In developing a priority process for public works projects under RCW
43.155.070, the board shall give preferences only to Puget Sound partners, as defined in RCW
90.71.010, over other entities that are eligible to be included in the definition of Puget Sound partner. Entities that are not eligible to be a Puget Sound partner due to geographic location, composition, exclusion from the scope of the action agenda developed by the Puget Sound partnership under RCW
90.71.310, or for any other reason, shall not be given less preferential treatment than Puget Sound partners.