SB 5996 - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Provides an expedited environmental review and approval process that the department of transportation must use for a transportation project requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement under the national environmental policy act.

Requires the department of transportation to: (1) Streamline the permitting process by developing and maintaining positive relationships with the regulatory agencies and the Indian tribes; and

(2) Use available technologies to minimize permit delays for, inform and interact with interested parties including relevant environmental regulatory authorities regarding, and optimize the effectiveness of proposed compensatory mitigation projects.

Requires the department of ecology to convene a work group including the department of transportation and local governments to identify procedures to more effectively achieve certain objectives related to local land use reviews.