SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   HJM 4034

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 27, 1992

Brief Description:  Seeking federal funds for operations and improvements for Mitchell act hatchery facilities.

SPONSORS: Representatives R. King, Basich and Orr

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Conner, Owen, Snyder, and Sumner.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Hearing Dates: February 27, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Fisheries operates 41 salmon hatcheries in the state.  The Mitchell Act was passed by Congress to compensate for the progressive decline of Columbia River Basin salmonid resources due to destruction of favorable environmental conditions by hydropower development.  The operation of Mitchell Act hatcheries is contingent on an annual congressional appropriation.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature prays that the President and Congress appropriate sufficient funds during the upcoming session to adequately fund operations and capital improvements for Mitchell Act facilities from which hatchery salmon do not negatively impact wild salmon stocks in the states of Washington and Oregon.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Reference to interaction between hatchery salmon and wild salmon is removed from the memorial.

TESTIMONY FOR:

Funding for Mitchell Act fish hatcheries is necessary in order to fulfill the obligation of the federal government to mitigate for fish losses due to federal hydroelectric dams.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Richard King, prime sponsor