SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6118

                            AS OF JANUARY 22, 1992

Brief Description:  Concerning the enhancement of fish passageways.

SPONSORS: Senators Metcalf, Owen, Oke, Snyder, Sutherland and Conner

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Vic Moon (786‑7469)

Hearing Dates: January 28, 1992

BACKGROUND:

Improperly maintained or poorly installed culverts under roads can limit or completely deny fish passage.  Some counties maintain fish culverts and construct them in a manner to allow continuous fish passage.  However, there are some problems in western Washington.

SUMMARY:

In the construction and maintenance of road culverts, counties, cities and the state will have authority to enter upon adjoining lands regardless of ownership to accommodate the construction of fish passages.  State and local government must provide fish passage for all culverts.  Fish passage must be sustained as a top priority of road maintenance and counties that provide for fish passage are not liable for flood damage caused by the passage.  Monies from the highway construction stabilization account may be used for the construction of fish passages that are adjacent to or through culverts.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 22, 1992