SB 5517-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that the commission shall consist of two divisions, an eastern division and a western division.

     Directs the commission to establish state-wide policy and guidelines regarding water resource and water quality management consistent with statutory law.

     Designates the responsibilities of the state water administrator.

     Specifies the duties and powers of division engineers in their respective territories.

     Provides for regional water resource groups.

     Requires county participation and public hearings in regional planning approvals.

     Requires regional plans to be consistent with the growth management act.

     Provides for the governor to seek cooperation with the federal government on endangered species act matters.

     Authorizes the conservation commission to receive planning monies to assist in developing habitat conservation plans on private lands.

     Makes internal reference corrections to transfer the authority of the department of ecology to the new commission.

     Repeals 43.21A.064.