Washington § 47.12.010 - Acquisition of property authorized — Condemnation actions — Cost.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 47.12.010 — Acquisition of property authorized — Condemnation actions — Cost., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 47.12.010. Acquisition of property authorized — Condemnation actions — Cost.

Whenever it is necessary to secure any lands or interests in land for a right-of-way for any state highway, or for the drainage thereof or construction of a protection therefor or so as to afford unobstructed vision therefor toward any railroad crossing or another public highway crossing or any point of danger to public travel or to provide a visual or sound buffer between highways and adjacent properties or for the purpose of acquiring sand pits, gravel pits, borrow pits, stone quarries, or any other land for the extraction of materials for construction or maintenance or both, or for any site for the erection upon and use as a maintenance camp, of any state highway, or any site for other necessary structures or for structures for the health and accommodation of persons traveling or stopping upon the state highways of this state, or any site for the construction and maintenance of structures and facilities adjacent to, under, upon, within, or above the right-of-way of any state highway for exclusive or nonexclusive use by an urban public transportation system, or for any other highway purpose, together with right-of-way to reach such property and gain access thereto, the department of transportation is authorized to acquire such lands or interests in land in behalf of the state by gift, purchase, or condemnation. In case of condemnation to secure such lands or interests in land, the action shall be brought in the name of the state of Washington in the manner provided for the acquiring of property for the public uses of the state, and in such action the selection of the lands or interests in land by the secretary of transportation shall, in the absence of bad faith, arbitrary, capricious, or fraudulent action, be conclusive upon the court and judge before which the action is brought that said lands or interests in land are necessary for public use for the purposes sought. The cost and expense of such lands or interests in land may be paid as a part of the cost of the state highway for which such right-of-way, drainage, unobstructed vision, sand pits, gravel pits, borrow pits, stone quarries, maintenance camp sites, and structure sites or other lands are acquired.
[ 1977 ex.s. c 151 s 46; 1967 c 108 s 4; 1961 c 13 s 47.12.010. Prior: 1937 c 53 s 25, part; RRS s 6400-25, part.]

Notes

Urban public transportation system defined: RCW 47.04.082.
Right-of-way donations: Chapter 47.14 RCW.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 47.12.010

What does Revised Code of Washington § 47.12.010 cover?

Section 47.12.010 ("Acquisition of property authorized — Condemnation actions — Cost.") 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 § 47.12.010?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 47.12.010" (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 § 47.12.010 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.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.