title: RCW 47.52.131

text:
When the department is planning a limited access facility through a county or an incorporated city or town, the department or its staff, before any hearing, shall give careful consideration to available data as to the county or city's comprehensive plan, land use pattern, present and potential traffic volume of county roads and city streets crossing the proposed facility, origin and destination traffic surveys, existing utilities, the physical appearance the facility will present, and other pertinent surveys and, except as provided in RCW 47.52.134, shall submit to the county and city officials for study a report showing how these factors have been taken into account and how the proposed plan for a limited access facility will serve public convenience and necessity, together with the locations and access and egress plans, and over and under crossings that are under consideration. This report shall show the proposed approximate right-of-way limits and profile of the facility with relation to the existing grade, and shall discuss in a general manner plans for landscaping treatment, fencing, and illumination, and shall include sketches of typical roadway sections for the roadway itself and any necessary structures such as viaducts or bridges, subways, or tunnels.
Conferences shall be held on the merits of this state report and plans and any proposed modification or alternate proposal of the county, city, or town in order to attempt to reach an agreement between the department and the county or city officials. As a result of the conference, the proposed plan, together with any modifications, shall be prepared by the department and presented to the county or city for inspection and study.
[ 1987 c 200 s 1; 1984 c 7 s 243; 1965 ex.s. c 75 s 1.]

catchline: Consideration of local conditions—Report to local authorities—Conferences—Proposed plan.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 47.52.133

text:
Except as provided in RCW 47.52.134, the department and the highway authorities of the counties and incorporated cities and towns, with regard to facilities under their respective jurisdictions, prior to the establishment of any limited access facility, shall hold a public hearing within the county, city, or town wherein the limited access facility is to be established to determine the desirability of the plan proposed by such authority. Notice of such hearing shall be given to the owners of property abutting the section of any existing highway, road, or street being established as a limited access facility, as indicated in the tax rolls of the county, and in the case of a state limited access facility, to the county and/or city or town. Such notice shall be by United States mail in writing, setting forth a time for the hearing, which time shall be not less than fifteen days after mailing of such notice. Notice of such hearing also shall be given by publication not less than fifteen days prior to such hearing in one or more newspapers of general circulation within the county, city, or town. Such notice by publication shall be deemed sufficient as to any owner or reputed owner or any unknown owner or owner who cannot be located. Such notice shall indicate a suitable location where plans for such proposal may be inspected.
[ 2006 c 334 s 25; 1987 c 200 s 2; 1981 c 95 s 1; 1965 ex.s. c 75 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2006 c 334: See note following RCW 47.01.051.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Local public hearing—Notice.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 47.52.134

text:
Access reports and hearings on the establishment of limited access facilities are not required if:
(1) The limited access facility would lie wholly within state or federal lands and the agency or agencies with jurisdiction of the land agree to the access plan; or
(2) The access rights to the affected section of roadway have previously been purchased or established by others; or
(3) The limited access facility would not significantly change local road use, and all affected local agencies and abutting property owners agree in writing to waive a formal hearing on the establishment of the facility after publication of a notice of opportunity for a limited access hearing. This notice of opportunity for a limited access hearing shall be given in the same manner as required for published notice of hearings under RCW 47.52.133. If the authority specified in the notice receives a request for a hearing from one or more abutting property owners or affected local agencies on or before the date stated in the notice, an access report shall be submitted as provided in RCW 47.52.131 and a hearing shall be held. Notice of the hearing shall be given by mail and publication as provided in RCW 47.52.133.
[ 1987 c 200 s 3.]

catchline: When access reports and hearings not required.


title: RCW 47.52.135

text:
At the hearing any representative of the county, city or town, or any other person may appear and be heard even though such official or person is not an abutting property owner. Such hearing may, at the option of the highway authority, be conducted in accordance with federal laws and regulations governing highway design public hearings. The members of such authority shall preside, or may designate some suitable person to preside as examiner. The authority shall introduce by competent evidence a summary of the proposal for the establishment of a limited access facility and any evidence that supports the adoption of the plan as being in the public interest. At the conclusion of such evidence, any person entitled to notice who has entered a written appearance shall be deemed a party to this hearing for purposes of this chapter and may thereafter introduce, either in person or by counsel, evidence and statements or counterproposals bearing upon the reasonableness of the proposal. Any such evidence and statements or counterproposals shall receive reasonable consideration by the authority before any proposal is adopted. Such evidence must be material to the issue before the authority and shall be presented in an orderly manner.
[ 1982 c 189 s 5; 1981 c 67 s 29; 1977 c 77 s 2; 1965 ex.s. c 75 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—1982 c 189: See note following RCW 34.12.020.
Effective dates—Severability—1981 c 67: See notes following RCW 34.12.010.

catchline: Hearing procedure.


title: RCW 47.52.137

text:
Following the conclusion of such hearing the authority shall adopt a plan with such modifications, if any, it deems proper and necessary. Its findings and order shall be in writing and copies thereof shall be served by United States mail upon all persons having entered a written appearance at such hearing, and in the case of a state limited access facility, the county commissioners of the county affected and the mayor of the city or town affected. The authority shall also cause a resume of such plan to be published once each week for two weeks in one or more newspapers of general circulation within such county, city or town beginning not less than ten days after the mailing of such findings and order. Such determination by the authority shall become final within thirty days after such mailing unless a review is taken as hereinafter provided. In case of an appeal, the order shall be final as to all parties not appealing.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 75 s 4.]

catchline: Adoption of plan—Service of findings and order—Publication of resume—Finality—Review.


title: RCW 47.52.139

text:
Upon receipt of the findings and order adopting a plan, the county, city, or town may notify the department of transportation of its approval of such plan in writing, in which event such plan shall be final.
In the event that a county, city, or town does not approve the plan, the county, city, or town shall file its disapproval in writing with the secretary of transportation within thirty days after the mailing thereof to such mayor or county commissioner. Along with the written disapproval shall be filed a written request for a hearing before a board of review, hereinafter referred to as the board. The request for hearing shall set forth the portions of the plan of the department to which the county, city, or town objects, and shall include every issue to be considered by the board. The hearing before a board of review shall be governed by RCW 47.52.150 through 47.52.190, as now or hereafter amended.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 63; 1965 ex.s. c 75 s 5.]

catchline: Local approval of plan—Disapproval, request for review.


title: RCW 47.52.145

text:
Whenever after the final adoption of a plan for a limited access highway by the department, an additional design public hearing with respect to the facility or any portion thereof is conducted pursuant to federal law resulting in a revision of the design of the limited access plan, the department may modify the previously adopted limited access plan to conform to the revised design without further public hearings providing the following conditions are met:
(1) As compared with the previously adopted limited access plan, the revised plan will not require additional or different right-of-way with respect to that section of highway for which the design has been revised, in excess of five percent by area; and
(2) If the previously adopted limited access plan was modified by a board of review convened at the request of a county, city, or town, the legislative authority of the county, city, or town shall approve any revisions of the plan which conflict with modifications ordered by the board of review.
[ 2006 c 334 s 26; 1981 c 95 s 2; 1977 c 77 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2006 c 334: See note following RCW 47.01.051.

catchline: Modification of adopted plan without further public hearings—Conditions.


title: RCW 47.52.150

text:
Upon request for a hearing before the board by any county, city, or town, a board consisting of five members shall be appointed as follows: The mayor or the county commissioners, as the case may be shall appoint two members of the board, of which one shall be a duly elected official of the city, county, or legislative district, except that of the legislative body of the county, city, or town requesting the hearing, subject to confirmation by the legislative body of the city or town; the secretary of transportation shall appoint two members of the board; and one member shall be selected by the four members thus appointed. Such fifth member shall be a licensed civil engineer or a recognized professional city or town planner, who shall be chair of the board. In the case both the county and an included city or town request a hearing, the board shall consist of nine members appointed as follows: The mayor and the county commission shall each appoint two members from the elective officials of their respective jurisdictions, and of the four thus selected no more than two thereof may be members of a legislative body of the county, city, or town. The secretary of transportation shall appoint four members of the board. One member shall be selected by the members thus selected, and such ninth member shall be a licensed civil engineer or a recognized city or town planner, who shall be chair of the board. Such boards as are provided by this section shall be appointed within thirty days after the receipt of such a request by the secretary. In the event the secretary or a county, city, or town shall not appoint members of the board or members thus appointed fail to appoint a fifth or ninth member of the board, as the case may be, either the secretary or the county, city, or town may apply to the superior court of the county in which the county, city, or town is situated to appoint the member or members of the board in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2010 c 8 s 10018; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 64; 1963 c 103 s 3; 1961 c 13 s 47.52.150. Prior: 1959 c 242 s 3; 1957 c 235 s 7.]

catchline: State facility through city or town—Board of review, composition and appointment.


title: RCW 47.52.160

text:
The board shall fix a reasonable time not more than thirty days after the date of its appointment and shall indicate the time and place for the hearing, and shall give notice to the county, city, or town and to the department. At the time and place fixed for the hearing, the state and the county, city, or town shall present all of their evidence with respect to the objections set forth in the request for the hearing before the board, and if either the state, the county, or the city or town fails to do so, the board may determine the issues upon such evidence as may be presented to it at the hearing.
[ 1984 c 7 s 244; 1963 c 103 s 4; 1961 c 13 s 47.52.160. Prior: 1957 c 235 s 8.]

