HB 2217-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/15/97)

     Declares an intent of the legislature that:  (1) This act encourage new opportunities for cities, counties, Indian tribes, and the state to participate in the removal of transportation-related fish passage barriers;

     (2) potential threatened and endangered species listings, and loss of commercial and recreational opportunities, justify the need for more effective fish passage barrier removal.  The costs estimated to remove all identified barriers far exceed available revenue;

     (3) this act establish a program to develop a state-wide coordination mechanism for funding the removal of transportation-related fish passage barriers in the most ecologically beneficial and cost-effective manner; and

     (4) these programs be fully coordinated with storm water programs to maximize the effectiveness of both programs.

     Requires that by January 1, 1999, the department of transportation and the department of fish and wildlife shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives a report on implementation of the fish passage barrier removal funding and implementation program.  The report will include proposed criteria for project selection, procedures for managing the program, and recommendations for achieving program objectives.

     Declares that this act does not apply to fish passage barriers in seasonal streams or drainage ditches.