HB 1658-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

     Directs the department to initiate a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility and potential of intensively culturing shellfish on currently nonproductive oyster reserve land in Puget Sound.

     Requires the department to enter into no fewer than three long-term lease agreements with commercial shellfish growers on or before July 1, 2002.  At least three of these leases shall be on oyster reserve lands in Willapa Harbor and three shall be on oyster reserve lands in Puget Sound.  Revenues from the lease of such lands shall be deposited in the oyster reserve land account created in this act.

     Directs the department to form one advisory committee each for the Willapa Bay oyster reserve lands and the Puget Sound oyster reserve lands.

     Requires the department to submit a brief progress report on the status of the pilot programs to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by January 7, 2003.

     Requires the action team to establish a shellfish - on-site sewage grant program in Puget Sound and for Pacific and Grays Harbor counties.  The action team shall provide funds to local health jurisdictions to be used as grants to individuals for improving their on-site sewage systems.