catchline: State facility through city or town—Hearing—Notice—Evidence—Determination of issues.


title: RCW 47.52.170

text:
No witness's testimony shall be received unless he or she shall have been duly sworn, and the board may cause all oral testimony to be stenographically reported. Members of the board, its duly authorized representatives, and all persons duly commissioned by it for the purpose of taking depositions, shall have power to administer oaths; to preserve and enforce order during such hearings; to issue subpoenas for, and to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses, or the production of books, papers, documents and other evidence, or the taking of depositions before any designated individual competent to administer oaths, and it shall be their duty so to do; to examine witnesses; and to do all things conformable to law which may be necessary to enable them, or any of them, effectively to discharge the duties of their office.
[ 2010 c 8 s 10019; 1961 c 13 s 47.52.170. Prior: 1957 c 235 s 9.]

catchline: State facility through city or town—Hearing—Procedure.


title: RCW 47.52.180

text:
At the conclusion of such hearing, the board shall consider the evidence taken and shall make specific findings with respect to the objections and issues within thirty days after the hearing, which findings shall approve, disapprove, or modify the proposed plan of the department of transportation. Such findings shall be final and binding upon both parties. Any modification of the proposed plan of the department of transportation made by the board of review may thereafter be modified by stipulation of the parties.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 65; 1977 c 77 s 3; 1961 c 13 s 47.52.180. Prior: 1957 c 235 s 10.]

catchline: State facility through city or town—Hearing—Findings of board—Modification of proposed plan by stipulation.


title: RCW 47.52.190

text:
The board shall employ such assistance and clerical help as is necessary to perform its duties. The costs thereby incurred and incident to the conduct of the hearing, necessary expenses, and fees, if any, of members of the board shall be borne equally by the county, city, or town requesting the hearing and the department. When oral testimony is stenographically reported, the department shall provide a reporter at its expense.
[ 1984 c 7 s 245; 1963 c 103 s 5; 1961 c 13 s 47.52.190. Prior: 1957 c 235 s 11.]

catchline: State facility through city or town—Hearing—Assistants—Costs—Reporter.


title: RCW 47.52.195

text:
An abutting property owner may petition for review in the superior court of the state of Washington in the county where the limited access facility is to be located. Such review and any appeal therefrom shall be considered and determined by said court upon the record of the authority in the manner, under the conditions and subject to the limitations and with the effect specified in the Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW, as amended.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 75 s 6.]

catchline: Review and appeal on petition of abutter.


title: RCW 47.52.200

text:
Whenever any limited access highway facility passes within or through any incorporated city or town the municipal police officers of such city or town, the sheriff of the county wherein such city or town is situated and officers of the Washington state patrol shall have independent and concurrent jurisdiction to enforce any violation of the laws of this state occurring thereon: PROVIDED, The Washington state patrol shall bear primary responsibility for the enforcement of laws of this state relating to motor vehicles within such limited access highway facilities.
[ 1961 c 122 s 1.]

catchline: Law enforcement jurisdiction within city or town.


title: RCW 47.52.210

text:
(1) Whenever the department adopts a plan for a limited access highway to be constructed within the corporate limits of a city or town which incorporates existing city or town streets, title to such streets shall remain in the city or town, and the provisions of RCW 47.24.020 as now or hereafter amended shall continue to apply to such streets until such time that the highway is operated as either a partially or fully controlled access highway. Title to and full control over that portion of the city or town street incorporated into the limited access highway shall be vested in the state upon a declaration by the secretary of transportation that such highway is operational as a limited access facility, but in no event prior to the acquisition of right-of-way for such highway including access rights, and not later than the final completion of construction of such highway.
(2) Upon the completion of construction of a state limited access highway within a city or town, the department of transportation may relinquish to the city or town streets constructed or improved as a functional part of the limited access highway, slope easements, landscaping areas, and other related improvements to be maintained and operated by the city or town in accordance with the limited access plan. Title to such property relinquished to a city or town shall be conveyed by a deed executed by the secretary of transportation and duly acknowledged. Relinquishment of such property to the city or town may be expressly conditioned upon the maintenance of access control acquired by the state and the continued operation of such property as a functional part of the limited access highway.
[ 2006 c 334 s 27; 1981 c 95 s 3; 1977 ex.s. c 78 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2006 c 334: See note following RCW 47.01.051.

catchline: Property title designation upon construction of limited access highways.


title: RCW 47.52.220

text:
(1) The department shall authorize an off and on approach to partially controlled limited access highways for the placement and service of facilities providing personal wireless services.
(a) The approach shall be in a legal manner not to exceed thirty feet in width.
(b) The approach may be specified at a point satisfactory to the department at or between designated highway stations.
(c) The permit holder may use the approach for ingress and egress from the highway for construction or maintenance of the personal wireless service facility during nonpeak traffic hours so long as public safety is not adversely affected. The permit holder may use the approach for ingress and egress at any time for the construction of the facility if public safety is not adversely affected and if construction will not substantially interfere with traffic flow during peak traffic periods.
(2) The department shall authorize the approach by an annual permit, which may only be canceled upon one hundred eighty days' written notice to the permit holder.
(a) The department shall set the yearly cost of a permit in rule.
(b) The permit shall be assignable to the contractors and subcontractors of the permit holder. The permit shall also be transferable to a new owner following the sale or merger of the permit holder.
(3) For the purposes of this section:
(a) "Personal wireless services" means any federally licensed personal wireless service.
(b) "Facilities" means unstaffed facilities that are used for the transmission or reception, or both, of wireless communication services including, but not necessarily limited to, antenna arrays, transmission cables, equipment shelters, and support structures.
(4) The department shall present a report to the house of representatives technology, telecommunications, and energy committee and the senate technology and communications committee on the implementation of the permit process and the cost of permits by January 15, 2004, and by the first day of the legislative session following adoption of any rule increasing the cost of permits.
[ 2003 c 188 s 2.]

catchline: Personal wireless service facilities—Approach permit—Report.


title: RCW 47.56.010

text:
As used in this chapter:
(1) "1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge" means the bridge crossing the Tacoma Narrows that was opened to vehicle travel in 1950.
(2) "Electronic toll collection system" means a system that collects tolls by crediting or debiting funds from a customer's unique prepaid tolling account.
(3) "Photo toll" means a toll charge associated with a particular vehicle that is identified by its license plate. A photo toll may be paid through one of the following methods:
(a) A customer-initiated account that is prepaid or postpaid.
(b) In response to a toll bill that is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle incurring the photo toll charge. The toll bill may designate a toll payment due date for the photo toll assessed.
(4) "Photo toll system" means a camera-based imaging system that uses digital video or still image formats to record license plate images of vehicles using toll lanes for the purpose of collecting a photo toll.
(5) "Toll bridge" means a bridge constructed or acquired under this chapter, upon which tolls are charged, together with all appurtenances, additions, alterations, improvements, and replacements thereof, and the approaches thereto, and all lands and interests used therefor, and buildings and improvements thereon.
(6) "Toll payment due date" means the date when a toll must be paid to avoid a toll violation civil penalty. The toll payment due date is eighty days from the date the vehicle uses the toll facility and incurs the toll charge.
(7) "Toll road" means any express highway, superhighway, or motorway at such locations and between such termini as may be established by law, and constructed or to be constructed as a limited access highway under the provisions of this chapter by the department, and shall include, but not be limited to, all bridges, tunnels, overpasses, underpasses, interchanges, entrance plazas, approaches, toll houses, service areas, service facilities, communications facilities, and administration, storage, and other buildings that the department may deem necessary for the operation of the project, together with all property, rights, easements, and interests that may be acquired by the department for the construction or the operation of the project, all of which shall be conducted in the same manner and under the same procedure as provided for the establishing, constructing, operating, and maintaining of toll bridges by the department, insofar as those procedures are reasonably consistent and applicable.
[ 2010 c 249 s 1; 2002 c 114 s 2; 1984 c 7 s 246; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.010. Prior: 1953 c 220 s 1; 1937 c 173 s 1, part; RRS s 6524-1, part.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k).
Contingent effective date—2010 c 249: See note following RCW 47.56.795.
Finding—Intent—2002 c 114: See RCW 47.46.011.
Captions not law—2002 c 114: See note following RCW 47.46.011.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 47.56.030

