HB 2844 - DIGEST
(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

Supports city efforts to conserve, protect, improve, and expand Washington's urban forest in order to reduce storm water pollution in Puget Sound, flooding, energy consumption and greenhouse gases emission, air pollution, and storm impacts to utility infrastructure.

Provides for development of uniform criteria for a statewide community and urban forest inventory and assessment.

Limits grants or other forms of financial aid to cities and towns that are in compliance with this act.

Requires the department to develop an evergreen cities recognition program whereby the department, the governor, and a statewide council representing urban and community forestry programs authorized under RCW 76.15.020 establish criteria for official state recognition and designation of evergreen cities.

Creates a grant program and a competitive award program to provide financial assistance to cities, towns, and counties for the development, adoption, and implementation of evergreen cities management plans or ordinances.

Requires certain cities, towns, and counties, to adopt an evergreen cities forest management plan and related ordinances.

Authorizes the attorney general or any resident of a city, town, or county to appeal to the appropriate growth management hearings board issues of local government compliance or noncompliance with evergreen cities management plan or ordinance adoptions.

Authorizes local governments to accept voluntary donations.