S-4114.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 6593
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1998 Regular Session
By Senators Swecker, Rasmussen and Morton
Read first time 01/22/98. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Parks.
AN ACT Relating to the department of natural resources; adding new sections to chapter 79.90 RCW; and making an appropriation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 79.90 RCW to read as follows:
The legislature recognizes the importance of aquaculture, including finfish net-pen aquaculture, to the state of Washington. When practiced in an environmentally safe manner, finfish net-pen aquaculture provides long-term economic benefits, fosters water-dependent uses of state waters, and encompasses activities that should be promoted by the state. Recognizing the desirability of aquaculture, the legislature finds that there is a need to identify locations for finfish net-pen aquaculture that will reduce land-use conflicts and adverse environmental impacts.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 79.90 RCW to read as follows:
The department of natural resources shall study establishment of finfish net-pen aquaculture zones within the Strait of Juan de Fuca, selecting locations which (1) reduce land-use conflicts, (2) minimize competition with other water-dependent uses, (3) limit adverse environmental impacts, and (4) provide optimal marine and weather conditions for finfish net pens.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the aquatic lands RMCA fund balance to the department of natural resources for the purposes of the study in section 2 of this act. The department shall report its findings to the legislature by January 1, 1999.
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