News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 6, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Alt Contact:  Rob Harper, Washington Emergency Management, 253-512-7005; Nancy Jackson, Department of Information Services, 360-902-3553; and Gigi Zenk, Department of Licensing, 360-902-3611

Gov. Gary Locke Unveils New Online Service, Launches Revamped State Web Site

Gov. Gary Locke today announced that Washington citizens will be able to renew their driver licenses online beginning Nov. 1. Locke also unveiled the state’s revamped Web site, Access Washington www.access.wa.gov, and proclaimed October as Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Joining Locke for the news conference were Joe Huden, retired Air Force colonel and special assistant to the director for the state Military Department; Michael McVicker, interim director of the Department of Information Services (DIS); and Jim Fellows, deputy director of the Department of Licensing (DOL).

“Making state government more efficient has been a top priority throughout my entire administration – and we continue to improve upon our success,” Locke said. “We’re making state government more convenient and efficient by making services available online so people can spend more time with their families, rather than standing in long lines.”

In 2003, Washington state was named “the most digital state government” in the country, based on a five-year national survey.

The Sustained Leadership Award, presented by the Center for Digital Government and the Progress and Freedom Foundation, honored Washington for making the most progress in serving its citizens through online programs and making government more accessible through technology.

The online driver license/identification card renewal system is scheduled to be available Nov. 1, at www.licensemeonline.dol.wa.gov. The service will allow eligible customers to renew their Washington driver license or identification card from any location through Internet access. The online renewals are good for five years and can be done once every 10 years without having to visit a driver licensing office.

“The Department of Licensing is a leader among state agencies offering online services to citizens and businesses,” said Fred Stephens, DOL director. “I am very pleased we are now adding this important new service, making it faster and easier to renew one’s driver license or identification card.”

The redesigned Access Washington Web site also offers an array of information on health, public safety, jobs and unemployment benefits, resources on state agency information, education and learning programs, visiting and recreation links as well as business information on taxes and regulations.

The new design was based on extensive testing with users. Services identified as most important to citizens are front and center, and information is grouped into logical categories with easy, intuitive navigation.

“We asked our testers to use the site to find everything from laws to home schooling to emergency information,” McVicker said. “We believe the new site will help our citizens complete their tasks and find information online in record time.”

Examples of other services available online include (complete listing of online services is attached at end of news release):

· Paying child support – Thousands of parents and employers continue to use the Department of Social and Health Services Child Support Internet Payment System and make arrangements to pay by electronic funds transfer without the need to write a paper check. More than 90,000 payments are made each month electronically including employers that deduct child support from employees’ pay, totaling more than $15.5 million. As the number of electronic payments continues to grow, the number of paper checks the agency must manually process is reduced, dropping from an average of 180,000 checks per month in 2003 to an average of 170,000 checks per month in 2004.

· Filing business taxes – The Department of Revenue’s electronic tax filing system (ELF) is a very popular tool with businesses across the state. 70,000 businesses have registered to file electronically – that’s 22 percent of all businesses in the state. 400,000 returns have been filed electronically. Electronic filers paid $450 million in taxes in July of this year.

· Reserving a campsite – More and more people are going online to reserve campsites and other activities at state parks. At the end of 2003, nearly 40 percent of all Department of Parks and Recreation reservations were made online. As a result of this efficient reservation system, the state has been able to reduce the cost of campsite reservations by more than $330,000.

The governor also proclaimed October as Cyber Security Awareness Month as part a nationwide effort to raise awareness of Internet-based threats and the need to protect both home and business computers from cyber threats. Statistics show that approximately 91 percent of personal computers are infected with spyware programs that send information from PCs to unauthorized third parties.

“We must all incorporate cyber security into our daily lives,” Huden said. “Protecting ourselves against computer viruses, worms, hackers and identity thieves is as important as protecting our families, homes and property.”

Cyber security is identified as one of the top priorities in the Washington State Homeland Security Strategic Plan. Citizens should confirm they have installed the latest cyber protection software and hardware on their personal computers, and make sure the software automatically scans for the newest threats every time the computer is turned on.

# # #

Related links: www.access.wa.gov; www.governor.wa.gov; www.dis.wa.gov; www.dol.wa.gov; www.mil.wa.gov

Editor’s Note: A listing of online services available on Access Washington is attached.


