(1) Participation in the commission's rail safety program. RCW 81.53.240 allows a first-class city to request participation in the commission's crossing safety inspection program. For the purposes of this section, the commission's crossing safety inspection program shall mean the inspection of grade crossings to ensure proper design and maintenance, as set forth in WAC 480-62-225. For the purposes of this section participation in the crossing safety inspection program shall not include the crossing petition process outlined in RCW 81.53.030 and 81.53.060.

(2) Process for opt-in. A first-class city must notify the commission of its intent to opt-in to the commission's rail safety program at least sixty days prior to the effective date requested by the city. A first-class city's request to opt-in must be accompanied by documentation demonstrating that the city's governing body has approved the terms and conditions set forth in a memorandum of understanding between the city and the commission governing the commission's assumption of rail crossing safety inspection authority within the city limits. A first-class city's request to opt-in will become effective on the date requested by the city or the first day of the month following commission approval of the memorandum of understanding referenced in this section, whichever occurs later.

(3) Technical assistance to first-class cities. For first-class cities that opt-in to the commission's crossing safety inspection program, the commission will provide technical assistance on grade crossing safety, maintenance, and modifications as agreed between the city and the commission.

(4) Process to opt-out. First-class cities that opt-in to the commission's crossing safety inspection program may opt-out of the program by submitting to the commission documentation that the city's governing body has approved the withdrawal of the city from the commission's crossing safety inspection program. A city's notice of withdrawal must be submitted to the commission at least ninety days prior to the date upon which the city intends to assume all rail crossing safety inspections within its jurisdiction.