HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2047

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                  Natural Resources & Parks

Title:  An act relating to a Washington coastal resources center.

Brief Description:  Creating the Washington coastal resources program.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Basich, Hargrove, Riley, Jacobsen, Morris, Sheldon, Wood, P. Johnson and Jones.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Natural Resources & Parks, March 4, 1991, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Majority Report: That Substitute House Bill No. 2047 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Belcher, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Beck, Ranking Minority Member; Brumsickle, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dellwo; Fraser; Hargrove; Morton; Sheldon; and Wynne.

Staff:  Marilee Scarbrough (786-7196).

Background:  The Olympic Peninsula and the adjacent southwest Washington coastal region are three quarters surrounded by marine waters, including four of the five major estuaries on the west coast.  The Washington Sea Grant Program has completed research, outreach and education on the Olympic peninsula and coastal Washington marine resources.  The research assists the region in economic development and environmental management.  

Coastal resource information is useful for resolving such issues as allocation of resources, erosion control, offshore oil and gas development, and water quality.  In the 1990's quality coastal resource information will be essential for resolving multiple use conflicts for example, the relationship between water quality and shellfish production or between the environment and tourism.

Currently, facilities for marine, nearshore, and estuarine research are modest, both statewide and particularly in the Olympic Peninsula and southwest Washington.  State research and educational institutions and state and federal agencies have research programs that work in these areas but that lack adequate facility support.  As a result, field programs are constrained.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Olympic Natural Resources Center of the University of Washington will conduct a study to:  (1) identify at risk coastal resources in SW Washington and on the Olympic Peninsula; (2) identify opportunities for research and education to maintain or improve at risk resources; and (3) determine the types of facilities needed to maintain or improve the at risk resources. 

In conducting the study the center will: (1) consult with existing coastal resources-related programs, including Grays Harbor Community College and Peninsula Community College; (2) seek public input from coastal communities; and (3) consult with state and federal agencies.

The report will be submitted to the Legislature and the governor by September 1, 1992.  The sum of $30,000 is appropriated to the University of Washington to conduct the study.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute requires a study to be conducted by the Ocean Resources Program at the University of Washington Olympic Natural Resources Center.  Original HB 2047 created a program at Grays Harbor College which was to be jointly administered by the University of Washington Sea Grant Program and the Grays Harbor College.

The study will be conducted under the direction of the Olympic Natural Resources Center policy board.  Original HB 2047 created an advisory committee to assist the Coastal Resources Program in setting priorities.

A total of $30,000 is appropriated to the University of Washington.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 21, 1991.

Appropriation:  Yes.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The legislation will provide funds to identify problems and seek out solutions.  Development of this type of program could be a focal point for economic development.  The legislation will allow the University of Washington Sea Grant Program to facilitate a program on the Washington coast. The program will also increase public awareness of the problems facing the harbor.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Louie Echols, Director University of Washington Sea Grant Program (in favor); Don Samuelson, Grays Harbor College (in favor); and Justin Hughes, Student, Grays Harbor College (in favor).