(1) The department must complete an evaluation and assessment of vessel traffic management and vessel traffic safety within and near the mouth of the Columbia river. A draft evaluation and assessment must be completed and submitted to the legislature consistent with RCW 43.01.036 by December 15, 2017. A final evaluation and assessment must be completed by June 30, 2018. In conducting this evaluation, the department must consult with the United States coast guard, the Oregon board of maritime pilots, Columbia river harbor safety committee, the Columbia river bar pilots, the Columbia river pilots, area tribes, public ports in Oregon and Washington, local governments, and other appropriate entities.

(2) The evaluation and assessment completed under subsection (1) of this section must include, but is not limited to, an assessment and evaluation of: (a) The need for tug escorts for oil tankers, articulated tug barges, and other towed waterborne vessels or barges; (b) best achievable protection; and (c) required tug capabilities to ensure safe escort of vessels on the waters that are the subject of focus for each water body evaluated under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The assessment and evaluations submitted to the legislature under subsection (1) of this section must include recommendations for vessel traffic management and vessel traffic safety on the Columbia river, including recommendations for tug escort requirements for vessels transporting oil as bulk cargo.

(4) All requirements in this section are subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for the specific purposes described.

(5) This section expires June 30, 2019.

[2015 c 274 § 11.]

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