text:
(1) Except as permitted under chapter 47.47 or 47.46 RCW:
(a) Unless otherwise delegated, and subject to RCW 47.56.820, the department of transportation shall have full charge of the planning, analysis, and construction of all toll bridges and other toll facilities including the Washington state ferries, and the operation and maintenance thereof.
(b) The transportation commission shall determine and establish the tolls and charges thereon.
(c) Unless otherwise delegated, and subject to RCW 47.56.820, the department shall have full charge of planning, analysis, and design of all toll facilities. The department may conduct the planning, analysis, and design of toll facilities as necessary to support the legislature's consideration of toll authorization.
(d) The department shall utilize and administer toll collection systems that are simple, unified, and interoperable. To the extent practicable, the department shall avoid the use of toll booths. The department shall set the statewide standards and protocols for all toll facilities within the state, including those authorized by local authorities.
(e) Except as provided in this section, the department shall proceed with the construction of such toll bridges and other facilities and the approaches thereto by contract in the manner of state highway construction immediately upon there being made available funds for such work and shall prosecute such work to completion as rapidly as practicable. The department is authorized to negotiate contracts for any amount without bid under (e)(i) and (ii) of this subsection:
(i) Emergency contracts, in order to make repairs to ferries or ferry terminal facilities or removal of such facilities whenever continued use of ferries or ferry terminal facilities constitutes a real or immediate danger to the traveling public or precludes prudent use of such ferries or facilities; and
(ii) Single source contracts for vessel dry dockings, when there is clearly and legitimately only one available bidder to conduct dry dock-related work for a specific class or classes of vessels. The contracts may be entered into for a single vessel dry docking or for multiple vessel dry dockings for a period not to exceed two years.
(f) Any new vessel planning, construction, purchase, analysis, or design work must be consistent with RCW 47.60.810, except as otherwise provided in RCW 47.60.826.
(2) The department shall proceed with the procurement of materials, supplies, services, and equipment needed for the support, maintenance, and use of a ferry, ferry terminal, or other facility operated by Washington state ferries, in accordance with chapter 43.19 RCW except as follows:
(a) When the secretary of the department of transportation determines in writing that the use of invitation for bid is either not practicable or not advantageous to the state and it may be necessary to make competitive evaluations, including technical or performance evaluations among acceptable proposals to complete the contract award, a contract may be entered into by use of a competitive sealed proposals method, and a formal request for proposals solicitation. Such formal request for proposals solicitation shall include a functional description of the needs and requirements of the state and the significant factors.
(b) When purchases are made through a formal request for proposals solicitation the contract shall be awarded to the responsible proposer whose competitive sealed proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the state taking into consideration price and other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposals. No significant factors may be used in evaluating a proposal that are not specified in the request for proposals. Factors that may be considered in evaluating proposals include but are not limited to: Price; maintainability; reliability; commonality; performance levels; life-cycle cost if applicable under this section; cost of transportation or delivery; delivery schedule offered; installation cost; cost of spare parts; availability of parts and service offered; and the following:
(i) The ability, capacity, and skill of the proposer to perform the contract or provide the service required;
(ii) The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the proposer;
(iii) Whether the proposer can perform the contract within the time specified;
(iv) The quality of performance of previous contracts or services;
(v) The previous and existing compliance by the proposer with laws relating to the contract or services;
(vi) Objective, measurable criteria defined in the request for proposal. These criteria may include but are not limited to items such as discounts, delivery costs, maintenance services costs, installation costs, and transportation costs; and
(vii) Such other information as may be secured having a bearing on the decision to award the contract.
(c) When purchases are made through a request for proposal process, proposals received shall be evaluated based on the evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal. When issuing a request for proposal for the procurement of propulsion equipment or systems that include an engine, the request for proposal must specify the use of a life-cycle cost analysis that includes an evaluation of fuel efficiency. When a life-cycle cost analysis is used, the life-cycle cost of a proposal shall be given at least the same relative importance as the initial price element specified in the request of proposal documents. The department may reject any and all proposals received. If the proposals are not rejected, the award shall be made to the proposer whose proposal is most advantageous to the department, considering price and the other evaluation factors set forth in the request for proposal.
[ 2025 c 417 s 1220; 2023 c 429 s 6; 2015 3rd sp.s. c 14 s 7; 2008 c 122 s 8; 2002 c 114 s 19; 2001 c 59 s 1; 1995 1st sp.s. c 4 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 66; 1969 ex.s. c 180 s 3; 1961 c 278 s 8; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.030. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 10; RRS s 6524-10.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 304 and 1201-1224: See note following RCW 46.63.200.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.
Effective date—2023 c 429: See note following RCW 47.60.826.
Effective date—2015 3rd sp.s. c 14: See note following RCW 47.60.005.
Finding—Intent—2002 c 114: See RCW 47.46.011.
Captions not law—2002 c 114: See note following RCW 47.46.011.
Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 4: "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 immediately [June 14, 1995]." [ 1995 1st sp.s. c 4 s 4.]

catchline: Powers and duties regarding toll facilities—Purchasing.


title: RCW 47.56.031

text:
No tolls may be imposed on new or existing highways or bridges without specific legislative authorization, or upon a majority vote of the people within the boundaries of the unit of government empowered to impose tolls. This section applies to chapter 47.56 RCW and to any tolls authorized under chapter 47.47 RCW.
[ 2025 c 417 s 1221; 2005 c 335 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2025 c 417 ss 304 and 1201-1224: See note following RCW 46.63.200.
Findings—Intent—2025 c 417: See note following RCW 82.38.030.

catchline: Approval of tolls.


title: RCW 47.56.032

text:
All powers vested in the toll bridge authority as of September 21, 1977, relating to the acquiring, operating, extending, designing, constructing, repairing, and maintenance of the Washington state ferries or any part thereof and the collecting of tolls and charges for use of its facilities, shall be performed by the department. The commission shall determine all fares, tolls, and other charges for its facilities and shall directly perform all duties and exercise all powers relating to financing, refinancing, and fiscal management of the system's bonded indebtedness in the manner provided by law.
[ 1984 c 7 s 247; 1961 c 278 s 9.]

catchline: Authority of department and commission relating to state ferries.


title: RCW 47.56.040

text:
The department is empowered, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to provide for the establishment and construction of toll bridges upon any public highways of this state together with approaches thereto wherever it is considered necessary or advantageous and practicable for crossing any stream, body of water, gulch, navigable water, swamp, or other topographical formation whether that formation is within this state or constitutes a boundary between this state and an adjoining state or country. For the purpose of obtaining information for the consideration of the department upon the construction of any toll bridge or any other matters pertaining thereto, any cognizant officer or employee of the state shall, upon the request of the department, make reasonable examination, investigation, survey, or reconnaissance for the determination of material facts pertaining thereto and report this to the department. The cost of any such examination, investigation, survey, or reconnaissance shall be borne by the department or office conducting these activities from the funds provided for that department or office for its usual functions.
[ 2008 c 122 s 9; 1984 c 7 s 248; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.040. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 3; RRS s 6524-3; prior: 1913 c 56 s 2; RRS s 6525.]

catchline: Toll bridges authorized—Investigations.


title: RCW 47.56.042

text:
The department is authorized to enter into agreements with any county of this state and/or with an adjoining state or county thereof for the purpose of implementing an investigation of the feasibility of any toll bridge project for the bridging of a river forming a portion of the boundary of this state, and the adjoining state. The department may use funds available to it to carry out the purposes of this section. These agreements may provide that if any such project is determined to be feasible and is adopted, any advancement of funds by any state or county may be reimbursed out of any proceeds derived from the sale of bonds or out of tolls and revenues to be derived from the project.
[ 1984 c 7 s 249; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.042. Prior: 1955 c 203 s 1.]

catchline: State boundary bridges—Investigations—Agreements with counties or states.


title: RCW 47.56.050

text:
(1) The department, whenever it is considered necessary or advantageous and practicable, is empowered to provide for the acquisition by purchase of, and to acquire by purchase (a) any bridge or bridges or ferries which connect with or may be connected with the public highways of this state (b) together with approaches thereto.
(2) In connection with the acquisition by purchase of any bridge or bridges or ferries under subsection (1) of this section, the department, the state treasurer, any city, county, or other political subdivision of this state, and all of their officers:
(a) Are empowered and required to do all acts and things provided for in this chapter to establish and construct toll bridges and operate, finance, and maintain such bridges insofar as the powers and requirements are applicable to the purchase of any bridge or bridges or ferries and their operation, financing, and maintenance; and
(b) In purchasing, operating, financing, and maintaining any bridge or bridges or ferries acquired or to be acquired by purchase under this section, shall act in the same manner and under the same procedures as are provided in this chapter to establish, construct, operate, finance, and maintain toll bridges insofar as such manner and procedure are applicable to the purchase of any bridge or bridges or ferries and their operation, financing, and maintenance.
(3) Without limiting the generality of the provisions contained in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, the department is empowered: (a) To cause surveys to be made for the purpose of investigating the propriety of acquiring by purchase any such bridge or bridges or ferries and the right-of-way necessary or proper for that bridge or bridges or ferries, and other facilities necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter; (b) to issue, sell, and redeem bonds, and to deposit and pay out the proceeds of the bonds for the financing thereof; (c) to collect, deposit, and expend tolls therefrom; (d) to secure and remit financial and other assistance in the purchase thereof; and (e) to carry insurance thereon.
(4) The provisions of RCW 47.56.220 apply when any bridge or bridges or ferries are acquired by purchase pursuant to this section.
[ 1984 c 7 s 250; 1973 c 106 s 25; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.050. Prior: 1945 c 266 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1945 s 6524-3a.]

catchline: Purchase of bridges and ferries authorized—Provisions applicable.


title: RCW 47.56.060

text:
The department, the officials thereof, and all other state officials are empowered to act and make agreements consistent with law as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the duties and powers conferred upon them respectively by law regarding the construction, maintenance, operation, and insurance of toll bridges or the safeguarding of the funds and revenues required for such construction and the payment of the indebtedness incurred therefor. The department shall keep full, complete, and separate accounts of each toll bridge, and annually shall prepare balance sheet and income and profit and loss statements showing the financial condition of each such toll bridge, which statement shall be open at all reasonable times to the inspection of holders of bonds issued by the department.
[ 1984 c 7 s 251; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.060. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 17; RRS s 6524-17.]

