate, supports high capacity transit, freight transportation and port access, development patterns that promote pedestrian and nonmotorized transportation, circulation systems, access to regional systems, effective and efficient highway systems, the ability of transportation facilities and programs to retain existing and attract new jobs and private investment and to accommodate growth in demand, transportation demand management, joint and mixed use developments, present and future railroad right-of-way corridor utilization, and intermodal connections.
Examples shall be published by the organization to assist local governments in interpreting and explaining the requirements of this section.
[ 1994 c 158 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.80 - Regional Transportation Planning Organizations. › 47.80.040 - Transportation policy boards.

RCW 47.80.040
Transportation policy boards.
Each regional transportation planning organization shall create a transportation policy board. Transportation policy boards shall provide policy advice to the regional transportation planning organization and shall allow representatives of major employers within the region, the department of transportation, transit districts, port districts, and member cities, towns, and counties within the region to participate in policy making. Any members of the house of representatives or the state senate whose districts are wholly or partly within the boundaries of the regional transportation planning organization are considered ex officio, nonvoting policy board members of the regional transportation planning organization. This does not preclude legislators from becoming full-time, voting board members.
[ 2003 c 351 § 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 § 56.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 47 - Public Highways and Transportation › Chapter 47.80 - Regional Transportation Planning Organizations. › 47.80.050 - Allocation of regional transportation planning funds—Eligibility—Federally recognized tribes, voting membership.

RCW 47.80.050
Allocation of regional transportation planning funds—Eligibility—Federally recognized tribes, voting membership.
(1) Biennial appropriations to the department of transportation to carry out the regional transportation planning program shall set forth the amounts to be allocated as follows:
(a) A base amount per county for each county within each regional transportation planning organization, to be distributed to the lead planning agency;
(b) An amount to be distributed to each lead planning agency on a per capita basis; and
(c) An amount to be administered by the department of transportation as a discretionary grant program for special regional planning projects, including grants to allow counties which have significant transportation interests in common with an adjoining region to also participate in that region's planning efforts.
(2) In order for a regional transportation planning organization to be eligible to receive state funds that are appropriated for regional transportation planning organizations, a regional transportation planning organization must provide a reasonable opportunity for voting membership to federally recognized tribes that hold reservation or trust lands within the planning area of the regional transportation planning organization. Any federally recognized tribe that holds reservation or trust land within the planning area of a regional transportation planning organization and does not have voting membership in the regional transportation planning organization must be offered voting membership in the regional transportation planning organization every two years or when the composition of the board of the regional transportation planning organization is modified in an interlocal agreement.
[ 2019 c 118 § 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 17 § 57.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2019 c 118: "This act takes effect August 1, 2019." [ 2019 c 118 § 2.]