SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5616

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

             Natural Resources, February 23, 1995

Title:  An act relating to watershed restoration projects.

Brief Description:  Establishing a single‑application process for watershed restoration projects.

Sponsors:  Senators Gaspard, Sellar, Haugen, Hochstatter, Drew, A. Anderson, Swecker, Newhouse, Deccio, Rasmussen, Winsley and Morton.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources:  2/16/95, 2/23/95 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5616 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Drew, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; A. Anderson, Morton, Oke, Owen, Snyder, Strannigan and Swecker.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  In 1994, the Legislature adopted a major watershed planning program and appropriated funds for watershed restoration projects. 

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Legislature declares that the goal of the state of Washington is to preserve and restore the natural resources of the state, in particular fish and wildlife, and to improve their habitat.  It is the intent of the Legislature to minimize the expense and delays caused by unnecessary bureaucratic processes in securing permits for projects that preserve or restore native fish and wildlife.

By January 1, 1996, the Washington  Conservation Commission must develop a single application process by which all permits for watershed restoration projects may be obtained by a sponsoring agency for a project developed by that agency.  Each agency designates an office or official as a designated recipient of project applications and informs the Conservation Commission of the designation.  All agencies of state and local government accept the single application developed by the commission.  Permits required for watershed restoration projects developed with a watershed restoration plan must be processed in an expedited manner.  Those permits and permit requirements include comprehensive planning by county planning commissions, permits for planning and zoning, the Growth Management Act, State Environmental Policy Act, the hydraulics code, the Shoreline Management Act, and the Water Quality Act.

$50,000 is appropriated to the Conservation Commission.  

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Indian tribes are allowed to use the process and additional expedited permits are included.

Appropriation:  $50,000.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  With existing funding, state agencies have agreed to set up an expedited permit process to save time and money.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Ted Bottiger, Conservation Districts; Ric Abbett, Trout Unlimited; R.O. Rosenberg, Counties; Kathy Minsch, Puget Sound Water Quality Authority.