SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8055

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 24, 2004

Brief Description: Requesting funding for fish passage needs on the White River.

Sponsors: Senators Roach, Kastama, Rasmussen, Franklin, Oke, Winsley and Stevens.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 2/24/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Berkey, Horn, Kastama and McCaslin.

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background: The Puget Sound Energy Company ceased operation of the Mud Mountain Dam hydroelectric project on the White River in Pierce County on January 15, 2004. Part of the project is the White River diversion dam for salmon passage around the Mud Mountain Dam and the Lake Tapps Reservoir. The Army Corps of Engineers and Puget Sound Energy are keeping the diversion dam and related facilities in operation so that the salmon, a threatened species, may continue to travel upstream in the traditional migration pattern. In order for this arrangement to continue, sufficient money must be found in the FY 2005 Army Corps of Engineers' budget for costs in FY 2004 and FY 2005.

Summary of Bill: The Senate and House of Representatives of the state of Washington petition the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and all members of Congress to provide the necessary funds.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Testimony For: Next month the Pierce County executive will go to Washington, D.C. to request federal funding. Having this memorial in his portfolio will be of help to him.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Senator Roach, prime sponsor (pro); Kathy Nevin, Puget Sound Energy (pro).