SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5040

As of January 15, 2003

Title: An act relating to harbor lines.

Brief Description: Concerning the relocation of harbor lines.

Sponsors: Senators Morton and T. Sheldon; by request of Commissioner of Public Lands.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Energy & Water: 1/16/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY & WATER

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: Harbor areas are the areas in navigable waters in front of cities. They are established for navigation and commerce and the Board of Natural Resources, acting as the Harbor Line Commission, sets harbor lines to define the harbor areas. Occasionally, harbor areas need to be adjusted and each time an adjustment has been made in the past, the Legislature has had to give specific authority to the Harbor Line Commission to revise the harbor area. Revisions have occurred thus far in 21 of the 30 harbor areas, mostly in order to expand commerce and navigation. Any of these 21 currently listed harbor areas may go to the Harbor Line Commission directly to ask for further revisions. The present revision process includes public hearings, public meetings, environmental evaluations and studies to determine the suitability of the proposed harbor line changes.

Under present law, there are nine harbors that cannot be revised without going to the Legislature to get specific authority.

Summary of Bill: The Harbor Line Commission is given authority to revise harbor lines in all areas.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.