Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 468-300-700 Preferential loading.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 47.56.030 Powers and duties regarding toll facilities -- Purchasing.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Review of the preferential loading rules for Washington state ferries' vessels.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule:       Negotiated rule making.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mr. Ray Deardorf, Planning Director, Washington State Ferries, 2901 Third Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121-3014, phone (206) 515-3491, fax (206) 515-3499.

December 21, 2005

Douglas B. MacDonald

Secretary of Transportation