State of Washington online services

Access WashingtonTM – Department of Information Services
Through one portal – Access WashingtonTM – citizens can quickly get to information and services from more than 130 state agencies, boards and commissions and more than 240 political subdivisions across the state. Access Washington, a pioneer in enterprise-wide state government Web portals since 1998, continues to grow, improve and mature. Recently, the portal was given a fresh new look after a usability study revealed opportunities to keep pace with users’ expectations and experiences. Access Washington also features state agency content in six foreign languages: Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Cambodian. With the launch of these pages, non-English reading citizens have quick access to state information available on the Internet, such as voter registration information and worker rights.

The URL for this service is: http://access.wa.gov/.
Media contact: Nancy Jackson, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Information Services, 360-902-3553 or 360-280-7526; e-mail [email protected]

Online Drivers’ License Renewal – Department of Licensing
The Department of Licensing will offer driver license and identification card renewals via the Internet, beginning November 1, 2004, for qualified customers. About 50,000 persons are expected to be eligible for online renewal in any particular month, so about 12-13,000 are expected to renew online monthly. The Driver License/ID Card online renewal service allows eligible customers to renew their Washington driver license or identification card from any location with Internet access without having to visit a driver licensing office.

The new driver license or identification card will contain the photo and signature captured at the last in-person visit. The existing photo and signature are used to create a document identical to one issued at a driver licensing office. Since introducing online transactions for DOL’s Business and Professions Division in December 2000, customers have completed nearly two million transactions on the DOL Web site without security problems. This includes close to one million customers purchasing vehicle tabs online since 2001.

The URL for this service is: Service and URL available November 1, 2004: www.licensemeonline.dol.wa.gov/
Media contact: Gigi Zenk, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Licensing, 360-902-3611; e-mail [email protected]


Online Master Business License — Department of Licensing
In December 2000, Washington became the first state in the nation to allow individuals to apply online for their business licenses and take care of all state licensing obligations using credit card payments over the Internet. Almost every new business needs a Master Business License, and the online service saves time and reduces trips to state offices. Residents in four cities can also take care of their local licensing needs with one application. And corporate renewals allow existing companies to quickly and easily renew all of their state licenses. Both applications have a total usage of about 105,000 transactions.

The URL for this service is: www.wa.gov/dol/forms/700028.htm#electronic.
Media contact: Gigi Zenk, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Licensing, 360-902-3611; e-mail [email protected]

AMBER Alert – Washington State Patrol
The AMBER Alert Plan is a voluntary, cooperative partnership between law-enforcement agencies and local radio and television broadcasters to broadcast an emergency bulletin to the public when a child has been abducted and it is believed that the child is in danger of serious bodily harm or death. Under the AMBER Alert Plan, area radio and television stations interrupt regular programming to broadcast information about the missing child using the Emergency Alert System, EAS, formerly known as the Emergency Broadcast System.

The URL for this service is: http://www.amberalert911.com/.
Media contact: Nelsa Brodie, Communications, Washington State Patrol, 360-570-3108;
e-mail [email protected]

Single Point of Access for License Renewal – Department of Licensing
The SOLAR System was developed to provide a single point of access for holders of state and local business and/or professional licenses to renew those licenses via the Internet. The system interacts with other licensing systems to streamline the way a firm or professional can do business in Washington State, including the Master License Service (MLS).

The URL for this service is: http://www.dol.wa.gov/bpd/solar/intermediate.htm.
Media contact: Gigi Zenk, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Licensing, 360-902-3611; e-mail [email protected]

Online Tabs – Department of Licensing
The Washington Department of Licensing allows residents to renew their license tabs online and pay for them with a credit card. It is a popular application – since its launch in 2001, more than 67,000 residents have taken advantage of the online application. It has been especially beneficial for military residents who have been deployed overseas. Many military personnel have renewed their tabs from the decks of battleships and aircraft carriers deployed to Iraq.

The URL for this service is: https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/tabs/Default.asp.
Media contact: Gigi Zenk, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Licensing, 360-902-3611; e-mail [email protected]


Digital Learning Commons – Governor’s Policy Office
The Digital Learning Commons (DLC), launched in 2002, is a non-profit organization established to improve access to educational opportunities and learning resources by providing high quality educational materials, online courses, and technology tools for Washington’s students and teachers. The DLC offers resources to students, teachers, and parents. Among its resources are college and career planning materials, instructional support tools, a digital resource library and more. The DLC currently reaches more than 25,000 high school students, educators, and parents.

