BILL REQ. #:  S-4847.1 

Read first time 01/31/08.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation.

     AN ACT Relating to developing a flood mitigation plan for the upper Chehalis subbasin; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that recent storm events, including flooding and high winds, have affected significant areas of western Washington. In particular, the people, resources, and economy of the upper Chehalis subbasin now face great challenges as a result of the recent storm.
     The upper Chehalis subbasin drains approximately four hundred fifty square miles, and is located in Lewis, Pacific, and Cowlitz counties. Lands within the upper Chehalis subbasin are primarily utilized for forestry, agriculture, and for residences. The forest lands are primarily located in the uplands, with agricultural areas concentrated in the river valleys. The residential areas are concentrated along highway 6 and include such communities as Adna, Boistfort, Dryad, Doty, and Pe Ell.
     As the private individuals and organizations, the federal and state governments, and local governments address storm damages and mitigation at the regional level, the legislature intends to help facilitate a collaborative process to develop a flood mitigation plan for the upper Chehalis subbasin.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The upper Chehalis subbasin flood mitigation planning work group is established. The Washington state conservation commission shall convene and staff the work group. Representation on the work group must include:
     (a) Appropriate county legislative authorities and agencies;
     (b) Appropriate city representatives;
     (c) Appropriate community representatives;
     (d) Agricultural interests;
     (e) Forestry interests;
     (f) Conservation and environmental interests;
     (g) The department of fish and wildlife;
     (h) The department of natural resources;
     (i) The department of ecology;
     (j) The department of agriculture;
     (k) The department of transportation;
     (l) The Washington military department, emergency management division; and
     (m) Appropriate federal agencies, tribes, and other appropriate representatives invited by the work group.
     (2) The work group shall work collaboratively to develop a flood mitigation plan for the upper Chehalis subbasin in order to avoid and minimize impacts from future flood events. In conducting its work, the work group must consider other recent and ongoing flood damage and mitigation processes and efforts. The work group must discuss and develop recommendations for the legislature, work group participants, other public and private entities, and landowners, including:
     (a) Steps for mitigating flood impacts appropriate for immediate implementation, which include steps that may be implemented within one year of the work group's initial report to the legislature;
     (b) Steps for mitigating flood impacts appropriate for longer-term development and implementation;
     (c) Incentives for implementation; and
     (d) Funding sources for mitigating flood impacts.
     (3) The work group must attempt to hold work sessions at a variety of locations within the upper Chehalis subbasin, and must accept input from the public.
     (4) By December 1, 2008, the Washington state conservation commission must provide a summary of the work group's initial activities and recommendations. By December 1, 2009, the Washington state conservation commission must provide a summary of the work group's activities and final recommendations, including a recommendation whether the expiration date for the work group should be extended.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act expires July 1, 2010.