(1) At the request of the local government of the city or county in which a secure community transition facility is initially sited after January 1, 2002, the department shall enter into a long-term contract memorializing the agreements between the state and the city or county for the operation of the facility. This contract shall be separate from any contract regarding mitigation due to the facility. The contract shall include a clause that states:

(a) The contract does not obligate the state to continue operating any aspect of the civil commitment program under this chapter;

(b) The operation of any secure community transition facility is contingent upon sufficient appropriation by the legislature. If sufficient funds are not appropriated, the department is not obligated to operate the secure community transition facility and may close it; and

(c) This contract does not obligate the city or county to operate a secure community transition facility.

(2) Any city or county may, at their option, contract with the department to operate a secure community transition facility.

Purpose—Severability—Effective date—2002 c 68: See notes following RCW 36.70A.200.