Bill > HB1814

This bill streamlines the environmental review process for certain trail and path development projects by creating a categorical exemption from the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). Specifically, the bill exempts trail or path projects from environmental review if they meet two key criteria: the project's surface area is 10 acres or less, and the trail is located on a railroad right-of-way designated for interim trail use within a city with a population of 500,000 or more. The bill requires project proponents to post notices about the proposed trail at both ends and the middle of the project site for at least 30 days. Additionally, the bill mandates that applicants engage in meaningful consultation with potentially affected federally recognized tribes, including discussing potential impacts on cultural resources and tribal treaty rights. If the tribe does not initiate consultation within 90 days of receiving notice, the exemption takes effect. The bill covers not just the trail itself, but also related improvements like utilities, street crossings, lighting, signage, and surface water drainage. The exemption is intended to be an additional pathway for project approval and does not replace existing categorical exemptions under current environmental regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1814&Year=2025&Initiative=false