The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Authority" means the transportation commission.

(2) "Commission" means the transportation commission.

(3) "Department" means the department of transportation.

(4) "Eligible project" means any project eligible for development under RCW 47.29.050.

(5) "Eligible public works project" means only a project that meets the criteria of either RCW 47.29.060 (3) or (4).

(6) "Private sector partner" and "private partner" means a person, entity, or organization that is not the federal government, a state, or a political subdivision of a state.

(7) "Public funds" means all moneys derived from taxes, fees, charges, tolls, etc.

(8) "Public sector partner" and "public partner" means any federal or state unit of government, bistate transportation organization, or any other political subdivision of any state.

(9) "Transportation innovative partnership program" or "program" means the program as outlined in RCW 47.29.040.

(10) "Transportation project" means a project, whether capital or operating, where the state's primary purpose for the project is to preserve or facilitate the safe transport of people or goods via any mode of travel. However, this does not include projects that are primarily for recreational purposes, such as parks, hiking trails, off-road vehicle trails, etc.

(11) "Unit of government" means any department or agency of the federal government, any state or agency, office, or department of a state, any city, county, district, commission, authority, entity, port, or other public corporation organized and existing under statutory law or under a voter-approved charter or initiative, and any intergovernmental entity created under chapter 39.34 RCW or this chapter.