HB 1384 - DIGEST

Declares that streamlining the permit approval process is essential for reducing project delays and for making the most efficient use of every transportation dollar.

Directs that substantive standards and best management practices governing the construction of transportation projects be jointly agreed upon by both the department and Washington's natural resource agencies. After these substantive standards have been agreed upon, finds that the greatest efficiency and effectiveness in both protecting our environmental resources and in constructing the transportation infrastructure required to serve Washington's growing population will come from the implementation of these standards by the department itself, with appropriate oversight, as defined in this act, by both natural resource agencies and local governments.

Creates the transportation permit efficiency and accountability committee.

Provides that, every two years the department shall send to the legislature, the governor, the department of ecology, and the department of fish and wildlife a report detailing its self-permitting activities over the previous two years.

Provides that, every four years, the department of fish and wildlife and the department of ecology shall jointly conduct a review of the department's self-permitting practices. The department of ecology and the department of fish and wildlife shall submit a report on the performance of the department to the legislature and the governor. The report must include a recommendation as to whether the department should be decertified from self-permitting.