HB 1658 - 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 and in Willapa Harbor.

     Requires the department to enter into no fewer than six 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.

     Repeals RCW 79.96.090.