The URL for this service is: http://depts11.u.washington.edu/lcommons/.
Media contact: Judy Hartmann, Communications, Office of Financial Management, 360-902-0368; e-mail [email protected]

Go2UI.com: Unemployment Insurance Claims – Department of Employment Security
Go2UI.com is Washington state’s online unemployment office. Since its implementation in May 2000, more than 326,000 new claims have been filed over the Internet. Approximately 11,000 unemployed workers are going online each month – that’s nearly 40 percent of all who file for benefits. In addition, many claimants typically file their weekly claim questionnaires over the Internet to obtain on-going benefits. Since the beginning of the calendar year, more than two million of these continued claims were filed online, saving the state and employers more than $145,000 in telephone toll charges.

The URL for this service is: go2ui.com.
Media contact: Michael Wilson, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Employment Security, 360-902-9317; e-mail [email protected]

Reporting Wages and Paying Taxes Online – Department of Employment Security
FastTax and its companion program E-Pay have dramatically changed the way thousands of businesses report their wages and pay their unemployment taxes. The result is a system that is more convenient, cost effective and accurate. As recently as 1999, the department manually processed hardcopy wage and tax information involving millions of keystrokes – each one an opportunity for error – and countless hours of overtime for staff. Today, employers can directly submit information through several electronic options and pay their taxes online. As a result, each quarter, 46,000 businesses now choose to file their tax and wage reports over the Internet. This shift saved the department and its business customers about of $154,000 in printing and postage costs alone in Fiscal Year 2002. And in just the past year, 5,000 employers in the state have started paying their unemployment insurance taxes online.

The URL for this service is: www.wa.gov/esd/uifasttax.
Media contact: Rosalund Jenkins, Office of Communications, Washington State Department of Employment Security. 360-902-9289; e-mail [email protected]


The Electronic Job Connection: WorkSource Partnership – Department of Employment Security
WorkSource’s electronic job connection has become the largest source of jobs and job seekers in Washington state. Businesses are able to quickly sort and scan 42,000 resumes for suitable candidates and each month job seekers use the site to send more than 100,000 applications to employers who have listed openings. Overall, the site and its numerous job-hunting features – including job counseling, resume development and other assistance – attract 350,000 users each month.

The URL for this service is: www.go2worksource.com.
Media contact: Bill Tarrow, Office of Communications, Washington State Department of Employment Security, 360-902-9376; e-mail [email protected]

Interactive Labor Market Analysis — Employment Security Department
Workforce Explorer is an interactive Web site that combines the ability to search for jobs online with powerful tools to help prospective employees learn what they need to train, analyze and land just the right job. Workforce Explorer is a one-stop shop for gathering information about careers while providing direct access to labor market data. The Labor Market and Economic Analysis branch of the Employment Security Department operates the site.

The URL for this service is: http://www.workforceexplorer.com/.
Media contact: Rosalund Jenkins, Office of Communications, Washington State Department of Employment Security, 360-902-9289; e-mail [email protected]

Electronic Filing for State Business Taxes — Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue’s electronic tax filing system (ELF) is a very popular tool with businesses across the state. 70,000 businesses have registered to file electronically -- that's 22 percent of all businesses in the state. 400,000 returns have been filed electronically. Electronic filers paid $450 million in taxes in July of this year.

The URL for this site is: http://www.dor.wa.gov or through Transact WashingtonTM at http://transact.wa.gov.
Media contact: Mike Gowrylow, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Revenue, 360-486-2113; e-mail [email protected]

ExpressFiling – Department of Labor and Industries
This Web page offers a convenient method for employers to file quarterly reports and pay industrial insurance premiums online. Employers also can report business changes.

