6061-S.E AMH SCHK H3278.1

ESSB 6061 - H AMD TO H AMD (H-3147.6/97)645 ADOPTED 4-18-97

By Representative K. Schmidt

    On page 20, after line 11 of the amendment, insert the following:

    "(9) The motor vehicle fund--state appropriation in this section includes $150,000 to establish a wetland mitigation pilot project.  This appropriation may only be expended if the department of transportation establishes a technical committee to better implement the department's strategic plan.  The technical committee shall include, but is not limited to, cities, counties, environmental groups, business groups, tribes, the Puget Sound action team, and the state departments of ecology, fish and wildlife, and community, trade, and economic development, and appropriate federal agencies.  The committee shall assist the department in implementing its wetland strategic plan, including working to eliminate barriers to improved wetland and watershed management.  To this end, the technical committee shall:  (a) Work to facilitate sharing of agency environmental data, including evaluation of off-site and out-of-kind mitigation options; (b) develop agreed-upon guidance that will enable the preservation of wetlands that are under imminent threat from development for use as an acceptable mitigation option; (c) develop strategies that will facilitate the implementation of mitigation banking, including developing mechanisms for valuing and transferring credits; (d) provide input in the development of wetland functions assessment protocols related to transportation projects; (e) develop incentives for interagency participation in joint mitigation projects within watersheds; and (f) explore options for funding environmental mitigation strategies.  The department shall prepare an annual report to the legislative transportation committee and legislative natural resources committees on recommendations developed by the technical committee."

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