FINAL BILL REPORT
SSB 5684
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. |
C 471 L 09
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Addressing environmental mitigation in highway construction.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, Ranker, Hatfield, Jarrett and Kline).
Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Transportation
Background: Under the State and Federal Environmental Policy Acts, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is required to review unavoidable environmental impacts of transportation construction projects and identify possible mitigation measures. Mitigation may include enhancing existing environments, such as wetlands, or creating new habitats, such as new wetlands.
Under the State Growth Management Act certain counties and cities are required to designate agricultural lands that are of long-term commercial significance and develop conservation strategies applicable to those lands.
Summary: In the process of reviewing potential sites to be used for mitigation of a highway construction project, if WSDOT considers using agricultural lands of long-term significance, they must, to the greatest extent possible, consider using public land first. Additionally, WSDOT must make every effort to avoid any net loss of agricultural lands that have a designation of long-term commercial significance.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 49 | 0 | |
House | 97 | 0 | (House amended) |
Senate House | 95 | 0 | (Senate refused to concur) (House receded) |
Effective: | July 26, 2009 |