The department shall coordinate a state agency work group in 2016 that will identify issues, laws, and regulations relevant to consolidating and coordinating the review processes under the national environmental policy act, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq. and chapter 43.21C RCW to streamline the review of and avoid delays to projects on state highways as defined in RCW 46.04.560. The department must report the work group’s findings to the joint transportation committee in compliance with RCW 43.01.036 by December 31, 2016. State agencies in the work group must include the department, the department of ecology, and any other relevant agencies. The report must include: An inventory of federal and state environmental regulatory authority; a discussion of the issues pertaining to the current process and timelines used by state and federal agencies for reviewing projects on state highways as defined in RCW 46.04.560; and recommendations for legislation or rules that would reduce delays and time associated with review by state and federal agencies, including suggestions for new categorical exemptions.

Effective date—Findings—Intent—2015 3rd sp.s. c 15: See notes following RCW 47.01.485.