The features of this system include:
Easy and convenient -- Online forms make it easy to prepare and update reports at the employer’s convenience. Automatic calculations save time and reduce errors. Employers can also report business changes online.
Option to pay electronically or by check -- Employers can pay with electronic funds transfer or paper check. Employers can also change payment methods whenever they want. If they pay online, they can set the payment date any time up to the due date. Checks will be processed when received, as in the past.
Control who views accounts and makes transactions -- Employers can delegate the level of authority they want others to have for specific accounts. Choices range from reviewing past reports to preparing reports to making payments.
Instant access to helpful information – Offers employers access rating information and past reports filed online, and experience factors for specific accounts. The site lets employers read laws and regulations and other information to help them file their reports.
24-hour customer support -- Anytime employers have questions they can click on Customer Support for answers to frequently asked questions or get online help. They can also e-mail or call one of L&I’s customer service representatives.
Security -- Secure Socket Layer (SSL) data encryption provides security for all employer information.

The URL for this service is: http://www.lni.wa.gov/expressfiling/.
Media contact: David Pratt, E-Commerce Business Manager, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 360-902-4205; e-mail [email protected]

Fraud Reporting – Department of Labor and Industries
Online fraud reporting offers anonymity to the person filing the report. The Department of Labor and Industries’ Fraud Reporting Web site lists several types of fraud and provides an online form for filing a report. Types of fraud included address the injured worker, the provider, the employer and the contractor.

The URL for this service is: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Main/Fraud.asp.
Media contact: Kim Contris, Communications, Department of Labor and Industries, 360-902-5417; e-mail [email protected]

Provider Credential Search Web Site – Department of Health
Visitors to the Department of Health’s Provider Credential Search Web site can obtain name, birth year, and license status information on health care providers, including any current restrictions or disciplinary actions. There have been more than 3.5 million provider lookup requests, and more than 42 million documents have been downloaded since January 1, 2004.

The URL for this service is: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/hpqa1/Application/Credential_Search/profile.asp. Information also is available by calling Health Professions Quality Assurance at 360-236-4700.
Media contact: Kate Lynch, Communications, 360-236-4072, [email protected]

Online Certificate Copies: Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce – Department of Health
For the past six years, Washingtonians have been ordering copies of birth and death certificates dating to 1907, and marriage and divorce certificates dating to 1968. Each month, residents access this service online and order nearly 1,500 copies of these vital records. This online application allows hospitals and birthing centers throughout the state to enter birth certificate data, making copies of certificates available to parents much sooner. The department is in the process of producing a similar system for death certificates.

The URL for this service is: http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/CHS/cert.htm. Information also is available by calling the Center for Health Statistics at 360-236-4300.
Media contact: Tim Church, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Health, 360-236-4077; e-mail [email protected]


Child Support Web Site – Department of Social & Health Services
Thousands of people continue to use the Department of Social and Health Services Child Support Internet Payment System and make arrangements to pay by electronic funds transfer without the need to write a paper check. More than 90,000 payments are made each month electronically, totaling more than $15.5 million. As the number of electronic payments continues to grow, the number of paper checks the agency must manually process is reduced; dropping from an average of 180,000 checks per month in 2003 to an average of 170,000 checks per month in 2004. Last year, DCS collected more than $630,000,000 in child support.

The URL for the Internet service is: www.childsupportpayment.dshs.wa.gov. Information also is available by calling the Division of Child Support at 1-800-468-7422.
Media contact: Dave Workman, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 360-902-7829 [email protected]

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Food Stamps – Department of Social & Health Services
The Basic Food Program helps low-income individuals and families obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their income with Basic Food benefits. The DSHS Web allows potential Basic Food Program participants to apply online for benefits. If the application is approved, the recipient receives a magnetic-strip card that allows them to access their benefits. The cards offer a safe, convenient and accountable method of distributing benefits without the use of paper stamps or coupons.

The URL for the Internet service is: https://wws2.wa.gov/dshs/onlinecso/Food_Assistance_Program.asp.
Media contact: Dave Workman, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 360-902-7829 [email protected]

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) for Welfare Payments – Department of Social & Health Services
Account cards, which can be applied for online, provide welfare recipients with a method for making purchases at retail point-of-sale debit machines for food purchases, or cash only or cash back with a purchase. The cards can also provide the ability to obtain cash benefits from cardholder accounts at participating automatic teller machines.

The URL for the Internet service is: https://wws2.wa.gov/dshs/onlinecso/ebt.asp.
Media contact: Dave Workman, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 360-902-7829; e-mail [email protected]

Early Childhood Education and Assistance – Community, Trade and Economic Development
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is a “whole-child,” comprehensive, family-focused preschool program designed to help low-income and at-risk children and their families succeed in school and life. Because many factors affect a child’s learning ability and development, ECEAP has four interactive components: education,
health, safety, nutrition, family support and parent involvement. The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development offers secure access for contractors to upload and download forms, provide data, and access documents and program information.

