H-1293

AN ACT Relating to providing grants for urban and community forestry projects; amending RCW 76.15.005, 76.15.007, and 76.15.020; adding new sections to chapter 76.15 RCW; and making appropriations.

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

Sec. 1. RCW 76.15.005 and 1991 c 179 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The legislature finds and declares that:

(1) The evergreen state has suffered a significant loss of tree cover and vegetation in urban and suburban communities over the last twenty years, and the impact of this tree loss has been costly. Reports indicate that the high tree canopy coverage from Olympia to Everett has declined by thirty-seven percent since 1972. The loss of the tree cover has resulted in significant expenditures for man-made infrastructures to deal with storm water runoff, air pollution, and energy needs.

(2) Trees and other woody vegetation are a necessary and important part of community and urban environments. Community and urban forests have many values and uses including conserving energy, reducing air and water pollution and soil erosion, contributing to property values, attracting business, reducing glare and noise, providing aesthetic and historical values, providing wood products, providing habitat critical to the preservation of endangered and threatened species including salmon, and affording comfort and protection for humans and wildlife.

((~~(2)~~)) (3) As urban and community areas in Washington state grow, the need to plan for and protect community and urban forests increases. Cities and communities benefit from assistance in developing and maintaining community and urban forestry programs that also address future growth.

((~~(3)~~)) (4) Assistance and encouragement in establishment, retention, and enhancement of these forests and trees by local governments, citizens, organizations, and professionals are in the interest of the state based on the contributions these forests make in preserving and enhancing the quality of life of Washington's municipalities and counties while providing opportunities for economic development.

(5) Trees help protect and enhance residential and business property values. Studies have shown that trees are good for business because consumers prefer to shop in business districts with healthy urban forest landscaping.

Sec. 2. RCW 76.15.007 and 1991 c 179 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:

The purpose of this chapter is to:

(1) Encourage planting and maintenance and management of trees in the state's municipalities and counties and maximize the potential of tree and vegetative cover in improving the quality of the environment.

(2) Encourage the coordination of state and local agency activities and maximize citizen participation in the development and implementation of community and urban forestry-related programs.

(3) Foster healthy economic activity for the state's community and urban forestry-related businesses through cooperative and supportive contracts with the private business sector.

(4) Facilitate the creation of employment opportunities related to community and urban forestry activities including opportunities for inner city youth to learn teamwork, resource conservation, environmental appreciation, and job skills.

(5) Provide meaningful voluntary opportunities for the state's citizens and organizations interested in community and urban forestry activities.

(6) Provide funding for local governmental and nongovernmental organizations for the facilitation of urban and community forestry programs through the grant program established in section 5 of this act.

Sec. 3. RCW 76.15.020 and 1991 c 179 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department ((~~may~~)) shall, subject to available funding, establish and maintain a program in community and urban forestry to accomplish the purpose stated in RCW 76.15.007. The department ((~~may~~)) shall, subject to available funding, assist municipalities and counties in establishing and maintaining community and urban forestry programs and encourage persons to engage in appropriate and improved tree management and care.

(2) The department ((~~may~~)) shall, subject to available funding, advise, encourage, and assist municipalities, counties, and other public and private entities in the development and coordination of policies, programs, and activities for the promotion of community and urban forestry.

(3) The department ((~~may~~)) shall, subject to available funding, appoint a committee or council to advise the department in establishing and carrying out a program in community and urban forestry. For the purpose of building partnerships throughout the state, the committee or council may take any actions necessary to qualify as a nonprofit corporation under the United States internal revenue service code.

(4) The department may assist municipal and county tree maintenance programs by making surplus equipment available on loan where feasible for community and urban forestry programs and cooperative projects.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. A new section is added to chapter 76.15 RCW to read as follows:

The committee or council shall have the following duties:

(1) To perform any task necessary to secure for this state the benefits of federal urban forestry programs;

(2) To review and make decisions on applications for grant moneys according to the criteria established in section 5 of this act;

(3) To advise and make recommendations to the commissioner of public lands regarding urban and community forestry issues;

(4) To provide public education and advocacy for community and urban forestry issues;

(5) To provide leadership and direction to state-wide urban forestry efforts;

(6) To develop and maintain a clearinghouse of information related to urban and community forestry issues; and

(7) To advise the legislature and the residents of the state on the best ways to preserve, protect, and improve the urban and community forests of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. A new section is added to chapter 76.15 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The department of natural resources shall, subject to available funding, provide grants to local urban and community forestry projects. To receive a grant, a project must be proposed and managed by municipal, county, or state governments, or by legally organized nonprofit organizations, and meet the criteria established in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The department shall distribute grant moneys to projects that:

(a) Encourage community and urban forests through the establishment and maintenance of trees;

(b) Assist in implementing regional and local land use planning projects related to urban forestry;

(d) Retain native trees and riparian habitats; and

(e) Address any other matter related to the purposes of this act as stated in RCW 76.15.007.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. (1) The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, from the general fund to the department of natural resources for the purposes of section 5 of this act.

(2) The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2001, from the general fund to the department of natural resources for the purposes of section 5 of this act.