SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESB 5704

                       AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1991

Brief Description:  Ensuring that local governments have a flood control plan.

SPONSORS:Senators Owen and Metcalf.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Staff:  Gary Wilburn (786‑7453)

Hearing Dates:February 27, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Since 1935 the state has administered a flood control management program.  Prior to 1987 some 18 zones (each covering a river system) were established.  Within these zones, permits were required for constructing, reconstructing, or modifying any structures within the flood control zone.  In 1987 most elements of the state program were delegated by statute to local governments provided that minimum state requirements for flood plain management were satisfied.  The Department of Ecology reviews and approves all local flood plain management ordinances, and has the authority to assume administration of the program within any local jurisdiction in which the minimum state requirements are not satisfied.  The program is applicable statewide.

The delegation of the state program allows local governments to combine these requirements with those of the national flood insurance program (NFIP).  Participation in this program extends eligibility for federal flood insurance benefits as well as eligibility for certain federal flood disaster relief benefits to residents within the community.  To obtain these benefits, a local government must adopt a flood plain ordinance which meets the criteria established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  The state and federal programs are comparable in most respects, and most communities issue permits which encompass the requirements of both programs.

SUMMARY:

In any county or city in which a flood plain exists that has not adopted a flood management ordinance meeting the minimum requirements of the national flood insurance program, the Department of Ecology shall adopt by rule a flood plain management ordinance for that entity that meets the minimum federal requirements.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 22, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one