SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6269

As Passed Senate, February 3, 2004

Title: An act relating to harbor lines in Blaine, Edmonds, Ilwaco, Kennewick, and Pasco.

Brief Description: Concerning the relocation of harbor lines.

Sponsors: Senators Hale, Doumit, Hewitt and Brandland.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Energy & Water: 1/21/04, 1/23/04 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/3/04, 47-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ENERGY & WATER

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Morton, Chair; Hewitt, Vice Chair; Doumit, Fraser, Hargrove, Honeyford, Oke and Regala.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: The harbors in front of cities are reserved under Washington's Constitution and under state law for navigation and commerce. The preserved areas are called "harbor areas" and were the state's first type of zoning. Facilities in harbor areas are limited to certain uses which foster navigation and commerce. The Legislature has discretion to establish which harbor lines the Harbor Line Commission can change or alter. The harbor lines that can be changed are controlled by the Harbor Line Commission, which is the Board of Natural Resources. Hearings and public meetings are required when a change is made in the harbor line.

Summary of Bill: The harbor lines for Blaine, Edmonds, Ilwaco, Kennewick and Pasco are added to the list that the Harbor Line Commission can adjust.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Each of the areas in the bill would like to be added to the list so that adjustments to harbor areas could be quicker and easier. No specific port project is involved at this time.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Eric Johnson, Washington Public Port Assn. (pro).