Bill > HB2491

This bill modifies the allowable terms for the lease of unused highway land by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The key provisions are: 1) WSDOT can rent or lease lands, improvements, or air space above or below lands held for highway purposes that are not currently needed. 2) WSDOT can now, at its discretion, offset the economic rent due for lease agreements with public agencies or community-based nonprofits using the property for community purposes such as housing, parks, public spaces, or public recreation. The lease agreement must require the lessee to maintain the premises and use the property for the designated community purposes. 3) WSDOT must provide an annual report to the state legislature on the active lease agreements authorized under this provision, including the community purposes being served and a summary of the relevant lease terms.