SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6380

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.

Title: An act relating to the purchase of wetland mitigation bank credits by the department of transportation.

Brief Description: Concerning the purchase of wetland mitigation bank credits by the department of transportation.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Jacobsen, Ranker and Swecker).

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6380 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Haugen, Chair; Becker, Berkey, Delvin, Eide, Hatfield, Jacobsen, Kastama, Kilmer, King and Ranker.

Background: When the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans a construction project every effort is made to avoid impacting wetlands. If impacts are unavoidable WSDOT is required by state and federal law to mitigate for those impacts in one of a number of ways. This can include WSDOT adding this element to the project by creating, restoring, enhancing, or preserving a functioning wetland within the service area; using stored credits in one of their existing mitigation banks; or by purchasing mitigation banking credits from a private entrepreneurial mitigation bank that has been certified by the Department of Ecology's wetland banking program.

Summary of Substitute Bill: When purchasing mitigation bank credits, WSDOT must determine which bank provides the most or multiple benefit to the impacted habitat.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: OTHER: This is already a lengthy process where WSDOT coordinates with many other agencies. Each wetland bank must already go through a certification process. This bill could cause the cost of projects to go up.