HB 2340 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

     Provides that, at the request of a property owner, the permit assistance center shall provide technical assistance on wetlands issues by:  (1) Assisting property owners in identifying whether wetlands are present and the general location and extent of wetlands on the property in question;

     (2) assisting property owners in identifying the federal, state, and local permits and regulations that may apply to the property;

     (3) reviewing wetland determinations and delineations and providing a nonbinding evaluation of whether the decisions are technically correct; and

     (4) facilitating the resolution of disputes between the property owner and governmental agencies on wetlands issues.

     Requires that, by December 1, 2000, the center shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of both houses of the legislature detailing the following information regarding the provision of technical assistance on wetlands issues:  (1) The number of instances in which the assistance of the center has been requested and the type of assistance requested;

     (2) an evaluation of the value of the service to property owners and governmental agencies; and

     (3) recommendations for any changes needed to make the assistance more effective.