Brief Description: Improving the efficiency and predictability of the hydraulic project approval program.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Buck, B. Sullivan, Kretz, DeBolt, Blake, Eickmeyer and Takko).

House Committee on Natural Resources, Ecology & Parks
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation

Background:

A person must obtain a hydraulic project approval (HPA) for any project that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state before beginning construction. The HPAs are issued by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to ensure the proper protection of fish life. The state statute governing construction projects in state waters authorizes the WDFW to implement the HPA program, and also contains provisions regulating fish passage, water flows, and fish screening.

Summary:

The state statute governing construction projects in state waters is reorganized and certain sections are repealed and rewritten as new sections. A definition section is established, and a new chapter is created for sections relating to fishways, flow, and screening. An obsolete condition limiting the ability of the WDFW to require mitigation for certain filled wetlands is repealed.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   94   0
Senate   43   0

Effective: July 24, 2005