Subject of Possible Rule Making: To repeal WAC 16-328-010 Strawberry plant certification fees effective June 30, 2001 and amend WAC 16-328-011 Strawberry plant certification fees effective July 1, 2001, to increase strawberry plant certification and inspection fees by the fiscal growth factors for fiscal year 2003 (3.29%) and fiscal year 2004 (3.2%).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapters 15.14 and 34.05 RCW.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Current strawberry plant certification and inspection fee income is not adequate to cover costs of these activities.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Washington State Department of Agriculture representatives will discuss proposed fee increases with affected stakeholders and comply with the filing, publication and public hearing requirements of chapter 34.05 RCW. Affected stakeholders will have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposal during the public comment period and present oral testimony at the public hearing.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail mtoohey@agr.wa.gov; or Tom Wessels, Plant Services Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1984, fax (360) 902-2094, e-mail twessels@agr.wa.gov.

January 22, 2003

Mary A. Martin Toohey

Assistant Director

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