Chapter 136-710 WAC

Chapter 36.170 RCW sets forth the criteria that will be used in determining the priority of specific improvement projects. This chapter describes how each LRP project type will rate and be prioritized statewide by project type.

The county road administration board has determined that the interests of the counties will be best served by encouraging development of distinct project priority rating systems for each project type.

There shall be six project types eligible for LRP funding, with each having separate rating systems for project ranking and selection.

The following project types are allowed under the county local road program created in this chapter:

(1) 2-R as defined in the LAG manual;

(2) 3-R as defined in the LAG manual;

(3) Reconstruction as defined in the LAG manual;

(4) Replacement of any bridge on the national bridge inventory;

(5) Removal of human-made or caused impediments to anadromous fish passage; and

(6) Pedestrian facilities.

In consultation with the counties, the executive director shall approve the various forms and procedures necessary to rank, select, and allocate available LRP funding.

(1) Through the application process the applicant shall identify the considerations used while submitting the project. At a minimum, the applicant shall consider the following priority rating factors:

(a) Investment in overburdened communities;

(b) Environmental health disparities as identified in the environmental health disparities map specified in RCW 43.70.815;

(c) Location on or providing direct access to a federally recognized Indian reservation or lands;

(d) Sustaining the structural, safety, and operational integrity of the road;

(e) Vehicle and pedestrian collision experience;

(f) Access improvements to a community facility; and

(g) Identified need in a state, regional, county, or community plan.

(2) Through the ranking and selection process, the ranking calculation must take into account points for satisfying the considerations listed.

In the event that no projects or an insufficient number of projects are submitted in any project type to utilize the LRP funds set aside for the project type, all remaining funds shall be divided among the remaining project types as the county road administration board deems appropriate. The intent is to divide all available funds into project types having a sufficient number of submitted projects to fully utilize the funds available during the funding cycle.

Geometric design of all LRP projects including all bridge and pedestrian projects shall be in accordance with submitting agencies' design standards for the construction of urban and rural local roads as currently adopted, chapter 136-50 WAC.

Deviation from the currently adopted version of the submitting county's standard, may be utilized by the county engineer, in responsible charge of the project, when circumstances exist which would make application of adopted standards exceedingly difficult. Whenever a deviation is to be made on a project, it shall be so noted on the project application submitted.

The county engineer submitting the deviation must provide CRAB with a copy of the letter/report, indicating the deviation from the adopted standards, process used to fully justify the deviation, and a resolution of adoption by the county legislative authority before funding will be approved.