RCW 47.80 establishes PRTPO’s authorities and responsibilities as an RTPO. The law often stipulates rules pertaining to certain geographies or minimum population sizes. PRTPO is a rural RTPO and so many of these rules do not apply to the Peninsula Region. RCW 47.80.030 spells out statutory requirements of the RTP itself. The core legislation has not been updated since 1994.
The Washington Administrative Code, or WAC, interprets and codifies state law. Chapter 468-86 of the WAC codifies how RTPOs are to carry out their statutory responsibilities in RCW 47.80. Part 3 of that chapter, 468-86-080 through 468-86-140, provides guidance concerning content of the Regional Transportation Plan. This chapter has not been updated since 1997.
RCW 36.70A [formatting is screwed up - will be fixed and located below the link to 486-68 WAC.] PRTPO’s city and county members must comply with the requirements of RCW 36.70A. These Growth Management Act requirements are vastly more expansive than transportation planning. PRTPO ensures its RTP is consistent with the countywide planning policies of the four counties, as required by 36.70A.210. In accordance with 36.70A.020 concerning planning goals, and 36.70A.070(6) concerning the transportation elements of local Comprehensive Plans, PRTPO uses a defined set of principles to ensure on-going consistency between locally updated plans and the RTP.
The Legislature established six statewide transportation policies to guide policies and investments across the state. The six policies address preservation, safety, mobility, economic vitality, environment, and stewardship. These are reflected in the Washington Transportation Plan maintained by the Washington State Transportation Commission.