H-4113.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 3089
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 56th Legislature 2000 Regular Session
By Representatives Stensen, Buck, Doumit, Regala, Rockefeller and Santos
Read first time 01/28/2000. Referred to Committee on Natural Resources.
AN ACT Relating to providing a method to encourage the development and sharing of salmon recovery information; adding new sections to chapter 75.46 RCW; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 75.46 RCW to read as follows:
The governor's salmon recovery office, in coordination with the University of Washington, Washington State University, and other salmon research institutions located in the state, shall develop and sponsor an annual salmon science conference. The purpose of the conference is to encourage a continuing discussion between scientists engaged in research that is pertinent to salmon recovery, and to foster the dissemination of scientific information relating to salmon recovery. The first conference shall take place on or before June 30, 2001.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 75.46 RCW to read as follows:
(1) The Washington rivers center is created at the University of Washington. The Washington rivers center shall be an independent and politically neutral center within the office of the vice-provost for research. It is the purpose of the Washington rivers center to provide independent analysis of data relating to salmon habitat, stream and river restoration, and river processes. The center shall facilitate the transfer of emerging technology related to salmon restoration. The center may also assist in tracking and monitoring salmon restoration efforts across the state, and may provide feedback and analysis of the effectiveness of specific habitat restoration projects funded by the salmon recovery funding board under this chapter, as well as other habitat restoration projects. The center may engage in basic and applied river research, the purpose of which is to develop new ideas and technology related to salmon restoration. The center may engage in scientific activities that are specifically related to adaptive management in the context of salmon recovery efforts. Activities of the center may be used to supplant, but shall not replace, the state monitoring program and activities.
(2) The Washington rivers center is eligible for grants and loans made by the salmon recovery funding board under RCW 75.46.160.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 75.46 RCW to read as follows:
The Washington rivers center shall be independently staffed, and may be assisted by the faculty of the University of Washington or other state higher education institutions. The center may provide funding for graduate students engaged in studying salmon recovery, stream restoration, or related issues.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
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