"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Although research about conditions in Puget Sound have been studied during the past several decades, the legislature finds that there is no coordinated, focused, comprehensive Puget Sound science program capable of setting research priorities for Puget Sound science. The legislature finds that environmental problems in Puget Sound are complex and that research is needed to provide information that can guide protective and restorative actions, and to explore and understand the impacts of a changing environment. The legislature also finds that there is no predictable funding process for Puget Sound research projects, including the aquatic rehabilitation zone one. The legislature declares that the state needs a process to focus the scientific effort on the Puget Sound ecosystem and to distribute research funds.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 90.71 RCW to read as follows:
     The Puget Sound leadership council created pursuant to chapter . . ., Laws of 2007 (House Bill No. 1374 or Senate Bill No. 5374) shall:
     (1) Work with the science panel to identify gaps in scientific research related to restoring Puget Sound, including the aquatic rehabilitation zone one created in RCW 90.88.010;
     (2) Develop a competitive process for soliciting research addressing those gaps;
     (3) Solicit and strategically prioritize research programs and projects in accordance with recommendations from the science panel;
     (4) Select and fund the highest priority research programs and projects; and
     (5) Develop and implement an appropriate peer review process to review results from such programs and projects.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 90.71 RCW to read as follows:
     The Puget Sound scientific research account is created in the state treasury. All gifts, grants, federal moneys, or appropriations made to the account must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for research programs and projects selected pursuant to section 2 of this act."