catchline: Toll bridges—General powers of department and officials—Financial statements.


title: RCW 47.56.070

text:
The department of transportation may, in accordance with this chapter, provide for the construction and operation of toll tunnels, toll roads, and other facilities necessary for their construction and connection with public highways of the state. It may cause surveys to be made to determine the propriety of their construction and operation, and may acquire rights-of-way and other facilities necessary to carry out the provisions hereof; and may issue, sell, and redeem bonds, and deposit and expend them; secure and remit financial and other assistance in the construction thereof; carry insurance thereon; and handle any other matters pertaining thereto, all of which shall be conducted in the same manner and under the same procedure as provided for the constructing, operating, and maintaining of toll bridges by the department, insofar as reasonably consistent and applicable.
[ 2008 c 122 s 10; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 67; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.070. Prior: 1953 c 220 s 3; 1937 c 173 s 3 1/2; RRS s 6524-3 1/2.]

catchline: Toll facilities authorized—Provisions applicable.


title: RCW 47.56.075

text:
The department shall approve for construction only such toll roads as the legislature specifically authorizes or such toll facilities as are specifically sponsored by a regional transportation investment district, city, town, or county.
[ 2002 c 56 s 404; 1984 c 7 s 252; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.075. Prior: 1953 c 220 s 7.]

catchline: Toll roads, facilities—Legislative authorization or regional or local sponsorship required.


title: RCW 47.56.076

text:
(1) Upon approval of a majority of the voters within its boundaries voting on the ballot proposition, a regional transportation investment district may authorize vehicle tolls on a local or regional arterial or a state or federal highway within the boundaries of the district. The department shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on designated facilities unless otherwise specified in law or by contract, and the commission or its successor statewide tolling authority shall set and impose the tolls in amounts sufficient to implement the regional transportation investment plan under RCW 36.120.020.
(2) Consistent with RCW 47.56.820, vehicle tolls must first be authorized by the legislature if the tolls are imposed on a state route.
(3) Consistent with RCW 47.56.850, vehicle tolls, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in RCW 47.56.850 if the tolls, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.
[ 2008 c 122 s 11; 2006 c 311 s 19; 2005 c 335 s 3; 2002 c 56 s 403.]
Notes:
Findings—2006 c 311: See note following RCW 36.120.020.

catchline: Regional transportation investment district—Vehicle tolls authorized.


title: RCW 47.56.077

text:
The department shall not grant concessions for the operation or establishment of any privately owned business upon toll road rights-of-way.
[ 1984 c 7 s 253; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.077. Prior: 1953 c 220 s 8.]

catchline: Concessions to operate private business on toll road prohibited.


title: RCW 47.56.078

text:
(1) Subject to the provisions under chapter 36.73 RCW, a transportation benefit district may authorize vehicle tolls on state routes or federal highways, city streets, or county roads, within the boundaries of the district, unless otherwise prohibited by law. The department of transportation shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on state routes or federal highways, unless otherwise specified in law or by contract, and the state transportation commission, or its successor, may approve, set, and impose the tolls in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement finance plan. The district shall administer the collection of vehicle tolls authorized on city streets or county roads, and shall set and impose the tolls, only with approval of the transportation commission, in amounts sufficient to implement the district's transportation improvement plan. Tolls may vary for type of vehicle, for time of day, for traffic conditions, and/or other factors designed to improve performance of the facility or the transportation network.
(2) Consistent with RCW 47.56.820, vehicle tolls must first be authorized by the legislature if the tolls are imposed on a state route.
(3) Consistent with RCW 47.56.850, vehicle tolls, including any change in an existing toll rate, must first be reviewed and approved by the tolling authority designated in RCW 47.56.850 if the tolls, or change in toll rate, would have a significant impact, as determined by the tolling authority, on the operation of any state facility.
[ 2008 c 122 s 12; 2005 c 336 s 25.]
Notes:
Effective date—2005 c 336: See note following RCW 36.73.015.

catchline: Transportation benefit district—Vehicle tolls authorized.


title: RCW 47.56.090

text:
The department of transportation is empowered to secure right-of-way for toll bridges and for approaches thereto by gift or purchase, or by condemnation in the manner provided by law for the taking of private property for public highway purposes.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 69; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.090. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 5; RRS s 6524-5.]

catchline: Authority to acquire right-of-way in constructing a toll bridge.


title: RCW 47.56.100

text:
The right-of-way is hereby given, dedicated, and set apart upon which to locate, construct, and maintain bridges or approaches thereto or other highway crossings, and transportation facilities thereof or thereto, through, over, or across any state highways, and through, over, or across the streets, alleys, lanes, and roads within any city, county, or other political subdivision of the state. If any property belonging to any city, county, or other political subdivision of the state is required to be taken for the construction of any bridge or approach thereto, or if any such property is injured or damaged by such construction, compensation therefor as may be proper or necessary and as agreed upon may be paid by the department to the particular county, city, or other political subdivision of the state owning the property, or condemnation proceedings may be brought for the determination of the compensation.
[ 1984 c 7 s 254; 1977 ex.s. c 103 s 4; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.100. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 16; RRS s 6524-16.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Right-of-way across state highways and political subdivisions—Compensation.


title: RCW 47.56.110

text:
Before the department proceeds with any action to secure a right-of-way or with construction of any toll bridge under the provisions of this chapter, the commission shall first pass a resolution that public interest and necessity require the acquisition of right-of-way for and the construction of the toll bridge. The resolution is conclusive evidence (1) of the public necessity of such construction; (2) that the property is necessary therefor; and (3) that the proposed construction is planned or located in a manner which will be most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury. When it becomes necessary for the department to condemn any real estate to be used in connection with any such bridge, the attorney general of the state shall represent the department. In eminent domain proceedings to acquire property for any of the purposes of this chapter, any toll bridge, real property, personal property, franchises, rights, easements, or other property or privileges appurtenant thereto appropriated or dedicated to a public use or purpose by any person, firm, private, public, or municipal corporation, county, city, town, district, or any political subdivision of the state, may be condemned and taken, and the acquisition and use as provided in this chapter for the same public use or purpose to which the property has been so appropriated or dedicated, or for any other public use or purpose, is a superior and permanent right and necessity, and a more necessary use and purpose than the public use or purpose to which the property has already been appropriated or dedicated. It is not necessary in any eminent domain proceedings under this chapter to plead or prove any acts or proceedings preliminary or prior to the adoption of the resolution hereinbefore referred to describing the property sought to be taken and directing such proceedings.
[ 1984 c 7 s 255; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.110. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 11; RRS s 6524-11.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Resolution of necessity in acquiring right-of-way—Effect of.


title: RCW 47.56.120

text:
In the event that any toll bridge should be constructed, all cost thereof including right-of-way, survey, and engineering shall be paid out of any funds available for payment of the cost of such toll bridge under this chapter.
[ 2008 c 122 s 13; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 70; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.120. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 4; RRS s 6524-4.]


title: RCW 47.56.130

text:
The department is hereby empowered to issue bonds for the construction of any toll bridge or toll bridges authorized under the provisions of this chapter. Any and all bonds issued for the construction of any toll bridge or toll bridges under the authority of the department shall be issued in the name of the department, shall constitute obligations only of the department, shall be identified as . . . . . . toll bridge bonds, and shall contain a recital on the face thereof that the payment or redemption of the bonds and the payment of the interest thereon is secured by a direct and exclusive charge and lien upon the tolls and other revenues of any nature whatever received from the operation of the particular toll bridge or bridges for the construction of which the bonds are issued and that neither the payment of the principal or any part thereof nor of the interest thereon or any part thereof constitutes a debt, liability, or obligation of the state of Washington. The department is empowered to receive and accept funds from the state of Washington or the federal government upon a cooperative or other basis for the construction of any toll bridge authorized under this chapter and is empowered to enter into such agreements with the state of Washington or the federal government as may be required for the securing of such funds.
[ 1984 c 7 s 256; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.130. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 7; RRS s 6524-7.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Bonds—Cooperative funds from state and federal government.


title: RCW 47.56.140

text:
The revenue bonds may be issued and sold by the department of transportation from time to time and in such amounts as it deems necessary to provide sufficient funds for the construction of the bridge, and to pay interest on outstanding bonds issued for its construction during the period of actual construction and for six months after completion thereof.
The department of transportation shall determine the form, conditions, and denominations of the bonds, and the maturity dates which the bonds to be sold shall bear and the interest rate thereon. All bonds of the same issue need not bear the same interest rate. Principal and interest of the bonds may be payable at such place as determined by the department. They may be in any form including bearer bonds or registered bonds as provided in RCW 39.46.030, with interest payable at such times as determined by the department, and shall mature at such times and in such amounts as the department prescribes. The department may provide for the retirement of the bonds at any time prior to maturity, and in such manner and upon payment of such premiums as it may determine in the resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds. All such bonds shall be signed by the state auditor and countersigned by the governor and any interest coupons appertaining thereto shall bear the signature of the state auditor. The countersignature of the governor on such bonds and the signature of the state auditor on any coupons may be their printed or lithographed facsimile signatures. Successive issues of such bonds within the limits of the original authorization shall have equal preference with respect to the redemption thereof and the payment of interest thereon. The department may fix different maturity dates, serially or otherwise, for successive issues under any one original authorization. The bonds shall be negotiable instruments under the law merchant. All bonds issued and sold hereunder shall be sold on sealed bids to the highest and best bidder after such advertising for bids as the department deems proper. The department may reject any and all bids and may thereafter sell the bonds at private sale under such terms and conditions as it deems most advantageous to its own interests; but not at a price below that of the best bid which was rejected. The department may contract loans and borrow money through the sale of bonds of the same character as those herein authorized, from the United States or any agency thereof, upon such conditions and terms as may be agreed to and the bonds shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter, except the requirement that they be first offered at public sale.
Temporary or interim bonds, certificates, or receipts, of any denomination, and with or without coupons attached, signed by the state auditor, may be issued and delivered until bonds are executed and available for delivery.
[ 1983 c 167 s 118; 1970 ex.s. c 56 s 62; 1969 ex.s. c 232 s 33; 1963 ex.s. c 3 s 45; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.140. Prior: 1953 c 79 s 1; 1937 c 173 s 8; RRS s 6524-8.]
Notes:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Purpose—1970 ex.s. c 56: See note following RCW 39.52.020.
Validation—Saving—Severability—1969 ex.s. c 232: See notes following RCW 39.52.020.

