SB 5375-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/19/03)

Finds that federal review of proposed in-water projects under provisions of the endangered species act are in most conditions the equivalent of requirements under the state's hydraulic project approval process, and that requiring projects to receive dual approvals causes project delays, is redundant, and may lead to conflicting project conditions.

Finds that it would benefit the department of fish and wildlife, the regulated community, and the fisheries resources of the state if this important regulatory program were improved with measures to improve its efficiency and predictability, as well as its coordination with the many local, state, and federal fish and habitat protection statutes and regulatory programs that have been created since the inception of the hydraulic project approval program.

Declares an intent to improve the process of regulating construction in state waters with policy measures that improve predictability for entities that work in state waters, and make the best use of limited state resources by ensuring that regulatory reviews of in-water construction are made in an efficient manner.