State lands may be leased to the United States for national defense purposes at the fair rental value thereof as determined by the department, for a period of five years or less. Such leases may be made without competitive bidding at public auction and without payment in advance by the United States government of the first year's rental. Such leases otherwise shall be negotiated and arranged in the same manner as other leases of state lands.

Intent—2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.