Prior to the forwarding of a request needing endorsement under RCW 77.12.360, the director shall present the request to the legislative authority of the county in which the lands are located for its approval. The legislative authority, before acting on the request, may call a public hearing. The hearing shall take place within thirty days after presentation of the request to the legislative authority.

The director shall publish notice of the public hearing called by the legislative authority in a newspaper of general circulation within the county at least once a week for two successive weeks prior to the hearing. The notice shall contain a copy of the request and the time and place of the hearing.

The chair of the county legislative authority shall preside at the public hearing. The proceedings shall be informal and all persons shall have a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

Within ten days after the hearing, the county legislative authority shall endorse its decision on the request for withdrawal. The decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Legislative findings and intent—1987 c 506: See note following RCW 77.04.020.

Effective date—Intent, construction—Savings—Severability—1980 c 78: See notes following RCW 77.04.010.