H-2109              _______________________________________________

 

                                           SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 840

                        _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

 

By Select Committee on the Clean-up and Management of Puget Sound (originally sponsored by Representatives Haugen and Jacobsen)

 

 

Read first time 3/4/85 and referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

 

 


AN ACT Relating to natural areas; adding a new section to chapter 90.58 RCW; and making an appropriation.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 90.58 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) In order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, the department is authorized to acquire and protect scientifically identified and relatively undisturbed wetlands including contiguous areas which provide ecological functions that serve to protect water quality in Puget Sound, and which may also provide refuge and propagation of wildlife, collection of scientific information, and public education.

          (2) The department shall prepare a plan and prioritize the properties to be acquired or protected.  The department shall hold public hearings prior to adoption of the plan.

          (3) In carrying out the purposes of this section, the department may cooperate or contract with any federal, state, or local government agency, private organizations, or individuals.

 

 

          NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.     The sum of two million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1987, from the general fund to the department of ecology for the purposes of this act.