HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6275
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.
As Passed House:
March 5, 2008
Title: An act relating to drainage district commissioners' authority.
Brief Description: Granting authority for drainage district commissioners to implement drainage maintenance plans.
Sponsors: By Senators Haugen and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: 2/25/08, 2/27/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/5/08, 95-1.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 13 members: Representatives Blake, Chair; Van De Wege, Vice Chair; Kretz, Ranking Minority Member; Warnick, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Eickmeyer, Grant, Kristiansen, Lantz, Loomis, McCoy, Nelson, Newhouse and Orcutt.
Staff: Colleen Kerr (786-7168).
Background:
The formation of drainage districts is authorized under state laws that date back to 1895. The
board of a drainage district consists of three elected commissioners. Under statute, the
drainage district board is authorized to develop a general plan of improvement and to carry
out a number of activities with respect to maintenance, improvement, construction,
alternation, or abandonment of existing drains or ditches.
Summary of Bill:
Drainage districts are specifically authorized to implement the provisions of drainage
maintenance plans that have been adopted by the district.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There has been some question as to whether drainage district boards already have
the authority to implement the plans they develop. This bill provides that clarification.
Issues between drainage districts and the Department of Fish and Wildlife became
contentious a few years ago. Both sides put in resources and began to collaborate on finding
solutions that will protect agricultural lands that depend on properly operating drainage
systems and also will address the needs of fish. The updated drainage district plans have
components that address the fish habitat. This will result in the issuance of a programmatic
hydraulic permit that is good for five year periods and is renewable. This legislation is
needed to give explicit authority to the districts so they can implement these drainage plans.
This clarification will facilitate the local governments in interacting with both the state and
federal entities involved in this issue.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Chris Cheney, Western Washington Agriculture Association; Peter Birch, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; and Jack Field, Washington Cattlemen's Association.