(1)
The department shall design expansion of its land use data bank
to include additional information that will assist in the
formulation, evaluation, and updating of intermediate and
long-range goals and policies for land use, population growth and
distribution, urban expansion, open space, resource preservation
and utilization, and other factors which shape statewide
development patterns and significantly influence the quality of
the state's environment. The system shall be designed to permit
inclusion of other lands in the state and will do so as financing
and time permit.
(2) Such data bank shall contain any information relevant to
the future growth of agriculture, forestry, industry, business,
residential communities, and recreation; the wise use of land and
other natural resources which are in accordance with their
character and adaptability; the conservation and protection of
the soil, air, water, and forest resources; the protection of the
beauty of the landscape; and the promotion of the efficient and
economical uses of public resources.
The information shall be assembled from all possible
sources, including but not limited to, the federal government and
its agencies, all state agencies, all political subdivisions of
the state, all state operated universities and colleges, and any
source in the private sector. All state agencies, all political
subdivisions of the state, and all state universities and
colleges are directed to cooperate to the fullest extent in the
collection of data in their possession. Information shall be
collected on all areas of the state but collection may emphasize
one region at a time.
(3) The data bank shall make maximum use of computerized or
other advanced data storage and retrieval methods. The
department is authorized to engage consultants in data processing
to ensure that the data bank will be as complete and efficient as
possible.
(4) The data shall be made available for use by any
governmental agency, research organization, university or
college, private organization, or private person as a tool to
evaluate the range of alternatives in land and resource planning
in the state.
[2003 c 334 § 545; 1971 ex.s. c 234 § 16. Formerly RCW 79.68.120.]
NOTES:
Intent -- 2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.