The URL for the Internet service is: http://cted.wa.gov/desktopdefault.aspx?TabId=83. Media contact: Michelle Zaherly, Communications, Community, Trade and Economic Development, 360-725-4019; e-mail [email protected]

Transact WashingtonTM – Department of Information Services
Transact WashingtonTM is an innovative, enterprise-wide authentication gateway to secure government services. Citizens and businesses can conveniently and securely logon to one Web site by using a single, electronic credential to conduct multiple business transactions with Washington state government. Citizens can choose from an online array of sophisticated, secure, high-value services. Medical providers, for example, can maintain and exchange sensitive medical records. Attorneys and caseworkers can share Workers Compensation Claims data. Individuals and businesses can file taxes, fulfill reporting requirements and much more. To date, 4,135 certificates have been issued. There are 33 applications in production and for October alone, there were 32,000 user sessions.

The URL for this service is: http://transact.wa.gov/.
Media contact: Nancy Jackson, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Information Services, 360-902-3553; e-mail [email protected]

Examples of applications on Transact Washington include:

Department of Labor and Industries
Most people who are injured on the job file insurance claims with the state Department of Labor and Industries. Now, doctors and attorneys working with injured workers can get information about their insurance claims online in real time. For example, attorneys for injured workers can go online to find out the status of a claim and if a client has been paid. This and five other related services for businesses handling worker’s compensation are available to authorized users in Transact Washington at http://transact.wa.gov.

Media contact: David Pratt, E-Commerce Business Manager, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, 360-902-4205; e-mail [email protected]

Department of Health
The Department of Health used Transact Washington to raise the bar on authentication requirements and provide protection for securing access to Health applications. Transact Washington strengthens options for encrypting and securing confidential health data transmissions and gives DOH and its partners cutting-edge technology to meet federal and state requirements for privacy and security.

Media Contact: Tim Church, Communications Director, Washington State Department Health, 360-236-4077; e-mail [email protected]


Ask George – Department of Information Services
The Ask George natural language search tool for the state’s Web portal Access Washington™, answers thousands of citizens’ questions each day. The search tool draws approximately 6,000 user queries each business day. Currently, the state leverages the search tool to scan approximately 300,000 state Web pages, all 39 counties and more than 200 city and town Web sites to answer citizens’ questions.

The URL for this service is: http://access.wa.gov//search/index.aspx.
Media contact: Nancy Jackson, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Information Services, 360-902-3553 or 360-280-7526; e-mail [email protected]

Find It! Washington – Washington State Library
Find It! Washington provides an easy and powerful way to obtain government information. Using the Washington State Library’s Government Information Locator Services (GILS), the Web site was upgraded to feature new search options and the ability to select a search to focus on just state, city or county information. System improvements include robust usage analysis reports, and collection analysis. From January through April 2002 there were 592,319 visits and 1,333,297 searches.

The URL for this service is: http://find-it.wa.gov/search.asp.
Media contact: Marlys Rudeen, Program Manager, Washington State Library, 360-704-7821, [email protected]

Legislative Information Tracking – Washington State Legislature
In the past, if you wanted to keep up-to-date on chamber floor activity, you had to be in the wings or gallery of the House and Senate chambers. Now, citizens can track what is happening to legislation on the floor without having to be in the chambers.

The URL for this service is: http://leg.wa.gov/house/default.htm.
Media contacts: Melinda McCrady, 360-786-7385; e-mail [email protected]; or Greg Lane, 360-786-7238; e-mail [email protected]

Basic Health – Health Care Authority
Basic Health (BH) is a state-sponsored program that provides affordable health care coverage to low-income Washington State residents. Monthly premiums are based on family size, income, age and health plan choice. The Web site offers downloadable forms and provides access to detailed information about each program. Members can also verify their health plan online.

