FINAL BILL REPORT

                  2SSB 5886

                          C 389 L 97

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Providing a stable funding source for fisheries enhancement and habitat restoration.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Strannigan, Swecker, Jacobsen and Oke).

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Natural Resources

Background:  Regional fisheries enhancement groups were established by the Legislature in 1989 for the purpose of enhancement and restoration of salmon resources.  Since that time, regional groups have incorporated, begun ambitious restoration activities, and quickly grown to utilize all available monetary resources.

There is interest in authorizing the regional fisheries enhancement groups to enhance steelhead trout, to expand their funding sources, and to streamline the permits needed for fish enhancement projects.

Summary:  Regional fisheries enhancement groups are authorized to enhance steelhead trout.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife may provide start-up funds for enhancement projects.  A regional fisheries enhancement salmonid recovery account is created to receive federal funds.  The regional fisheries enhancement group advisory board must make recommendations for streamlining the permitting process for fish enhancement projects.  A fish passage barrier task force is created for identification and removal of barriers to anadromous fish passage.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 49 0

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate        (Senate refused to concur)

Conference Committee

House     97 0

Senate    44 0

Effective:  July 27, 1997