WSR 19-19-078

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

RECREATION AND CONSERVATION

OFFICE

[Filed September 17, 2019, 1:02 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Title 420 WAC, adding new sections to clarify the local process framework intended by the Salmon Recovery Act (chapter 77.85 RCW). These are technical amendments that should not affect the existing process. New sections are added to capture the roles and responsibilities of lead entities, regional recovery organizations, and the governor's salmon recovery office. There are also two new definitions, as well as definition changes to provide technical clarity.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Salmon Recovery Act, chapter 77.85 RCW.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: A 2018 salmon recovery lean study recommended this agency rule update to provide role clarification and standardize the process. The lean study was directed by the Washington state legislature to improve project development and prioritization process used by the salmon recovery funding board.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Federal agencies including the United States Fish and Wildlife Services and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have been notified of this possible rule making. The Washington department of fish and wildlife has been notified as well as tribal and local governments.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Katie Pruit, 1111 Washington Street S.E., phone 360-725-5452, fax 360-902-3026, email Katie.pruit@rco.wa.gov, web site https://www.rco.wa.gov/about/Rulemaking.shtml.

Additional comments: A public hearing is anticipated at the December 12-13, 2019, salmon recovery funding board meeting in Olympia, Washington.

September 17, 2019

Katie Pruit

Planning and Policy Analyst

Rules Coordinator