FINAL BILL REPORT

                  ESSB 5290

                          C 251 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing the freshwater aquatic weeds management program by clarifying funding and creating an advisory committee.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Environmental Quality & Water Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Fraser, Swecker, Winsley, Fairley, Franklin, Morton, Prentice, Spanel, Jacobsen, Honeyford, Oke and Rasmussen).

Senate Committee on Environment Quality & Water Resources

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  The freshwater aquatic weeds account created in 1991 is funded by a $3 annual licensing surcharge on boat trailers.  The purposes of the account are to:  (1) provide grants to state agencies and local governments to control aquatic weeds in waters with a public boat launch; (2) develop a public education program related to the prevention of the propagation of aquatic weeds; (3) provide technical assistance to local governments and citizen groups; (4) fund pilot projects; and (5) conduct hydrilla eradication activities.  Revenues generated to date total approximately $4.9 million.

Summary:  The Department of Ecology must allocate the freshwater aquatic weeds account as follows:

(1)No less than two-thirds of the funds must be issued as grants to state agencies, local governments, tribes and special purpose districts to prevent or control freshwater aquatic weeds, conduct pilot projects and hydrilla eradication activities.  All grants are to fund weed control activities in waters with public boat launch facilities, except hydrilla eradication activities and to control weeds in waters designated as fly fishing-only by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

(2)No more than one-third of the funds must be allocated for public education programs and technical assistance to local governments and citizens groups.

The department must appoint an advisory committee to oversee the freshwater aquatic weeds management program.  The committee must include representatives of the following groups: recreational boaters; residents adjacent to lakes, rivers, or streams with public boat launch facilities; local governments; scientific specialists; aquatic pesticide applicators; and pesticide registrants.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 48 0

House     94 0 (House amended)

Senate    46 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999