HB 2236 - DIGEST

     Supports efforts to improve the environmental permitting process by integrating watershed planning with the environmental impact evaluation, mitigation, and document review for projects in the watershed.  A result of this improved integration would be reduced duplication of effort among separate environmental permit and process activities within a single watershed, as well as increased coordination and information sharing among project proponents within watersheds.

     Authorizes the department to work with the departments of ecology, fish and wildlife, community, trade, and economic development, and other appropriate agencies, to integrate the wetlands strategic plan into effective environmental mitigation and watershed management strategies.

     Directs the department to establish a technical committee that includes 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.

     Directs the department to prepare an annual report to the legislative transportation committee and the legislative natural resources committees on the status of program elements and steps taken to meet the recommendations of the department's wetlands strategic plan.