catchline: Toll bridges, bonds—Form, contents, manner of sale—Interim bonds.


title: RCW 47.56.150

text:
The proceeds from the sale of all bonds authorized under the provisions of this chapter shall be paid to the state treasurer for the credit of the department and be deposited as demand deposits forthwith in such depositary or depositaries as may be authorized by law to receive deposits of state funds to the credit of a fund to be designated as the construction fund of the particular toll bridge or toll bridges for which such bonds were issued and sold, which fund shall not be a state fund and shall at all times be kept segregated and set apart from all other funds and in trust for the purposes herein set out. Such proceeds shall be paid out or disbursed solely for the construction of such toll bridge or toll bridges, the acquisition of the necessary lands and easements therefor and the payment of interest on such bonds during the period of actual construction and for a period of six months thereafter, only as the need therefor shall arise. The department may agree with the purchaser of the bonds upon any conditions or limitations restricting the disbursement of such funds that may be deemed advisable, for the purpose of assuring the proper application of such funds. All moneys in such fund and not required to meet current construction costs of the toll bridge or toll bridges for which such bonds were issued and sold, and all funds constituting surplus revenues that are not immediately needed for the particular object or purpose to which they must be applied or are pledged shall be invested in bonds and obligations of the nature eligible for investment of surplus state moneys: PROVIDED, That the department may provide in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of these bonds that the investment of such moneys shall be made only in particular bonds and obligations within the classifications eligible for such investment, and such provisions shall thereupon be binding upon the department and all officials having anything to do with the investment. Any surplus which may exist in the construction fund shall be applied to the retirement of bonds issued for the construction of such toll bridge or toll bridges by purchase or call. If these bonds cannot be purchased at a price satisfactory to the department and are not by their terms callable prior to maturity, the surplus shall be paid into the fund applicable to the payment of principal and interest of the bonds and shall be used for that purpose. The proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds may provide limitations and conditions upon the time and manner of applying the surplus to the purchase and call of outstanding bonds and the terms upon which they shall be purchased or called. Such limitations and conditions shall be followed and observed in the application and use of the surplus. All bonds so retired by purchase or call shall be immediately canceled.
[ 1984 c 7 s 257; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.150. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 14, part; RRS s 6524-14, part.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Bond proceeds and toll revenues, disposition of—Construction fund—Disbursement—Investment.


title: RCW 47.56.160

text:
All tolls or other revenues received from the operation of any toll bridge or toll bridges constructed with the proceeds of bonds issued and sold hereunder shall be paid over by the department to the state treasurer. The treasurer shall deposit them forthwith as demand deposits in a depositary or depositaries authorized by law to receive deposits of state funds. The deposit shall be made to the credit of a special trust fund designated as the toll revenue fund of the particular toll bridge or toll bridges producing the tolls or revenue, which fund shall be a trust fund and shall at all times be kept segregated and set apart from all other funds.
[ 1984 c 7 s 258; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.160. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 14, part; RRS s 6524-14, part.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Toll revenue fund.


title: RCW 47.56.165

text:
A special account to be known as the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account is created in the motor vehicle fund in the state treasury.
(1) Deposits to the account must include:
(a) All proceeds of bonds issued for construction of the Tacoma Narrows public-private initiative project, including any capitalized interest;
(b) All of the toll charges and other revenues received from the operation of the Tacoma Narrows bridge as a toll facility, to be deposited at least monthly;
(c) Any interest that may be earned from the deposit or investment of those revenues;
(d) Notwithstanding RCW 47.12.063, proceeds from the sale of any surplus real property acquired for the purpose of building the second Tacoma Narrows bridge;
(e) All liquidated damages collected under any contract involving the construction of the second Tacoma Narrows bridge; and
(f) Beginning with September 2022 and ending July 1, 2032, by the last day of September, December, March, and June of each year, the state treasurer shall transfer from the general fund to the account the sum of $3,250,000. The total amount that may be transferred pursuant to this subsection is $130,000,000.
(2) Proceeds of bonds shall be used consistent with RCW 47.46.130, including the reimbursement of expenses and fees incurred under agreements entered into under RCW 47.46.040 as required by those agreements.
(3) Toll charges, other revenues, and interest may only be used to:
(a) Pay required costs that contribute directly to the financing, operation, maintenance, management, and necessary repairs of the tolled facility; and
(b) Repay amounts to the motor vehicle fund as required under RCW 47.46.140.
(4) Toll charges, other revenues, and interest may not be used to pay for costs that do not contribute directly to the financing, operation, maintenance, management, and necessary repairs of the tolled facility.
(5) The department shall make detailed quarterly expenditure reports available to the transportation commission and to the public on the department's website using current department resources.
(6) When repaying the motor vehicle fund under RCW 47.46.140, the state treasurer shall transfer funds from the Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account to the motor vehicle fund on or before each debt service date for bonds issued for the Tacoma Narrows public-private initiative project in an amount sufficient to repay the motor vehicle fund for amounts transferred from that fund to the highway bond retirement fund to provide for any bond principal and interest due on that date. The state treasurer may establish subaccounts for the purpose of segregating toll charges, bond sale proceeds, and other revenues.
[ 2025 c 293 s 5; 2022 c 223 s 1; 2009 c 567 s 1; 2006 c 17 s 1; 2002 c 114 s 11.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—Effective date—2025 c 293: See notes following RCW 34.05.030.
Finding—Intent—2002 c 114: See RCW 47.46.011.
Captions not law—2002 c 114: See note following RCW 47.46.011.

catchline: Tacoma Narrows toll bridge account.


title: RCW 47.56.167

text:
(1) The toll collection account is created in the custody of the state treasurer for the deposit of prepaid customer tolls and clearing activities benefiting multiple toll facilities.
(2) All receipts from prepaid customer tolls must be deposited into the account. Prepaid customer tolls may be used only to refund customer prepaid tolls or for distributions to the appropriate toll facility account based on an equitable methodology to be determined by the department in consultation with the office of financial management. For purposes of accounting, distributions from the account constitute earned toll revenues in the receiving toll facility account at the time of distribution.
(3) Operations that benefit multiple toll facilities may be recorded in the account. At least monthly, operating activities must be distributed to the benefiting toll facility accounts.
(4) On a monthly basis, interest earnings on deposits in the account must be distributed to the toll facility accounts based on an equitable methodology to be determined by the department in consultation with the office of financial management.
(5) Only the secretary of transportation or the secretary's designee may authorize distributions from the account. Distributions of revenue and refunds from this account are not subject to the allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW and an appropriation is not required.
[ 2010 c 249 s 8; 2008 c 122 s 23.]
Notes:
Contingent effective date—2010 c 249: See note following RCW 47.56.795.
Effective date—2008 c 122 ss 23 and 24: "Sections 23 and 24 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 [March 25, 2008]." [ 2008 c 122 s 26.]

catchline: Toll collection account.


title: RCW 47.56.170

text:
From the money deposited in each separate construction fund under RCW 47.56.160, the state treasurer shall transfer to the place or places of payment named in the bonds such sums as may be required to pay the interest as it becomes due on all bonds sold and outstanding for the construction of a particular toll bridge or toll bridges during the period of actual construction and during the period of six months immediately thereafter. The state treasurer shall thereafter transfer from each separate toll revenue fund to the place or places of payment named in the bonds such sums as may be required to pay the interest on the bonds and redeem the principal thereof as the interest payments and bond redemption become due for all bonds issued and sold for the construction of the particular toll bridge or toll bridges producing the tolls or revenues so deposited in the toll revenue fund. All funds so transferred for the payment of principal or interest on bonds issued for any particular toll bridge shall be segregated and applied solely for the payment of that principal or interest. The proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds may provide for setting up a reserve fund or funds out of the tolls and other revenues not needed for the payment of principal and interest, as the same currently matures and for the preservation and continuance of the fund in a manner to be provided therein. The proceedings may also require the immediate application of all surplus moneys in the toll revenue fund to the retirement of the bonds prior to maturity, by call or purchase, in such manner and upon such terms and the payment of such premiums as may be deemed advisable in the judgment of the department.
The moneys remaining in each separate toll revenue fund after providing the amount required for interest and redemption of bonds as provided in this section shall be held and applied as provided in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds. If the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds do not require surplus revenues to be held or applied in any particular manner, they shall be allocated and used for such other purposes incidental to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the toll bridge or bridges as the department may determine.
[ 1984 c 7 s 259; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.170. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 14, part; RRS s 6524-14, part.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Transfer of funds for bond payments—Surplus funds.


