WSR 97-21-028

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Filed October 8, 1997, 3:00 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 468-34-010 Applications, 468-34-020 Costs, 468-34-120 Application of policy to various types of right of way, 468-34-150 Design, 468-34-210 Pipelines--Encasements, and 468-34-330 Scenic enhancement.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 47.44 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Revision to WAC is necessary to clarify issues pertaining to the application process for franchises and permits. In addition, revision is necessary to ensure administrative cost charged by the department are consistent with actual Washington State Department of Transportation costs and overhead, and that surety bonds cover the department's exposure for noncompletion of work. Additional changes are necessary to ensure that state and national guidelines and standards are current, applicable and supported.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal Highways Administration.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting John C. Milton, Transportation Building, P.O. Box 47329, Olympia, WA 98504-7329, e-mail miltonj@wsdot.wa.gov, FAX (360) 705-6815, phone (360) 705-7299.

October 7, 1997

Gerald E. Smith

Deputy Secretary