Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 2823

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Regarding the Willapa harbor oyster reserve.

Sponsors: Representatives Blake and Kretz.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Authorizes the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to transfer funds from the Oyster Reserve Land Account to the local governments to manage their on-site sewage grant program.
    • Directs the WDFW to transfer up to 50 percent of the annual revenues from the Willapa Harbor Oyster Reserve to the on-site sewage grant program as necessary to achieve a fund balance of $100,000.

Hearing Date: 1/28/08

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).

Background:

Revenues from the lease of land or sale of shellfish from oyster reserve lands are deposited into the Oyster Reserve Land Account. Forty percent of the funds are used for the management expenses of the oyster reserve lands incurred by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the expenses associated with new research and development on the control of aquatic nuisance species and burrowing shrimp. Up to 10 percent of the funds from the Oyster Reserve Land Account are deposited into the General Fund. The remainder is deposited into the on-site sewage grant program.

Each year, the WDFW transfers $100,000 from the revenues from the Willapa Harbor Oyster Reserve to the on-site sewage grant program. All remaining revenues are used for WDFW management of oyster reserve lands and new research and development on the control of aquatic nuisance species and burrowing shrimp.

The Department of Health (DOH) manages the on-site sewage grant program in Puget Sound, and Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. The DOH provides funds to the local health jurisdictions to use as grants or loans to individuals to improve their on-site sewage systems. The funds are provided only in areas that have the potential to adversely affect water quality in commercial and recreational shellfish growing areas.

Summary of Bill:

The WDFW will transfer funds from the Oyster Reserve Land Account to the local governments in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties and Puget Sound to manage their on-site sewage grant program. Local governments, in consultation with the DOH, will use the funds as grants or loans to individuals for repairing or improving their on-site sewage systems.

The WDFW will transfer up to 50 percent of the annual revenues generated in the previous year from the Willapa Harbor Oyster Reserve to the on-site sewage grant program, as necessary, to achieve a fund balance of $100,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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