Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Natural Resources Committee

SJM 8030

Brief Description:  Requesting recognition of the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Poulsen, Kline and Spanel.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requests Congress to provide sufficient funding to complete the assessment phase of the Puget Sound Nearshore and Ecosystem Restoration Project, and to begin the construction phases of the project.

Hearing Date:  2/27/02

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786‑7092).

Background:

The nearshore of Puget Sound is the area of shallow water from the top of coastal bluffs to a depth of about 10 meters.  The nearshore provides critical habitat for juvenile salmon, shellfish, groundfish, seabirds, and marine mammals.  This area is also the site of a range of commercial, residential, and recreational activities.

In 2000, Congress approved the Puget Sound and Adjacent Waters Restoration Program, with an authorization of $40 million in federal funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  The program authorized the Corps to work with state and local agencies to identify, prioritize, and construct environmental restoration projects.  In 2001 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to initiate the assessment phase of the Puget Sound Nearshore and Ecosystem Restoration Project.  The project is dependent on annual congressional appropriations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Summary of Bill:

The President and Congress are requested to recognize the importance of the Puget Sound Nearshore Restoration Project and the broad level of public support and involvement.  Congress is requested to provide sufficient funding to complete the assessment phase of the project and begin the construction phases.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.