SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8000

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines, January 29, 2001

Brief Description:  Requesting the appointment of a federal multiagency contact person for Columbia River salmon and trout recovery.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  1/24/01, 1/29/01 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8000 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass.

Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Constantine, Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Snyder and Stevens.

Staff:  Ross Antipa (786‑7413)

Background:  The Columbia River contains a number of threatened or endangered stocks of salmon or trout.  A multitude of federal regulatory agencies are involved in the management of Columbia River activities that affect the recovery of salmon and trout.

The most effective way for state and local governments, tribal governments, and citizens to comply with federal laws and policies would be through establishment of a single federal contact person.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The President of the United States is requested to appoint a single contact person to represent the federal government on Columbia River salmon recovery issues.  Congress is requested to fund the position.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Support for the federal contact person from the governors of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana was added.  The terminology of the contact person was changed from "single" contact to "regular" contact person.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  The multitude of federal agencies and programs on the Columbia River makes it difficult for citizens and agencies to determine what federal entities are saying and doing with regard to Columbia River salmon recovery.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Bill Tweit, WDFW (pro).