For Bill Information, please click HERE.   Official Text and Analysis.

Removes section 2 of the bill that directed Ecology to update the rules integrating the use of the National Environmental Policy Act. Section 3, which directed WSDOT to follow a seven-step process to expedite the environmental review and approval process for any transportation project requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement, is deleted. WSDOT is directed to implement a multiagency permit program that is commensurate with the funding level of its program. Specific direction to the Department of Ecology to convene a workgroup with WSDOT and local governments is eliminated. Specific direction to WSDOT to use available technologies to minimize permit delays is eliminated. Requirements for WSDOT to report engineering errors is adjusted to require a full report within 90 days of a a negotiated change order resulting from an engineering error, rather than having WSDOT report within 30 days of an engineering error.

Carifies that the provisions of this act apply toprojects funded by SSB 5987.

Directs the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to continue using the multiagency permit program and places various requirements upon the staff and the program.

Requires the department of transportation, thedepartment of ecology, and the department of fish and wildlife toprovide a preference for the removal of existing fish passagebarriers owned by cities and counties as compensatory environmentalmitigation, and to develop a framework for encouraging off-site andout-of-kind local fish passage barrier mitigation that providesresults that are consistent with habitat protection priorities. Thestate's obligation for fish passage barrier correction is notexpanded.