The URL for this service is: http://www.basichealth.hca.wa.gov/.
Media contact: Dave Wasser, Communications, Health Care Authority, 360-923-2711; e-mail [email protected]

Unclaimed Property Inquiry – Department of Revenue
The Unclaimed Property Database is a consumer protection program provided by the Washington State Department of Revenue. It provides citizens with the online capability of finding money or other tangible assets that were turned over to the state. Examples include funds in bank accounts, utility deposits, inheritances, etc. These assets are turned over to the state for safe keeping by businesses and organizations throughout the United States when they are unable to locate the owner of the property. There is no charge to file a claim.

The URL for this service is: http://ucp.dor.wa.gov/default.asp.
Media contact: Mike Gowrylow, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Revenue, 360-486-2113; e-mail [email protected]

Prevailing Wage Database – Department of Labor and Industries
The Department of Labor and Industries provides a database that documents the hourly wage rate – by trade – for public works construction projects in local areas. The Web site includes downloadable information on the hourly wage, usual benefits and overtime paid to the majority of workers employed in the performance of public works construction projects.

The URL for this service is: http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/PrevailingWage/default.asp.
Media contact: Kim Contris, Communications, Department of Labor and Industries, 360-902-5417; e-mail [email protected]

Contractor Registration Inquiry – Department of Labor and Industries
On the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Web site, you can check if an individual, electrician or plumber is state-certified. Users may search a quarterly list of infractions issued to contractors and plumbers who are not compliant with state requirements, and verify that their chosen contactor is up-to-date on workers’ compensation premiums. And by filling out an online Contractor Tracking Request form, users may be notified if their contractor gets behind in paying premiums or if they become unregistered or unlicensed during the upcoming year.

The URL for this service is: http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/HireCon/default.asp.
Kim Contris, Communications, Department of Labor and Industries, 360-902-5417; e-mail [email protected]

Electrical Inspection Request System – Department of Labor and Industries
This system on the Labor and Industries’ Web site allows users to request inspections on existing electrical work permits. Downloadable forms include Electrical Work Permit Refund Request, Affidavit of Owner Occupancy, Electrical Inspection Witness Statement and more.

The URL for this service is: http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/HireCon/default.asp.
Kim Contris, Communications, Department of Labor and Industries, 360-902-5417; e-mail [email protected]

Self Insured Employer List – Department of Labor and Industries
Self-insurance is a unique program in which the employer provides any and all appropriate benefits to the injured worker. Citizens may download employer lists from the Web site. Labor and Industries oversees the provision of benefits to ensure compliance with its rules and regulations and reviews the financial strength of the self-insurer to ensure that workers' compensation obligations can be met.

The URL for this service is: http://www.lni.wa.gov/ClaimsInsurance/RatePremium/SelfInsurance/default.asphttp://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/PrevailingWage/default.asp.
Kim Contris, Communications, Department of Labor and Industries, 360-902-5417; e-mail [email protected]

SalmonScape – Department of Fish and Wildlife
SalmonScape, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s new, interactive, computer-mapping system, delivers the science that helps recovery planners identify and prioritize the restoration and protection activities that offer the greatest benefit to fish. The site also offers a significant environmental education tool for middle school and high school students.

The URL for this service is: http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/mapping
Media contact: Tim Waters, Communication Director, Department of Fish and Wildlife, 360-902-2262; e-mail [email protected]


Recreational Shellfish Web Site – Department of Health
Recreational shellfish harvesters can check online if a beach is approved and open for recreational harvest prior to going to the beach. The biotoxin Web site has this information available on the biotoxin bulletin, which lists biotoxin closures by county, and also has clickable maps with beach-specific information on both biotoxin and pollution closures, as well as links to Department of Ecology shoreline photos. The biotoxin alert page averages 40,000 hits each year. Recreational harvesters who don’t have access to the Internet can call a toll-free number for up-to-date information. The toll-free number received approximately 32,000 calls in the past year.

The URL for this service is: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/recshell.htm. A toll-free 24-hour biotoxin hotline for recreational shellfish harvesters is 1-800-562-5632.
Media contact: Tim Church, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Health, 360-236-4077; e-mail [email protected]

Ecology Loan-Tracking System – Department of Ecology
Department of Ecology is about to implement a new Web-based loan-tracking system that will make it easier to manage more than $300 million worth of loans issued by the department to local governments for environmental projects. This new system will eliminate double, triple and even quadruple data entry and provide up-to-the minute, online access to loan data to ensure loans are repaid on time.

