Brief Description: Modifying use of the water quality account.

Sponsors: Representatives Kilmer, Lantz, Talcott, Appleton, Holmquist, Hunt, Green, Williams, Buck and Haler.

Hearing Date: 2/25/05

Staff: Jason Callahan (786-7117).

Background:

The Water Quality Account (account) is an appropriated account that is administered by the Department of Ecology (Ecology). The money in the Account in used for grants and loans to public bodies for water pollution control activities. During the current biennium only, money in the account may also be used for processing certain water rights applications and for technical assistance in watershed planning.

Money in the account comes primarily from certain identified tax receipts. These revenue sources include a portion of the state tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products and the state sales and use taxes on materials that become part of a water pollution control facility. The account may also retain revenue generated by interest on any loans that are made from the account's balance.

Summary of Bill:

Ten percent of the money in the account is required to be used for establishing and implementing a comprehensive lake management and restoration program. Money spent from the account under this provision must be limited to:

• Lake restoration;
• Improvement of lake water;
• Control of lake eutrophication;
• Clearing, prevention, and control of harmful algal blooms in lakes; and
• Eradication and prevention of invasive plant and animal species in lakes.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 2/14/05.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.