WA HB1643

Authorizes WSDOT, counties, cities, and towns to require utility franchise holders to pay for relocating their facilities when public roadway projects are carried out by private developers as part of development agreements

Requires the governmental entity to find that the project is in the "public interest" (defined as of general benefit to the public) and included in a published local or state plan or program before mandating franchise holder-paid relocation

Amends six sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 47.44.020, 36.55.060, 35A.47.040, 35.23.251, 35.27.330, and 35.99.060) to apply consistent utility relocation requirements across state highways, county roads, and municipal streets

Specifies that if a project is primarily for private benefit and does not meet the public interest requirements, private parties must reimburse relocation costs proportional to their share of project costs

Preserves existing exceptions where cities/towns must pay relocation costs, including when the same facilities were relocated at city request within the past five years, for aerial-to-underground conversions, or for purely aesthetic purposes