title: RCW 47.56.180

text:
Warrants for payments to be made on account of the bonds shall be duly drawn by the state treasurer on vouchers approved by the department.
Moneys required to meet the costs of construction and all expenses and costs incidental to the construction of any particular toll bridge or toll bridges or to meet the costs of operating, maintaining, and repairing the bridge or bridges shall be paid from the proper fund therefor by the state treasurer upon vouchers approved by the department.
All interest received or earned on money deposited in each and every fund provided for in this chapter shall be credited to and become a part of the particular fund upon which the interest accrues.
[ 1984 c 7 s 260; 1973 c 106 s 26; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.180. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 14, part; RRS s 6524-14, part.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Payments made by warrants on vouchers—Interest on deposits.


title: RCW 47.56.190

text:
The department may provide in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds or may otherwise agree with the purchasers of bonds regarding the deposit of all moneys constituting the construction fund and the toll revenue fund and provide for the deposit of the money at such times and with such depositaries or paying agents and upon the furnishing of security as meets with the approval of the purchasers of the bonds so long as the depositaries and security provided for or agreed upon are qualified and eligible in accordance with the requirements of law.
[ 1984 c 7 s 261; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.190. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 14, part; RRS s 6524-14, part.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Agreement on deposit of funds.


title: RCW 47.56.200

text:
Notwithstanding anything contained in this chapter, the proceeds received from the sale of bonds and the tolls or other revenues received from the operation of any toll bridge or toll bridges may be used to defray any expenses incurred by the department in connection with and incidental to the issuance and sale of bonds for the construction of the toll bridge or toll bridges including expenses for the preparation of surveys and estimates and making inspections and examinations required by the purchasers of the bonds. In addition, the proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds may contain appropriate provisions governing the use and application of the bond proceeds and toll or other revenues for the purposes herein specified.
[ 1984 c 7 s 262; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.200. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 14, part; RRS s 6524-14, part.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Use of bond proceeds and revenue for expenses.


title: RCW 47.56.210

text:
While any bonds issued by the department under this chapter remain outstanding, the powers, duties, or existence of the department or of any other official or agency of the state shall not be diminished or impaired in any manner that will affect adversely the interests and rights of the holders of such bonds. The holder of any bond may by mandamus or other appropriate proceeding require and compel the performance of any of the duties imposed upon any state department, official, or employee, or imposed upon the department or its officers, agents, and employees in connection with the construction, maintenance, operation, and insurance of any bridge, and in connection with the collection, deposit, investment, application, and disbursement of all tolls and other revenues derived from the operation and use of any bridge and in connection with the deposit, investment, and disbursement of the proceeds received from the sale of bonds. The enumeration of rights and remedies in this section shall not be deemed to exclude the exercise or prosecution of any other rights or remedies by the holders of the bonds.
[ 1984 c 7 s 263; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.210. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 18; RRS s 6524-18.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Remedies of bondholders.


title: RCW 47.56.220

text:
Except as otherwise provided in RCW * 47.56.291, ** 47.56.714, and * 47.56.756, as long as any of the bonds issued hereunder for the construction of any toll bridge are outstanding and unpaid, there shall not be erected, constructed, or maintained any other bridge or other crossing over, under, through, or across the waters over which such toll bridge is located or constructed, connecting or joining directly or indirectly the lands or extensions thereof or abutments thereon on both sides of the waters spanned or crossed by such toll bridge within a distance of ten miles from either side of such toll bridge excepting bridges or other highway crossings actually in existence and being maintained, or for which there was outstanding an existing and lawfully issued franchise, at the time of the location of such toll bridge and prior to the time of the authorization of such bonds, and no ferry or other similar means of crossing the said waters within the said distance and connecting or plying directly or indirectly between the lands or extensions thereof or abutments thereon on both sides of the waters spanned or crossed by such bridge shall be maintained or operated or permitted or allowed: PROVIDED, That ferries and other similar means of crossing actually in existence and being maintained and operated, or for which there was outstanding an existing and lawfully issued franchise, at the time of the location of such bridge and prior to the time of the authorization of such bonds, may continue and be permitted to be operated and maintained under such existing rights and franchises, or any lawful renewal or extension thereof. The provisions of this section shall be binding upon the state department of transportation, the state of Washington, and all of its departments, agencies, or instrumentalities as well as any and all private, political, municipal, and public corporations and subdivisions, including cities, counties, and other political subdivisions, and the prohibitions of this section shall restrict and limit the powers of the legislature of the state of Washington in respect to the matters herein mentioned as long as any of such bonds are outstanding and unpaid and shall be deemed to constitute a contract to that effect for the benefit of the holders of all such bonds.
[ 1983 c 3 s 128; 1979 ex.s. c 212 s 19; 1979 c 131 s 8; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.220. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 13; RRS s 6524-13.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: *(1) RCW 47.56.291 and 47.56.756 were repealed by 2005 c 335 s 5.
**(2) RCW 47.56.714 was repealed by 1990 c 42 s 403, effective September 1, 1990.
Severability—1979 ex.s. c 212: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1979 ex.s. c 212 s 21.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Limitations on other service—Protection of outstanding bonds.


title: RCW 47.56.230

text:
When any toll bridge or bridges authorized under this chapter is being built by the department, the department may carry or cause to be carried an amount of insurance or indemnity bond or bonds as protection against loss or damage as the department may deem proper. The department is hereby further empowered to carry such an amount of insurance to cover any accident or destruction in part or in whole to any toll bridge or toll bridges until all bonds sold for the construction of the toll bridge or toll bridges and interest accrued thereon have been fully redeemed and paid. All moneys collected on any indemnity bond or insurance policy as the result of any damage or injury to the toll bridge or toll bridges shall be used for the purpose of repairing or rebuilding the toll bridge or toll bridges as long as there are revenue bonds against any such structure outstanding and unredeemed. The department is also empowered to carry insurance or indemnity bonds insuring against the loss of tolls or other revenues to be derived from any such toll bridge or bridges by reason of any interruption in the use of the toll bridge or toll bridges from any cause whatever, and the proceeds of the insurance or indemnity bonds shall be paid into the fund into which the tolls and other revenues of the bridge thus insured are required to be paid and shall be applied to the same purposes and in the same manner as other moneys in the fund. The insurance or indemnity bonds may be in an amount equal to the probable tolls and other revenues to be received from the operation of the toll bridge or toll bridges during any period of time that may be determined by the department and fixed in its discretion, and be paid for out of the toll revenue fund as may be specified in the proceedings. The department may provide in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of bonds for the carrying of insurance as authorized by this chapter, and the purchase and carrying of insurance as authorized by this chapter, and the purchase and carrying of such insurance shall thereupon be obligatory upon the department and be paid for out of the toll revenue fund as may be specified in the proceedings.
[ 1984 c 7 s 264; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.230. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 15; RRS s 6524-15.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Insurance or indemnity bonds authorized.


title: RCW 47.56.240

text:
Except as otherwise provided in RCW 47.56.850, the commission is hereby empowered to fix the rates of toll and other charges for all toll bridges built under the terms of this chapter. Toll charges so fixed may be changed from time to time as conditions warrant. The commission, in establishing toll charges, shall give due consideration to the cost of operating and maintaining such toll bridge or toll bridges including the cost of insurance, and to the amount required annually to meet the redemption of bonds and interest payments on them. The tolls and charges shall be at all times fixed at rates to yield annual revenue equal to annual operating and maintenance expenses including insurance costs and all redemption payments and interest charges of the bonds issued for any particular toll bridge or toll bridges as the bonds become due. The bond redemption and interest payments constitute a first direct charge and lien on all such tolls and other revenues and interest thereon. Sinking funds created therefrom received from the use and operation of the toll bridge or toll bridges, and such tolls and revenues together with the interest earned thereon shall constitute a trust fund for the security and payment of such bonds and shall not be used or pledged for any other purpose as long as any of these bonds are outstanding and unpaid.
[ 2008 c 122 s 14; 1984 c 7 s 265; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.240. Prior: 1937 c 173 s 9; RRS s 6524-9.]

catchline: Toll bridges—Fixing of toll rates authorized—Lien of bonds on revenue.


title: RCW 47.56.242

text:
The department is authorized to liquidate and close toll facility trust and other facility accounts established outside the state treasury under chapter 47.56 RCW after the removal of tolls from the facility for which the accounts were established. Any balance remaining in the accounts shall thereupon be transferred to the motor vehicle fund. In addition, the department may, after the removal of tolls from a particular facility or facilities, require that all moneys transferred to the place of payment named in the revenue bonds, for the purpose of paying principal or interest or for redemption of the bonds not then expended for such purpose, be returned to the state treasurer for deposit in the motor vehicle fund.
[ 1984 c 7 s 266; 1967 ex.s. c 145 s 48.]

catchline: Liquidation and closure of facility accounts upon removal of tolls—Transfer to motor vehicle fund.


