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ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1389
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State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1991 Regular Session
By House Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Fraser, Winsley, Rust and Belcher).
Read first time February 22, 1991.
AN ACT Relating to aquatic plants; adding new sections to chapter 43.21A RCW; adding a new section to chapter 46.16 RCW; creating a new section; making an appropriation; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature hereby finds that Eurasian water milfoil and other freshwater aquatic weeds can adversely affect fish populations, reduce habitat for desirable plant and wildlife species, and decrease public recreational opportunities. The legislature further finds that the spread of freshwater aquatic weeds is a state-wide problem and requires a coordinated response among state agencies, local governments, and the public. It is therefore the intent of the legislature to establish a funding source to reduce the propagation of Eurasian water milfoil and other freshwater aquatic weeds and to manage the problems created by such freshwater aquatic plants.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.21A RCW to read as follows:
The freshwater aquatic weeds account is hereby created in the state treasury. Expenditures from this account may only be used as provided in section 4 of this act. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 46.16 RCW to read as follows:
In addition to any other fee required under this chapter, boat trailers shall annually pay a fee of three dollars. The proceeds of this fee shall be deposited in the freshwater aquatic weeds account under section 2 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 43.21A RCW to read as follows:
Funds in the freshwater aquatic weeds account may be appropriated to the department of ecology to develop a freshwater aquatic weeds management program to:
(1) Issue grants to cities, counties, and state agencies to prevent, remove, reduce, or manage excessive freshwater aquatic weeds. Such grants shall only be issued for lakes, rivers, or streams with a public boat access. The department shall give preference to projects having matching funds or in-kind services;
(2) Develop public education programs relating to preventing the propagation and spread of freshwater aquatic weeds;
(3) Provide technical assistance to local governments and citizen groups; and
(4) Fund demonstration or pilot projects consistent with the purposes of this section.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1993, from the freshwater aquatic weeds account to the department of ecology for the purposes of section 4 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately, except section 3 of this act shall be effective for vehicle registrations that expire August 31, 1992, and thereafter.