Right-of-way training & education

ROW Acquisition Training (and more) with FHWA

Tuesday, September 24th 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday, September 25th 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday, September 26th 8:30 AM to Noon

This three-day training (agenda PDF 134KB), presented by Local Programs Right of Way and FHWA, focuses on the acquisition requirements under the Uniform Relocation Act (URA). There will also be training on Design-Build projects and managing consultants. Space for this training is limited and local agencies will be given priority registration.

Registration for this training has closed.

Annual local agency ROW meetings

The 2024 Annual ROW Meetings were held virtually through Teams on April 18^th and May 7^th. Thank you to our presenters and to those who attended. Here are the presentations from the meetings:

• 2024 Annual ROW Meeting Update w/ RES
• LAC Presentation
• FHWA-WA Division Update and Consultant Oversight 2024

Past core curriculum ROW courses

Core curriculum training is offered annually related to federal-aid requirement in accordance with LAG Chapter 25, WSDOT’s Right-of-Way Manual, Uniform Act, and the Code of Federal Regulations Title 49 Part 24.

All trainings are announced on this webpage and via gov.delivery emails. Please email any Core Curriculum ROW Course suggestions to Michelle.Newlean@wsdot.wa.gov.

• 50 Ways to Lose Your Federal Funds (PDF 588KB) 8.26.20
• Uniform Relocation Act Basics (PDF 181KB) 9.10.20
• Right Of Way Certification (PDF 162KB) 9.23.20
• Business Relocation-Actual Direct Loss & Substitute Personal Property (PDF 885KB) 10.6.20
• Early and Advanced Acquisitions (PDF 3.33MB) 10.21.20
• Slippery Slopes and the Briar Patch (PDF 1MB) 8.19.21

Online training

No ROW Verification and Sufficient Property Rights (Flow Chart) Training

Offered: Online eLearning - free

Description: This online training is required for those responsible for making decisions on whether a federally funded local agency project has ROW needs, and for those completing the Design Approval Documentation form (Appendix 43.62). This training focuses on the process of reviewing the PS&E to verify a no ROW determination. This training also covers Property Right or Interest flowchart and the Type of Property Rights Necessary flowchart to aid your agency in making clear and consistent property related decisions.

Administrative Settlement training

Offered: Online eLearning - free

Description: Administrative settlements are used when reasonable efforts to negotiate an agreement at the approved offer amount have failed, and it is determined by a local agency official that it is reasonable, prudent, and in the public interest to agree to pay additional money or other form of compensation or consideration to a property owner. This 1 to 2 hour course is designed to help participates gain an understanding of the documentation requirements and the skills needed to prepare a quality and well justified settlement.

FHWA Federal Aid Essentials

Offered: Online - free

Description: A central online library of informational videos and resources, designed specifically for local agencies. Each video addresses a single topic (including right-of-way requirements and the Uniform Act). Complex regulations and requirements of the Federal Aid Highway Program are condensed into easy to understand concepts and illustrated examples. All these videos are short in duration (average is 6 minutes) and include companion resources and links for additional information.

National Highway Institute (NHI) Real Estate Acquisition under the Uniform Act: An Overview

Offered: Online - free

Description: The Uniform Relocation Assistant and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970 (Uniform Act) is the basis for federally-funded real estate acquisition programs. This self-paced training provides an overview of the Uniform Act’s three key elements: Valuation, Acquisition, and Relocation. This course underscores the importance of following Uniform Act Requirements when acquiring property for a federally-funded transportation project.