Washington Administrative Code Title 88 - Transportation, Department of (Canal Commission)
Title 88 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is designated as "TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF (CANAL COMMISSION)."
Based on the information available, particularly from the Legal Information Institute (LII) and Justia, Title 88 primarily contains regulations regarding the internal management and operation of the former Washington State Canal Commission.
Specifically, the only chapter currently listed under Title 88 is:
Chapter 88-04 - Rules of internal management
This chapter outlines the fundamental administrative procedures for how the Canal Commission conducted its business. It includes sections such as:
Preamble (WAC 88-04-010): States the purpose of these rules, which is to govern the transaction of business by the Washington State Canal Commission.
Organization of the commission (WAC 88-04-020): Details the election of officers (chairman, vice chairman, secretary), the role of the director as recording secretary, and how commission proceedings are recorded and made public.
Duties of officers (WAC 88-04-030): Specifies the responsibilities of the chairman, vice chairman, and secretary.
Director (WAC 88-04-040): Outlines the duties of the director appointed by the commission.
Meetings (WAC 88-04-050): Covers aspects like regular and special meetings, notice requirements, executive sessions, and quorum rules.
Order of business (WAC 88-04-060): Lays out the typical agenda for commission meetings.
Motions and resolutions (WAC 88-04-070): Procedures for making and passing motions and resolutions.
Minutes (WAC 88-04-080): Requirements for recording and maintaining minutes of all proceedings.
Amendment of rules of internal management (WAC 88-04-090): The process for modifying these internal rules.
Historical Context and Current Status:
It's important to understand the historical context of the "Canal Commission." The Washington State Canal Commission was likely an entity formed to oversee specific canal projects or operations, perhaps related to the Lake Washington Ship Canal or other navigable waterways. Over time, the responsibilities of such commissions can be transferred to other, larger state agencies like the Department of Transportation (WSDOT) or the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
Given that Title 88 only contains rules for internal management and no broader operational or regulatory rules for canals themselves, it suggests that the Washington State Canal Commission itself may no longer be an active, independent body with extensive regulatory powers. Its functions regarding actual canal operations, maintenance, or specific usage regulations have likely been absorbed by other departments.
For instance, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages state parks that may include canal areas or provide recreational access to canals, and their regulations (under Title 352 WAC) would cover public use, safety, and conduct within those park boundaries. The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) would be responsible for any canals that are part of the state's transportation infrastructure, though specific rules might be found under their primary Title 468 WAC.
In conclusion, WAC Title 88 primarily serves as a historical record of the internal administrative procedures of a former or significantly scaled-back "Canal Commission" under the umbrella of the Department of Transportation. Its content does not appear to dictate broad operational rules for canals in Washington today.
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