Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Capital Budget Committee

HB 3375

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Appropriating funds for catastrophic flood relief.

Sponsors: Representative Alexander.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Appropriates $50 million in state general obligation bonds to the Office of Financial Management (OFM), working with and through other state agencies, the Chehalis Basin Flood Control Authority, and other local governments, to participate in flood hazard mitigation projects for the Chehalis River basin.
  • Restricts the allotment of construction funds until an agreement between nonfederal project partners has been signed and submitted to the Governor and the Legislature delineating responsibility for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the projects.

Hearing Date: 2/21/08

Staff: Susan Howson (786-7142).

Background:

In December 2007 a series of storms caused flood damage in southwest Washington. On December 8, the President declared a major disaster in the counties of Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston. Federal funding assistance was made available following this declaration.

Summary of Bill:

The sum of $50 million is appropriated to the OFM, working with and through other state agencies, the Chehalis Basin Flood Control Authority, and other local governments, to participate in flood hazard mitigation projects for the Chehalis River basin.

Up to $2.5 million of the appropriation is for the Chehalis Basin Flood Control Authority or other authorized local government groups to develop or participate in the development of flood hazard mitigation measures throughout the basin.

The OFM is directed to participate as the non-federal sponsor of United States Army Corps of Engineers flood hazard mitigation projects for the Chehalis River basin area for projects that are mutually agreed to between the federal government, the OFM, and the Chehalis Basin Flood Control Authority, or other authorized local government group. The OFM must prepare the necessary agreements to ensure an active partnership with federal and state agencies, local governments, the Chehalis River Flood Control Authority, and others as needed.

Construction funds may not be allotted for flood hazard mitigation projects until a project agreement between non-federal project partners has been signed and submitted to the Governor and the Legislature delineating responsibility for the ongoing operations and maintenance of the projects. The agreement must also include a plan to meet applicable flood plain management requirements and to address any applicable federal requirements for managing the effect of future land use developments on the extent and severity of flooding.

Appropriation: The sum of $50 million is appropriated to the Office of Financial Management for flood hazard mitigation projects.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.