This bill amends existing Washington state law to require certain counties to include freight rail dependent use overlays in their comprehensive transportation plans. Specifically, it modifies RCW 36.70A.060 and RCW 36.70A.108, removing previous provisions that limited the ability of specific counties and cities to adopt development regulations for freight rail dependent uses adjacent to short line railroads. The bill allows counties that border both the Cascade mountains and another country, with populations under fifty thousand, to develop regulations for such uses, thereby expanding the scope of areas where freight rail dependent developments can occur.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the transportation element of comprehensive plans may include multimodal transportation improvements and strategies, ensuring that counties and cities retain their authority to develop these improvements. The previous language that restricted certain counties from including freight rail dependent uses in their transportation elements has been deleted, while new language emphasizes the importance of accommodating freight rail dependent uses in planning efforts. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integration of freight rail infrastructure into local planning processes, promoting economic development and efficient transportation solutions.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.70A.060, 36.70A.108