RCW 27.53.020: Archaeological resource preservation—Designation of department of archaeology and historic preservation—Cooperation among agencies.

The discovery, identification, excavation, and study of the state's archaeological resources, the providing of information on archaeological sites for their nomination to the state and national registers of historic places, the maintaining of a complete inventory of archaeological sites and collections, and the providing of information to state, federal, and private construction agencies regarding the possible impact of construction activities on the state's archaeological resources, are proper public functions; and the department of archaeology and historic preservation, created under the authority of chapter 43.334 RCW, is hereby designated as an appropriate agency to carry out these functions. The director shall provide guidelines for the selection of depositories designated by the state for archaeological resources. The legislature directs that there shall be full cooperation amongst the department and other agencies of the state.