Request Public Records
The Public Records Act (PRA) requires that all public records maintained by state and local agencies be made available to all members of the public, with very narrow statutory exemptions.
State and local government agencies are required by chapter 40.14 RCW to retain records for different lengths of time depending on the content, function, and purpose of the record.
Please note, this form is a request for records pertaining to the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority (FWPDA), which was created in 2014. The FWPDA does not maintain any military records related to past service at Fort Worden.
Public Records Request
- What records are public?
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A public record is defined in RCW 42.56.010(3) as any writing that is prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local government agency, and which contains information that relates to the conduct of government, or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function.
The term “writing” is broadly defined to include not only traditional written records, but also photos, maps, videos, voicemails, webpage and social media content, emails, text messages and tweets (RCW 42.56.010(4)).
- How do I request public records?
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Please fill out the form on this page. Once submitted, you will receive a response within 5 days with next steps.
- Can I review records in person?
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Yes, you can. Our office hours are 9-5pm M-F.
- Where can I find records related to military service at Fort Worden?
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The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs maintains military personnel records and is a great place to start your search. Check out their website here. Recent military service and medical records are not available online; the National Archives has additional information on their website here.