Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 8.08.020 (2026)

Public use declared

✓ current as of May 2026

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Any condemnation, appropriation or disposition intended in RCW 8.08.010 through 8.08.080 shall be deemed and held to be for a county purpose and public use within the meaning of RCW 8.08.010 through 8.08.080 when it is directly or indirectly, approximately or remotely for the general benefit or welfare of the county or of the inhabitants thereof.

[ 1949 c 79 s 2; Rem. Supp. 1949 s 3991-7.]

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 5 cases, 1962–2008 · leading case: Cowlitz Cnty. v. Martin, 177 P.3d 102 (Wash. Ct. App. 2008).

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Cowlitz Cnty. v. Martin, 177 P.3d 102 (Wash. Ct. App. 2008). · cites it 2× “Because the county commissioners authorized condemnation solely for the purpose of fish passage by means of a project funded and regulated by the Salmon Recovery Act, we must adhere to the authority granted in the Salmon Recovery Act, rather than the broader grant of…”

King Cnty. v. Theilman, 369 P.2d 503 (Wash. 1962). “As a general rule, it must be conceded that the acquisition of private property for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a public highway is for a “public use,” within the meaning of the constitution and RCW 8.08.020. Inherent, however, in the determination of public use…”

King Cnty. v. Farr, 501 P.2d 612 (Wash. Ct. App. 1972). “Under RCW 8.08.020 any condemnation authorized under RCW 8.”

Cowlitz Cnty. v. Martin, 165 P.3d 51 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). · cites it 3× “¶ 20 RCW 8.08.020 states that any condemnation under this title shall be deemed a public use "when it is directly or indirectly, approximately or remotely for the general benefit or welfare of the county or inhabitants thereof.”

Cowlitz Cnty. v. Martin, 177 P.3d 102 (Wash. Ct. App. 2007). · cites it 2× “Because the County Commissioners authorized condemnation solely for the purpose of fish passage by means of a project funded and regulated by the Salmon Recovery Act, we must adhere to the authority granted in the Salmon Recovery Act, rather than the broader grant of…”

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