HB 1604 - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Directs the department of fish and wildlife to implement a pilot program to test the viability and efficiency of introducing oxygen to the waters of Hood Canal for the purpose of protecting aquatic life. The pilot project must take place in a small marine area where a large number of bottom dwelling fish species exist. The pilot project has the following goals: (1) To determine the feasibility and cost of designing and constructing a mechanical system to inject oxygen into Hood Canal, thereby reducing the impact of low levels of dissolved oxygen on aquatic life; and

(2) To construct, operate, and evaluate a pilot facility to increase levels of dissolved oxygen near Sund Rock on Hood Canal.

Provides that, following the evaluation of the pilot project, the department of fish and wildlife must report to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the pilot project results and include recommendations whether to proceed with a larger scale project to inject oxygen into Hood Canal.

Appropriates the sum of one hundred thirty-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, from the general fund to the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of this act.

Appropriates the sum of six hundred forty-six thousand five hundred dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, from the general fund to the department of fish and wildlife for the purposes of this act.