Bill > HB1774

This bill modifies the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) authority to lease unused highway lands by establishing a new framework that allows the department to consider social, environmental, and economic benefits when leasing property to public agencies, tribes, historical societies, or community-based nonprofit organizations. The bill enables WSDOT to evaluate lease agreements based on factors such as the potential benefit to overburdened communities, the number of people served, the property's economic feasibility, and the lessee's qualifications. Leases can now incorporate community purposes like housing assistance, shelter programs, parks, public spaces, salmon habitat restoration, and public transportation uses. The legislation requires that such leases include specific provisions, such as limiting use to designated community purposes, establishing remedies if purposes are not met, and requiring liability assumptions and insurance. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual report to the legislature detailing active lease agreements and their community purposes, and for leases with community-based nonprofits, requires legislative approval through the transportation appropriations act (with exceptions for temporary uses under five years). The overall intent is to provide WSDOT more flexibility in using unused highway lands to serve pressing community needs while maintaining responsible management of state property.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1774&Year=2025&Initiative=false