SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1063
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. |
As of March 18, 2009
Title: An act relating to the termination date for a salmon and steelhead recovery program.
Brief Description: Removing the termination date for the salmon and steelhead recovery program under RCW 77.85.200.
Sponsors: Representatives Takko, Simpson and Moeller.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/09, 70-25.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 3/18/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION |
Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)
Background: The Legislature has established a program for salmon and steelhead recovery in the Southwest Washington Counties of Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum. A management board, known as the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board (LCFRB), oversees the program. The LCFRB consists of 15 voting members, including representatives of the county commissioners, cities, tribes, the Legislature, private property interests, hydroelectric utilities, and the environmental community. The LCFRB must maintain and consult a technical advisory committee which includes the Departments of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, Transportation, and Natural Resources. The LCFRB exercises planning and coordination functions, and its authority does not preempt local government authority.
The LCFRB is the regional recovery organization responsible for salmon and steelhead recovery plan development and implementation within the Lower Columbia evolutionary significant unit. In doing so, the LCFRB must work with the federal government, state agencies, and tribal and local governments. The LCFRB submitted the Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan to the federal government in 2004, and the plan was approved in 2006.
The LCFRB serves as a salmon recovery lead entity, responsible for soliciting, developing, prioritizing, and submitting habitat protection and restoration projects for funding to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board. Additionally, the LCFRB is the lead agency for purposes of watershed planning for four Water Resource Inventory Areas.
The statutory authority for the LCFRB expires on July 1, 2010.
Summary of Bill: The expiration date for the LCFRB is terminated, making it permanent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The LCFRB was the first salmon recovery organization created, and was designated as a pilot for that reason. Since then, the state has developed a framework for ongoing recovery organizations to address plan implementation. The LCFRB has developed a cooperative approach for salmon recovery planning habitat improvement and has accomplished much since its inception. There is still more work to be done.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Takko, prime sponsor; Jeff Breckel, LCFRB.