FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5348

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: Removing references to mitigation banking project eligibility for moneys in the habitat conservation account and the riparian protection account.

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation

House Committee on Capital Budget

Background: The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) provides funds for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation and habitat conservation areas. Counties, cities, ports, park and recreation districts, school districts, state agencies, and tribes are eligible to apply. Grant applications are evaluated annually and the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (Board) submits a list of prioritized projects to the Governor and the Legislature for approval.

In 2005 the Legislature made mitigation banking projects eligible to receive grants in the Urban Wildlife Habitat, Critical Habitat, and Riparian Protection categories of the WWRP. Mitigation banking projects are wetlands that have been restored, enhanced, created, or preserved in order to establish valuable wetland functions.

Summary: Mitigation banking project eligibility is removed from the Critical Habitat and Urban Wildlife Habitat categories of the Habitat Conservation Account.

Mitigation banking project eligibility is removed from the Riparian Protection category of the Riparian Protection Account.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	47	0
House	92	0