WSDOT works to create reader-friendly environmental documents to help the public and decision-makers understand the effects and benefits of our work. Governor Gregoire's Plain Talk Executive Order directs state agencies to use simple and clear language when communicating with citizens.

The Reader-Friendly folio (pdf 310 kb) gives a quick overview of WSDOT's Reader-Friendly approach.

The Reader-Friendly Document Tool Kit (pdf 1.3 mb) and appendices (pdf 2.7 mb) provide specific guidance for writing WSDOT environmental documents. 

Example WSDOT Reader-Friendly Environmental Documents  

• I-90 Executive Summary (pdf 1.5 mb)
• Environmental Assessment: I-5/SR 502 Interchange Project
• Environmental Assessment: I-405 Kirkland Nickel Project
• SR 520 to Medina SDEIS
• US 12 Executive Summary Phase 6 (pdf 1.14 mb)

Additional Resources

• The WSDOT Communications Manual provides specific background to WSDOT staff and contractors for written documents, web pages, graphics and media relations.  You can obtain a copy from our Communications Office, if you do not have access to our intranet.
• Improving the Quality of Environmental Documents --AASHTO/ACEC 2006 report
• FHWA 2006 memo supporting the AASHTO/ACEC report.
• Federal Plain language website provides a wide variety of techniques