Priority consideration shall be given to abutting property owners in agricultural zoned areas.

(1) A written notice and offer to sell shall be sent by certified mail to the abutting owner as shown on the records of the county assessor.

(2) The abutting owner shall have thirty days after receiving notice of the proposed sale to respond in writing to the department's offer to sell.

(3) If the abutting owner rejects the state's offer or does not respond in writing within the thirty-day period, the department may then dispose of the property pursuant to RCW 47.12.063.

(4) If there is more than one abutting owner, then the procedures in RCW 47.12.063 (2)(f) shall apply.

(5) Sales to abutting property owners may at the department's option be for cash or by real estate contract.