(1) A preapplicant applying under RCW 80.50.330 shall pay to the council a fee of ten thousand dollars to be applied to the cost of the preapplication process as a condition precedent to any action by the council, provided that costs in excess of this amount shall be paid only upon prior approval by the preapplicant, and provided further that any unexpended portions thereof shall be returned to the preapplicant.

(2) The council shall consult with the preapplicant and prepare a plan for the preapplication process which shall commence with an informational public hearing within 60 days after the receipt of the preapplication fee as provided in RCW 80.50.090.

(3) The preapplication plan shall include but need not be limited to:

(a) An initial consultation to explain the proposal and request input from council staff, federal and state agencies, cities, towns, counties, port districts, tribal governments, property owners, and interested individuals;

(b) Where applicable, a process to guide negotiations between the preapplicant and cities, towns, and counties within the corridor proposed pursuant to RCW 80.50.330.

(4) Fees paid under this section must be deposited in the energy facility site evaluation council account created in RCW 80.50.390.

Effective date—2022 c 183: See note following RCW 80.50.010.