Media contact: Sheryl Hutchison, Communications Director, Department of Ecology, 360-407-7004; e-mail [email protected]

Traveler Information – Department of Transportation
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Web site sees nearly 50 million page views served up every month. The site averages 1.6 million page views per day. In one peak month, the site registered 67 million page views. Customers visit the site to view camera images and traffic flows, check driving and weather conditions, and travel route information. Mountain pass information is very popular during the winter months. Research has shown that drivers get less frustrated if they understand the reason for delays, thus minimizing road rage. The site offers continuous improvements and in the future, there will be one-stop shopping for travel alerts and slowdowns, opportunities for personalization and e-mail alerts.

The URL for this service is: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic.
Media contact: Laura Merritt, Interactive Communications Manager, Department of Transportation, 360-705-7074; e-mail [email protected]


Ferry Schedules and Reservation Information – Department of Transportation
Passengers can access ferry schedules, rates and even make their ticket purchases online at the Department of Transportation’s Washington State Ferries Web site. Reservations to British Columbia are also available online. Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the United States, serving eight counties within Washington and the Province of British Columbia in Canada. The existing system has 10 routes and 20 terminals that are served by 29 vessels.

The URL for this service is: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/.
Media contact: Laura Merritt, Interactive Communications Manager, Department of Transportation, 360-705-7074; e-mail [email protected]

On-line Pilot Registration Program – Department of Transportation
WSDOT’s On-line Pilot Registration program began in January 2003 to improve customer service and streamline administrative processing. In addition, WSDOT found that the improved service increased the number of pilots, mechanics and aircraft owners who registered with WSDOT. Since the implementation of online registration, revenues have increased more than $100,000. Additionally, more than 4,000 aviators have subscribed to the Aviation News Service, which has improved communication between WSDOT Aviation and its customers. As an added service, WSDOT offers up-to-date aviation news to customers through the Aviation News Service.

The URL for this service is: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/default.htm.
Media contact: Linda Mullen, Communications Director, Department of Transportation, 360-705-7075; e-mail [email protected]

Aerial Photography Products and Services – Department of Transportation
The Washington State Department of Transportation Aerial Photography Section maintains and continuously expands its archives. More than one-half million high-resolution negatives are now available for printing, and many are downloadable from the Web site. The funding of this operation is on a 100% cost-recovery basis – operated entirely on revenues generated from the services provided. Copies of all Washington government photography are available to the public at cost.

The URL for this service is: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ppsc/aerial/default.htm.
Media contact: Laura Merritt, Interactive Communications Manager, Department of Transportation, 360-705-7074; e-mail [email protected]

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) – Community, Trade and Economic Development

The Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) houses information on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program on its Web site. LIHEAP is a federally funded block grant that provides money to help low income households make home heating more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter, and maintain a warm, safe, and healthy environment for households with young children, the elderly and the disabled. The site provides interactive maps users can click on to find programs in their county.

The URL for this service is: http://cted.wa.gov/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=106&tabindex=55.
Media contact: Michelle Zaherly, Communications, Community, Trade and Economic Development, 360-725-4019; e-mail [email protected]

Boarding Homes – Department of Social & Human Services
Users of this Web site can find updated information on boarding homes located throughout Washington. Sorting options for searching include the name of the facility as well as the facility’s license, phone number and other contact information.

The URL for this service is: http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/BHDir/BHDirectory.asp.
Media contact: Dave Workman, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 360-902-7829; e-mail [email protected]

Nursing Homes – Department of Social & Human Services
Nursing homes in Washington state can be located and their services compared. Find nursing facilities by name or geographic location. Survey reports are also available for review.

The URL for this service is: http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Resources/nh.htm.
Media contact: Dave Workman, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 360-902-7829; e-mail [email protected]

Washington State on-line government telephone directory – Department of Information Services
This comprehensive government telephone directory includes listings for state agencies, educational institutions and many other local government organizations. The content of the on-line directory is chosen, updated and maintained by each public organization participant. To locate a public organization or employee, the user selects the “view” and enters the search criteria.

The URL for this service is: http://dial.wa.gov/EmployeeDirectory/LocalFrames.asp.
Media contact: Nancy Jackson, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Information Services, 360-902-3553 or 360-280-7526; e-mail [email protected]

Department of Ecology Publications
Visitors to this site will discover many Ecology publications available in a wide variety of formats. The publications are either downloadable, available through the Department of Printing, ready for loan by the State Depository Library or accessible through Ecology’s Publication Distribution Office.

