SB 5278 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Declares that, between 2001 and 2004, two high level commissions, the United States commission on ocean policy and the Pew oceans commission, studied and issued reports documenting the state of our nation's oceans and provided ocean policy recommendations. In response to the final report of the United States commission on ocean policy, the president issued the United States ocean action plan and created the cabinet-level committee on ocean policy in December 2004. Through these actions, the federal government has evidenced an intent to facilitate coordination between federal, state, tribal, local governments, and other interested groups and to provide funding for ocean resources programs and activities.

Declares that an evaluation of the condition of the state's coastal and ocean resources and the development of options for addressing the opportunities and challenges facing these resources will facilitate the adoption of a more efficient and effective ocean policy.

Requires the ocean policy review commission to: (1) Examine the condition of Washington's coastal and ocean resources and their contribution to the state's character, quality of life, and economic vitality;

(2) Review and summarize the various interests, roles, and responsibilities of public entities, tribal interests, and other stakeholders in the protection and management of Washington's coastal and ocean resources;

(3) Identify and recommend ways to more effectively protect and manage coastal and ocean resources and take advantage of appropriate new opportunities to use such resources;

(4) Identify and recommend ways to improve coordination between state agencies on coastal and ocean resources issues;

(5) Identify and recommend ways to improve the state's coordination with Oregon, British Columbia, the federal government, other states, and tribal and local governments on coastal and ocean resources issues;

(6) Identify and recommend ways to improve coordination of scientific and technological information and capabilities within the state; and

(7) Identify and recommend ways to finance coastal and ocean protection, management, and development programs.

Requires the ocean policy review commission to report its findings and recommendations to the governor and the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the senate and house of representatives by December 31, 2006.

Directs the governor or the governor's designee to work to secure federal grants and other sources of funding for inclusion in the coastal and ocean resources account during the existence of the ocean policy review commission.