(1) The department of commerce may designate certain private sector investments as projects of statewide significance to expedite the permitting and environmental review process. These projects will bolster the economy at both the local and state levels.

(2) The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe the form and manner of the application to be used in requesting designation as a project of statewide significance.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions found in RCW 43.157.010.

(1) "Standard contact information" shall mean a mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

(2) "Jurisdiction" shall mean any local government with the authority to issue permits related to the construction of a project seeking designation as a project of statewide significance.

(1) Applications shall be submitted to the department.

(2) Applications shall be completed on forms prescribed by and obtained from the department.

(3) The application will contain the following information:

(a) Standard contact information of the applicant requesting the designation;

(b) Standard contact information of all jurisdictions that will have the project of statewide significance within its boundaries;

(c) Selection of the category of project of statewide significance;

(d) A detailed description of the project that details, at least:

(i) The location of the project,

(ii) The applicant's average employment in the state for the prior year,

(iii) The estimated new employment related to the project,

(iv) The estimated wages of employees related to the project,

(v) The estimated level of private investment in the project,

(vi) The estimated time schedules for completion and operation,

(vii) A justification why the director of the department should qualify the project based on the criteria found in RCW 43.157.010 (5)(b)(iii)(J); and

(e) Explanation of the need to expedite the permitting and environmental review process.

(4) The application shall be accompanied by letters of approval from the legislative of any jurisdiction that will have the proposed project of statewide significance within its boundaries as defined by RCW 43.157.030.

(1) The department will consider the application and make a determination whether the project is one of statewide significance within sixty days of the receipt of application.

(2) The applicants will be notified in writing of the department's decision.