The URL for this service is: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs.shtm.
Media contact: Sheryl Hutchinson, Communications Director, Department of Ecology, 360-407-7004; e-mail [email protected]

Boat Moorage Online – Washington State Parks
Purchasing a boat moorage permit online is as simple as 1, 2, 3. People who want to moor their boats in state park waters can pay for a moorage permit with a credit card, then print the permit from their personal computer.

The URL for this service is http://www.parks.wa.gov/moorage/
Media contact: Virginia Painter, Communications Director, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, 360-902-8562; e-mail [email protected]

Survey Monuments Database – Washington State Department of Transportation
The Monument Database is a set of entities and attributes for individual geographic locations or "point." Each point has a location relative to all other points in the database as referenced to a coordinate grid. The relative location of the points as represented in the database correspond to the physical or determined locations of Survey Control Monumentation. Attribute values of each point may contain accuracy data, physical descriptions on the monuments, descriptions for retracement and recovery, horizontal and vertical reference datum's, dates of recovery, determination, origin or data values, and methods used for value determination.

The URL for this service is http://www.wwdot.wa.gov/monument/
Media contact: Laura Merritt, Interactive Communications Manager, Department of Transportation, 360-705-7074; e-mail [email protected]

Online publication orders and print templates – Washington State Department of Printing
The Department of Printing offers secure online shopping to give you fast, convenient access to services any time, any place. These applications give you the power to create and manage a wide variety of printing tasks in one central location, from any computer with Internet access. The General Store allows you to order from a catalog of thousands of finished items offered by Washington State agencies, including publications, videos, CDs and educational materials. PRTonline allows you to use design templates and an online catalog system to build custom-printed business cards, letterhead, and other documents. Then you can view a proof, place your order, and even track the status of your job.

The URL for this service is: http://www.prt.wa.gov/default.asp?p=shop
Media contact: Kelley Kellerman, Marketing, 360-570-5036; e-mail [email protected]

Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH) – Washington State Patrol
The Washington State Patrol Identification and Criminal History Section (WASIS), has established this web site as the official Internet source providing criminal history conviction records for the state of Washington. This database is comprised of records sent to WASIS by courts and criminal justice agencies throughout the state. This database includes conviction information, arrests less than one year old with dispositions pending, dependency proceedings, and information regarding registered sex and kidnap offenders. The WSP criminal history file also contains additional information such as arrest records, that is not open to the general public.

The URL for this service is: https://watch.wsp.wa.gov
Media contact: Nelsa Brodie, Communications, Washington State Patrol, 360-570-3108;
e-mail [email protected]

Applications for State Service – The Department of Personnel
Those interested in pursing a career in state service may now do so online. Applying for select jobs with Washington state using the new Internet application system is fast, convenient and easy. Job seekers create an “Applicant Profile” that they then use to fill out state job applications online.

The URL for this service is: http://hr.dop.wa.gov/statejobs/default.htm
Media contact: Kathleen White, Communications Director, Department of Personnel, 360-664-6222; e-mail KathleenW@dop

Foster Parent Training – Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
A video orientation to Foster Care in Washington State teaches foster care applicants about child welfare services and how they can make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. All applicants for foster home licensure must attend an orientation session in person or may view these videos and take a test. Applicants can print the test and present it to their foster home licensor. Following orientation, applicants must complete a 30-hour pre-service course, offered regularly in all regions of Washington State.

The URL for this service is: http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/ca/fosterparents/
Media contact: Dave Workman, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, 360-902-7829; e-mail [email protected]

Personalized Plates – The Department of Licensing
Personalized license plates for Washington state vehicles may now be ordered online. The Department of Licensing offers an inquiry screen where drivers may investigate the availability of a particular personal license. Choosing to display a personalized message on a license plate not only makes a statement, it provides funds to support management of the state's Wildlife Diversity Program. $30 from the sale and $20 from the renewal of each personalized plate supports this worthwhile work.

The URL for this service is: http://www.dol.wa.gov/vs/tr-pers.htm
Media contact: Gigi Zenk, Communications Director, Washington State Department of Licensing, 360-902-3611; e-mail [email protected]




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