The bill amends existing Washington state law to require certain counties to include freight rail dependent use overlays in their comprehensive transportation plans. Specifically, it mandates that counties and cities planning under RCW 36.70A.040 adopt development regulations that ensure the conservation of agricultural, forest, and mineral resource lands. The bill removes previous provisions that allowed specific counties with populations over 400,000 and located west of the Cascade Mountains to adopt regulations for freight rail dependent uses adjacent to short line railroads. Instead, it introduces new provisions allowing counties that border both the Cascade Mountains and another country, with populations under 50,000, to adopt similar regulations.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the transportation element required by RCW 36.70A.070 may include multimodal transportation improvements and strategies, while ensuring that existing authority for developing such improvements is maintained. The amendments aim to enhance the integration of freight rail dependent uses into local planning efforts while protecting critical agricultural and resource lands. The bill emphasizes the importance of balancing development with the preservation of these lands, ensuring that local jurisdictions can effectively manage their growth and transportation needs.

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