title: RCW 47.56.243

text:
After transfer of such moneys pursuant to RCW 47.56.242, all valid claims against such accounts, including proper claims for refunds for unused commute media and other prepaid toll fees, may be satisfied, and any outstanding bonds or any coupons may be redeemed by payment from the motor vehicle fund upon proper application to and approval by the department of transportation.
Neither the provisions of this section nor of RCW 47.56.242 shall be construed to preclude any remedy otherwise available to bond owners or coupon holders.
[ 1983 c 167 s 119; 1967 ex.s. c 145 s 49.]
Notes:
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.

catchline: Liquidation and closure of facility accounts upon removal of tolls—Satisfaction of claims.


title: RCW 47.56.245

text:
The department shall retain toll charges on all existing and future facilities until all costs of investigation, financing, acquisition of property, and construction advanced from the motor vehicle fund, and obligations incurred under RCW 47.56.250 and chapter 16, Laws of 1945 have been fully paid.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, with respect to every facility completed after March 19, 1953, costs of maintenance and operation shall be paid periodically out of the revenues of the facility in which such costs were incurred.
(2) Where a state toll facility is constructed under chapter 47.46 RCW adjacent to or within two miles of an existing bridge that was constructed under this chapter, revenue from the toll facility may not be used to pay for costs of maintenance on the existing bridge.
[ 2002 c 114 s 23; 1984 c 7 s 267; 1965 ex.s. c 170 s 53; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.245. Prior: 1953 c 220 s 6.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2002 c 114: See RCW 47.46.011.
Captions not law—2002 c 114: See note following RCW 47.46.011.

catchline: Toll charges retained until costs paid.


title: RCW 47.56.247

text:
The department may issue permits for the passage of vehicles on any or all of its toll bridges, toll tunnels, toll roads, or for the Washington state ferry system on a credit basis upon such terms and conditions as the department deems proper.
[ 1984 c 7 s 268; 1961 c 258 s 1.]
Notes:
Severability—1961 c 258: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1961 c 258 s 3.]

catchline: Credit permits for vehicular passage.


title: RCW 47.56.248

text:
The department may require the holder of the permit to furnish to and maintain in force with the department a cash deposit or a corporate surety bond. The department may require the holder of the permit to increase the amount of cash bond, or to furnish an additional surety bond, or may reduce the amount of the cash bond or surety bond required, as the amount of charges incurred and regularity of payment warrant, or may revoke any permit granted for failure of the holder to comply with any of its terms.
[ 1984 c 7 s 269; 1961 c 258 s 2.]
Notes:
Severability—1961 c 258: See note following RCW 47.56.247.

catchline: Credit permits for vehicular passage—Cash deposit or bond—Revocation of permit.


title: RCW 47.56.250

text:
Whenever a proposed toll bridge, toll road, toll tunnel, or any other toll facility of any sort is to be constructed, any city, county, or other political subdivision located in relation to such facility so as to benefit directly or indirectly thereby, may, either jointly or separately, at the request of the transportation commission advance or contribute money, or bonds, rights-of-way, labor, materials, and other property toward the expense of building the toll facility, and for preliminary surveys and the preparation of plans and estimates of cost therefor and other preliminary expenses. Any such city, county, or other political subdivision may, either jointly or separately, at the request of the transportation commission advance or contribute money or bonds for the purpose of guaranteeing the payment of interest or principal on the bonds issued by the commission to finance the toll facility. Appropriations for such purposes may be made from any funds available, including county road funds received from or credited by the state, or funds obtained by excess tax levies made pursuant to law or the issuance of general obligation bonds for this purpose. General obligation bonds issued by a city, county, or political subdivision may with the consent of the commission be placed with the department of transportation to be sold by the department to provide funds for such purpose. Money, or bonds, or property so advanced or contributed may be immediately transferred or delivered to the department to be used for the purpose for which contribution was made. The commission may enter into an agreement with a city, county, or other political subdivision to repay any money, or bonds or the value of a right-of-way, labor, materials, or other property so advanced or contributed. The commission may make such repayment to a city, county, or other political subdivision and reimburse the state for any expenditures made by it in connection with the toll facility out of tolls and other revenues for the use of the toll facility.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 71; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.250. Prior: 1959 c 162 s 1; 1955 c 166 s 1; 1937 c 173 s 12; RRS s 6524-12.]

catchline: Contributions by the state or political subdivision—Bonds—Repayment.


title: RCW 47.56.253

text:
If the department deems it in the public interest and not inconsistent with the use and operation of the toll facility involved, the department may on application therefor issue a permit, lease, or license to the state, or to any city, county, port district, or other political subdivision or municipal corporation of the state to use any portion of the property of any toll bridge, toll road, toll tunnel, or Washington state ferry system upon such terms and conditions as the department may prescribe.
[ 1984 c 7 s 270; 1961 c 257 s 2.]
Notes:
Severability—1961 c 257: "If any provision of this act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1961 c 257 s 7.]

catchline: Permits, leases, licenses to governmental entities to use property of toll facility or ferry system.


title: RCW 47.56.254

text:
If the secretary of transportation determines that any real property (including lands, improvements thereon, and any interests or estates) originally acquired for toll facility purposes is no longer required for purposes of the department, the department shall offer it for sale as authorized by RCW 47.12.063 or 47.12.283. The department may adopt rules further implementing this section.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 189 s 4; 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 72; 1973 1st ex.s. c 177 s 3; 1961 c 257 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—1979 ex.s. c 189: See note following RCW 47.12.283.
Severability—1961 c 257: See note following RCW 47.56.253.

catchline: Sale of unneeded property—Authorized—Rules.


title: RCW 47.56.255

text:
When full payment for real property agreed to be sold as authorized by RCW 47.56.254 has been received, the department may certify this fact to the governor, with a description of the land and terms of the sale, and the governor may execute and the secretary of state shall attest the deed and deliver it to the grantee.
[ 1984 c 7 s 271; 1973 1st ex.s. c 177 s 4; 1961 c 257 s 4.]
Notes:
Severability—1961 c 257: See note following RCW 47.56.253.

catchline: Sale of unneeded property—Certification to governor—Execution, delivery of deed.


title: RCW 47.56.256

text:
If the department deems it not inconsistent with the use and operation of any department facility, the department may grant franchises to persons, associations, private or municipal corporations, the United States government, or any agency thereof, to use any portion of the property of any toll bridge, toll road, toll tunnel, or the Washington state ferry system, including approaches thereto, for the construction and maintenance of water pipes, flumes, gas pipes, telephone, telegraph, and electric light and power lines and conduits, trams or railways, any structures or facilities that are part of an urban public transportation system owned or operated by a municipal corporation, agency, or department of the state of Washington other than the department of transportation, and any other such facilities in the manner of granting franchises on state highways.
[ 1984 c 7 s 272; 1967 c 108 s 12; 1961 c 257 s 5.]
Notes:
Severability—1961 c 257: See note following RCW 47.56.253.
Urban public transportation system defined: RCW 47.04.082.

catchline: Franchises for utility, railway, urban public transportation purposes.


title: RCW 47.56.257

text:
Any moneys received pursuant to the provisions of RCW 47.56.253 through 47.56.256 shall be deposited into the separate and proper trust fund with the state treasurer established for the respective toll facility.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 189 s 5; 1961 c 257 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—1979 ex.s. c 189: See note following RCW 47.12.283.
Severability—1961 c 257: See note following RCW 47.56.253.

catchline: Deposit of moneys received under RCW 47.56.253 through 47.56.256.


title: RCW 47.56.258

text:
Actions under this chapter are subject to the notification requirements of RCW 43.17.400.
[ 2007 c 62 s 10.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Severability—2007 c 62: See notes following RCW 43.17.400.

catchline: Notification requirements.


title: RCW 47.56.270

text:
The 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge in chapter 47.17 RCW made a part of the primary state highways of the state of Washington shall, upon completion, be operated, maintained, kept up, and repaired by the department in the manner provided in this chapter, and the cost of such operation, maintenance, upkeep, and repair shall be paid from funds appropriated for the use of the department for the construction and maintenance of the primary state highways of the state of Washington. This section does not apply to that portion of the Tacoma Narrows bridge facility first opened to traffic after June 13, 2002.
[ 2005 c 335 s 4; 2002 c 114 s 20; 1983 c 3 s 129; 1961 c 13 s 47.56.270. Prior: 1939 c 5 s 4; RRS s 6524-3a.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2002 c 114: See RCW 47.46.011.
Captions not law—2002 c 114: See note following RCW 47.46.011.

catchline: 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge part of primary highways.


title: RCW 47.56.271

text:
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge hereinbefore by the provisions of RCW 47.17.065 and 47.56.270 made a part of the primary state highways of the state shall be operated and maintained by the department as a toll-free facility at such time as the bonded indebtedness relating to the construction of the 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge is wholly retired and tolls equaling the indebtedness of the toll bridge authority incurred for the construction of the 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge to the county of Pierce have been collected. Toll charges may be imposed upon the 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge only if that bridge is included as part of a public toll bridge facility that includes an additional toll bridge adjacent to the 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge and constructed under RCW 47.46.080.
[ 2002 c 114 s 21; 1983 c 3 s 130; 1965 c 50 s 1.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2002 c 114: See RCW 47.46.011.
Captions not law—2002 c 114: See note following RCW 47.46.011.

