SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 6162

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 6, 1992

Brief Description:  Strengthening public input in the state's shoreline management policy.

SPONSORS: Senators Craswell, Conner, Metcalf, Oke, Barr and McCaslin

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

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

Minority Report:  Do not pass. 

      Signed by Senator Sutherland.

Staff:  Ats Kiuchi (786‑7708)

Hearing Dates: January 29, 1992; February 6, 1992

BACKGROUND:

The state Shoreline Management Act is a unique state-local management partnership to promote wise use and protection of the valuable and fragile resources along our rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

The local shoreline master programs direct the regulatory and management decisions and are developed by local government and approved by the state Department of Ecology. 

The state policy is to manage the shorelines by planning and fostering all reasonable and appropriate uses.  

SUMMARY:

Local government zoning ordinances are included in the implementation of the state's policy to manage shorelines.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Local government zoning ordinances are often ignored or bypassed by the state on issues involving the use of shorelines.  Permits or approvals are issued by state agencies despite opposition by local residents.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

The balance established on shorelines' use between local and state governments would be upset.  Local governments would be able to override statewide shoreline management policies.

TESTIFIED:  Senator Ellen Craswell, prime sponsor; Jeff Parsons, Audubon Society (con); Ann Morgan, Department of Natural Resources (con); Rod Mark, Department of Ecology (con)