(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, pollinator habitat, 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.

Findings—Intent—2019 c 353: See note following RCW 43.23.300.

Intent—2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.