(1) A transportation project of statewide significance means a project that will:

(a) Improve accessibility for a significant number of Washington residents;

(b) Alleviate congestion and improve the reliability of travel times for Washington residents and other users of the transportation system;

(c) Improve the movement of freight through the corridor;

(d) Provide safety improvements and contribute to a reduction in injuries and fatalities;

(e) Maximize opportunities for economic development in the region and the state;

(f) Make improvement to transit, pedestrian, and bike access; and

(g) Serve as a critical route for both national and state defense.

(2)(a) In order to qualify as a transportation project of statewide significance, the reasonable cost estimate to construct the project must be at least one billion dollars. Similarly, if a project is to be constructed in phases, in order to qualify as a transportation project of statewide significance, the total reasonable cost estimate to construct all the phases must be at least one billion dollars. For purposes of this subsection, "cost estimate to construct" includes costs associated with design, preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.

(b) In order to qualify as a transportation project of statewide significance, the project must also contain a bridge that connects two states that has a reasonable cost estimate to construct of at least five hundred million dollars and would benefit from an expedited permitting process due to preexisting permits.

Finding—Intent—2019 c 137: "The legislature finds that Washington's transportation needs are increasing as both a surge in trade and population create demand on the system. Large transportation projects that provide improvements in accessibility, freight mobility, and safety, as well as maximize economic development, are critical to Washington's future. It is the intent of the legislature to recognize transportation projects of statewide significance, and to expedite their completion through the establishment of a formal process of coordination." [ 2019 c 137 § 1.]