FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 2136

                         C 190 L 96

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing freshwater aquatic weeds account moneys to be used for hydrilla eradication.

Sponsors:  Representatives Chandler, Chappell, Horn, Rust, Mastin, Dickerson, Honeyford, Robertson, Smith and Murray; by request of Department of Ecology.

House Committee on Agriculture & Ecology

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

Background: The State Noxious Weed Control Board is required to adopt a state noxious weed list at least once a year.  The list of noxious weeds is divided into three classes: A, B, and C.  The class A list consists of those noxious weeds that are not native to the state that are of limited distribution or are unrecorded, and that pose a serious threat to the state.

The State Noxious Weed Control Board is proposing to add hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) to the class A list.  Hydrilla is an aquatic weed that can form dense canopies.  These canopies often shade out native vegetation, decrease oxygen in the water, raise the pH of the water, and increase the temperature of the water.  Hydrilla can adversely affect fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, power generation, and irrigation.  Hydrilla has been located in one lake system in Washington.

Moneys contained in the freshwater aquatic weeds account may be appropriated to the Department of Ecology to develop a freshwater aquatic weeds management program to (1) issue grants to cities, counties, and state agencies to prevent, remove, reduce, or manage excessive freshwater aquatic weeds; (2) develop public education programs relating to preventing the propagation and spread of freshwater aquatic weeds; (3) provide technical assistance to local governments and citizen groups; and (4) fund demonstration or pilot programs pertaining to management of freshwater aquatic weeds. 

The grants to cities, counties, and state agencies may be used only in lakes, rivers, and streams with a public boat-launching ramp. There is no authority to use funds in this account for hydrilla eradication in state waters without a public boat-launching ramp.

Summary:  Funds in the freshwater aquatic weeds account may be appropriated to the Department of Ecology to fund hydrilla eradication activities in waters of the state.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     95 0

Senate    48 0

Effective:  June 6, 1996