catchline: 1950 Tacoma Narrows bridge toll-free—Exception.


title: RCW 47.56.366

text:
The department may permit public sport fishing from the Hood Canal bridge. The department may adopt rules governing public use of the bridge for sport fishing to the end that such activity shall not interfere with the primary use and operation of the bridge as a highway facility. Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 4.92.090 or any other statute imposing liability upon the state of Washington, the state hereby disclaims any liability arising out of loss or injury in connection with the public use of the Hood Canal bridge for sport fishing purposes.
[ 1984 c 7 s 277; 1963 c 240 s 2.]

catchline: Hood Canal bridge—Public sport fishing—Disclaimer of liability.


title: RCW 47.56.401

text:
For the purposes of RCW 46.61.165, * 47.56.403, and * 47.66.090, "high occupancy toll lanes" means one or more lanes of a highway that charges tolls as a means of regulating access to or the use of the facility, to maintain travel speed and reliability. Supporting facilities include, but are not limited to, approaches, enforcement areas, improvements, buildings, and equipment.
[ 2005 c 312 s 2.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 47.56.403 and 47.66.090 were repealed by 2019 c 421 s 16.
Intent—2005 c 312: "The legislature recognizes that the Puget Sound region is faced with growing traffic congestion and has limited ability to expand freeway capacity due to financial, environmental, and physical constraints. Freeway high occupancy vehicle lanes have been an effective means of providing transit, vanpools, and carpools with a fast trip on congested freeway corridors, but in many cases, these lanes are themselves getting crowded during the peak commute times, while some are being underused at off-peak times.
It is the intent of the legislature to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the freeway system. To evaluate methods to accomplish this, it is beneficial to evaluate alternative approaches to managing the use of freeway high occupancy vehicle lanes, including pilot projects to determine and demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of implementing high occupancy toll lanes. The legislature acknowledges that state route 167 provides an ideal test of the high occupancy toll lane concept because it is a congested corridor, it has underused capacity in the high occupancy vehicle lane, and it has adequate right-of-way for improvements needed to test the concept. Therefore, it is the intent of this act to direct that the department of transportation, as a pilot project, develop and operate a high occupancy toll lane on state route 167 in King county and to conduct an evaluation of that project to determine impacts on freeway efficiency, effectiveness for transit, feasibility of financing improvements through tolls, and the impacts on freeway users." [ 2005 c 312 s 1.]
Captions—2005 c 312: "Section captions used in this act are not any part of the law." [ 2005 c 312 s 9.]

catchline: High occupancy toll lanes defined.


title: RCW 47.56.600

text:
Upon adoption of the financing plan the commission and the authority, acting jointly, shall forthwith proceed to make the design for the entire project.
[ 1961 c 13 s 47.56.600. Prior: 1959 c 292 s 4.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: Powers, duties, and functions of highway commission and toll bridge authority transferred to department of transportation; see RCW 47.01.031. Terms "commission" and "authority" mean department of transportation; see RCW 47.04.015.

catchline: Naches Pass tunnel—Design.


title: RCW 47.56.711

text:
The state highway bridge across the Spokane river in the vicinity of Trent Avenue in Spokane shall be known and designated as the James E. Keefe bridge.
After September 1, 1990, ownership of the Spokane river toll bridge, known as the Maple Street bridge, shall revert to the city of Spokane.
[ 1990 c 42 s 401; 1979 c 131 s 1.]
Notes:
Purpose—Effective dates—Application—Implementation—1990 c 42: See notes following RCW 46.68.090.
Severability—1979 c 131: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1979 c 131 s 11.]

catchline: Spokane river bridges.


title: RCW 47.56.720

text:
(1) The legislature finds that the ferry operated by Wahkiakum county between Puget Island and Westport on the Columbia river provides an important transportation bypass for state route 4 and provides the only crossing of the Columbia river between the Astoria-Megler bridge and the Longview bridge.
(2) The department is hereby authorized to enter into a continuing agreement with Wahkiakum county pursuant to which the department shall pay to Wahkiakum county from moneys appropriated for such purpose monthly amounts not to exceed 85 percent of the operating and maintenance deficit with a maximum not to exceed the amount appropriated for that biennium to be used in the operation and maintenance of the Puget Island ferry, commencing July 1, 1992.
(3) The annual deficit, if any, incurred in the operation and maintenance of the ferry shall be determined by Wahkiakum county subject to the approval of the department. If 85 percent of the deficit for the preceding fiscal year exceeds the total amount paid to the county for that year, the additional amount shall be paid to the county by the department upon the receipt of a properly executed voucher. The fares established by the county shall be comparable to those used for similar runs on the state ferry system.
(4) Whenever, subsequent to June 9, 1977, state route 4 between Cathlamet and Longview is closed to traffic pursuant to chapter 47.48 RCW due to actual or potential slide conditions and there is no suitable, reasonably short alternate state route provided, Wahkiakum county is authorized to operate the Puget Island ferry on a toll-free basis during the entire period of such closure. The state's share of the ferry operations and maintenance deficit during such period shall be 100 percent.
(5) Whenever state route 4 between Cathlamet and Longview is closed to traffic, as mentioned in subsection (4) [of this section] hereof, the state of Washington shall provide temporary rest room facilities at the Washington ferry landing terminal.
[ 2023 c 428 s 1; 1992 c 82 s 1; 1987 c 368 s 1; 1984 c 7 s 285; 1977 c 11 s 1; 1973 2nd ex.s. c 26 s 1; 1971 ex.s. c 254 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—1987 c 368: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1987." [ 1987 c 368 s 2.]
Effective date—1973 2nd ex.s. c 26: "This 1973 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect October 1, 1973." [ 1973 2nd ex.s. c 26 s 3.]

catchline: Puget Island-Westport ferry—Payments for operation and maintenance to Wahkiakum county—Toll-free operation and provision of rest room facilities, when.


title: RCW 47.56.725

text:
(1) The department is hereby authorized to enter into a continuing agreement with Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties pursuant to which the department shall, from time to time, direct the distribution to each of the counties the amounts authorized in subsection (2) of this section in accordance with RCW 46.68.090.
(2) The department is authorized to include in each agreement a provision for the distribution of funds to each county to reimburse the county for fifty percent of the deficit incurred during each previous fiscal year in the operation and maintenance of the ferry system owned and operated by the county. The total amount to be reimbursed to Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties collectively shall not exceed one million eight hundred thousand dollars in the 2015-2017 biennium. For subsequent biennia, the amount authorized in this section must increase by the fiscal growth factor as defined in RCW 43.135.025. Each county agreement shall contain a requirement that the county shall maintain tolls on its ferries at least equal to published fares in place on January 1, 2015, excluding surcharges.
(3) The annual fiscal year operating and maintenance deficit, if any, shall be determined by Pierce, Skagit, and Whatcom counties subject to review and approval of the department. The annual fiscal year operating and maintenance deficit is defined as the total of operations and maintenance expenditures less the sum of ferry toll revenues and that portion of fuel tax revenue distributions which are attributable to the county ferry as determined by the department. Distribution of the amounts authorized by subsection (2) of this section by the state treasurer shall be directed by the department upon the receipt of properly executed vouchers from each county.
(4) The county road administration board may evaluate requests by Pierce, Skagit, Wahkiakum, and Whatcom counties for county ferry capital improvement funds. The board shall evaluate the requests and, if approved by a majority of the board, submit the requests to the legislature for funding out of the amounts available under RCW 46.68.090(2)(h). Any county making a request under this subsection shall first seek funding through the public works trust fund, or any other available revenue source, where appropriate.
[ 2015 c 230 s 1; 1999 c 269 s 12; 1991 c 310 s 1; 1984 c 7 s 286; 1977 c 51 s 2; 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 57 s 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 21 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—1999 c 269: See note following RCW 36.78.070.
Effective date—1977 c 51: "This 1977 amendatory act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on July 1, 1977." [ 1977 c 51 s 4.]
Severability—1977 c 51: "If any provision of this 1977 amendatory act, or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act, or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [ 1977 c 51 s 3.]

catchline: County ferries—Deficit reimbursements—Capital improvement funds.


title: RCW 47.56.730

text:
The legislature finds that the public health, safety, and welfare require that "No Smoking" areas be established on all state ferries since there is a significant number of our citizens who are nonsmokers. The department is hereby authorized and directed to adopt rules pursuant to the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW, to establish and clearly designate areas on all state-operated ferries that are expressly reserved for use by nonsmokers.
[ 1984 c 7 s 287; 1974 ex.s. c 10 s 1.]

catchline: "No Smoking" areas on ferries—Establishment directed.


title: RCW 47.56.770

text:
The state finance committee is authorized to issue refunding bonds and use other available money to refund, defease, and redeem all of those toll bridge authority, ferry, and Hood Canal bridge refunding revenue bonds under RCW 47.56.771 through 47.56.774.
[ 1993 c 4 s 2.]
Notes:
Legislative declaration—1993 c 4: "It is declared that it is in the best interest of the state to modify the debt service and reserve requirements, sources of payment, covenants, and other terms of the outstanding toll bridge authority, ferry, and Hood Canal bridge refunding revenue bonds." [ 1993 c 4 s 1.]
Effective date—1993 c 4: "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 immediately [March 12, 1993]." [ 1993 c 4 s 11.]

catchline: Refunding bonds—Authorized.