The department shall exercise its powers in such manner as to promote the continued conduct of research and development activities in the fields specified below by private or public institutions or persons and to assist in the acquisition of an expanding fund of theoretical and practical knowledge in such fields. To this end the department may conduct, and make arrangements, including contracts and agreements, for the conduct of, research and development activities relating to:

Washington Code 70A.10.010

Research and development: means theoretical analysis exploration and experimentation, and the extension of investigative findings and theories of a scientific or technical nature into practical application for experimental and demonstration purposes, including the experimental production and testing of models, devices, equipment, materials, and processes;

Washington Code 70A.10.010

Weather modification and control: means changing or controlling, or attempting to change or control, by artificial methods, the natural development of any or all atmospheric cloud forms or precipitation forms which occur in the troposphere. See Washington Code 70A.10.010

(1) The theory and development of methods of weather modification and control, including processes, materials, and devices related thereto;

(2) Utilization of weather modification and control for agricultural, industrial, commercial, and other purposes;

(3) The protection of life and property during research and operational activities.