The State Wins the Shoreline: Millions in Lake Washington Land Confirmed
A United States Supreme Court ruling upholding Washington's title to its lake beds enriches the treasury by millions and clears the last cloud over the Lake Washington ship canal.
The Washington state land office regards its victory in the United States supreme court, which sustained the state's title to lake shore land, as of great importance. The issue was raised when sales were made around Lake Washington to raise money for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. As a result of this finding the state treasury will be enriched by several millions of dollars. It also clears up a point that has clouded the proceedings in connection with the Lake Washington ship canal, now in course of construction. By another decision the same court held that the Sylvester tract in Olympia, and on which the executive mansion now stands, belongs to the state.
“As a result of this finding the state treasury will be enriched by several millions of dollars.”
Washington's claim to the ground beneath its lakes and tidewaters — affirmed here — is the legal foundation for every modern fight over shoreline access, houseboat rents and dredging permits on Lake Union and Lake Washington. Substitute a ship canal for a light-rail crossing or a private dock and the argument is unchanged: who owns the water's edge, and who gets paid when it is used.
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