Washington § 86.12.020 - Authority to make improvements — Condemnation.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 86.12.020 — Authority to make improvements — Condemnation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 86.12.020. Authority to make improvements — Condemnation.

Said fund shall be expended for the purposes in this chapter provided. Any county, for the control of waters subject to flood conditions from streams, tidal or other bodies of water affecting such county, may inside or outside the boundaries of such county, construct, operate and maintain dams and impounding basins and dikes, levees, revetments, bulkheads, rip-rap or other protection; may remove bars, logs, snags and debris from and clear, deepen, widen, straighten, change, relocate or otherwise improve and maintain stream channels, main or overflow; may acquire any real or personal property or rights and interest therein for the prosecution of such works or to preserve any floodplain or regular or intermittent stream channels from any interference to the free or natural flow of flood or stormwater; and may construct, operate and maintain any and all other works, structures and improvements necessary for such control; and for any such purpose may purchase, condemn or otherwise acquire land, property or rights, including beds of nonnavigable waters and state, county and school lands and property and may damage any land or other property for any such purpose, and may condemn land and other property and rights and interests therein and damage the same for any other public use after just compensation having been first made or paid into court for the owner in the manner prescribed in this chapter. The purposes in this chapter specified are hereby declared to be county purposes.
[ 1970 ex.s. c 30 s 10; 1941 c 204 s 9; 1935 c 162 s 1; 1919 c 109 s 1; 1907 c 66 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 9626.]

Notes

Authority and power of counties are supplemental: RCW 36.89.062.
Stormwater control facilities, county powers and authority: Chapter 36.89 RCW.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 86.12.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 86.12.020 cover?

Section 86.12.020 ("Authority to make improvements — Condemnation.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 86.12.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 86.12.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 86.12.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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