Award

Modernizing Permitting for the Protection of Washington Waters: The HPA Permitting System Transformation

Executive Summary

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is transforming how it delivers environmental permitting services through the HPA Permitting System Transformation. Hydraulic Project Approvals (HPAs) are critical to safeguarding Washington’s aquatic environments during construction activities. Yet, WDFW’s legacy system—the Aquatic Protection Permitting System (APPS)—was aging, unstable, and inaccessible, creating risks for regulatory compliance, public trust, and environmental protection.

This digital transformation replaced APPS with a modern, secure, and scalable platform built on Salesforce. The new system enhances the digital experience for Tribes, local governments, contractors, and state agencies seeking permits. It delivers on accessibility, responsiveness, and transparency while meeting state policy mandates.

WDFW didn’t just replace an old system, it reimagined the permitting lifecycle, offering new compliance tools, a streamlined interface, better data exports, and faster processing times. The result: a more resilient, user-friendly permitting experience that protects Washington’s waters and meets the digital expectations of today’s citizens and public servants.

Related Awards