Wash. Rev. Code § 53.08.290
In addition to the other powers under this chapter, a port district, in connection with the operation of facilities and improvements of the district, may perform all necessary activities related to the intermodal movement of interstate and foreign cargo: PROVIDED, That nothing contained herein shall authorize a port district to engage in the transportation of commodities by motor vehicle for compensation outside the boundaries of the port district. A port district may, by itself or in conjunction with public or private entities, acquire, construct, purchase, lease, contract for, provide, and operate rail services, equipment, and facilities inside or outside the port district: PROVIDED, That such authority may only be exercised outside the boundaries of the port district if such extraterritorial rail services, equipment, or facilities are found, by resolution of the commission of the port district exercising such authority, to be reasonably necessary to link the rail services, equipment, and facilities within the port district to an interstate railroad system; however, if such extraterritorial rail services, equipment, or facilities are in or are to be located in one or more other port districts, the commission of such other port district or districts must consent by resolution to the proposed plan of the originating port district which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no port district shall engage in the manufacture of railcars for use off port property.
RCW 53.08.290
Purpose-1980 c 110: "The purpose of this act is to:
(1) Clarify existing law as to the authority of port districts to perform certain cargo movement activities and to contract for or otherwise provide facilities for rail service for the movement of such cargo; and
(2) Provide authority for port districts to assist in development of the recreation-tourism industry by acquiring and operating certain watercraft in limited areas." [ 1980 c 110 s 1.]