A purchaser of state lands who is not the owner of the authorized improvements thereon shall deposit with the auctioneer making the sale, at the time of the sale, the appraised value of such improvements. The department shall pay to the owner of the improvements the sum deposited. However, when the improvements are owned by the state in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or have been acquired by the state by escheat or operation of law, the purchaser may pay for such improvements in equal annual installments at the same time, and with the same rate of interest, as the installments of the purchase price of the land are paid, and under such rules regarding use and care of the improvements as may be fixed by the department.

Reviser's note: This section does not apply to state tidelands, shorelands, harbor areas, and the beds of navigable waters. See RCW 79.02.095.

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

Severability—Effective date—1979 ex.s. c 109: See notes following RCW 79.11.040.