SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6343

                    As of January 20, 2000

Title:  An act relating to a pilot project to allow a county to administer hydraulic permits.

Brief Description:  Creating a pilot project to allow counties to administer hydraulic permits.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Swecker.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  1/27/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  Hydraulic project permits are required before work may be done in the waters of the state.  Permits are issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and ensure that steps to adequately protect fish life will be taken.

The permitting process is currently administered by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  It is felt that a county administered hydraulic project permit program would be more efficient while increasing citizen satisfaction and compliance with environmental requirements.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Fish and Wildlife may develop a pilot project for one county to administer hydraulic project permits.  The county has a choice to agree to participate.  The department must retain oversight to ensure environmental compliance.

Guidelines for the pilot project are established.  The project must include the current state requirements relating to hydraulic project permits (Chapter 75.20 RCW and Title 220 WAC).  The county must monitor and enforce the terms of permits issued.  Fish habitat protection must not decrease during the course of the pilot project.  The department shall continue to administer programmatic permits, habitat conservation plans, and forest practices related hydraulic project permits.

The county may charge permit applicants additional fees to cover increased costs due to the pilot project.  The department may not receive any part of these increased fees from the county.  The department may not shift employees or funds to the county during the pilot.

A citizen advisory panel is established to assist the department in developing, implementing, and assessing the pilot project.  The department and citizen panel must report an overall evaluation to the Legislature within two years of implementing the agreement.  The report and recommendations include analysis of the pilot project's enhancement of environmental protection, cost-effectiveness, and delivery of service to applicants.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 18, 2000.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.