SB 5486 - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Finds that: (1) Freshwater lakes are vital to the state's economy and environment, and serve as a source of recreational and scenic enjoyment;

(2) Currently more than two hundred lakes, or twenty-five percent of the publicly accessible lakes within Washington state, have impaired water quality conditions or are at risk for impairment; and

(3) Legislative studies a decade ago identified several programmatic recommendations to strengthen state and local responses to degradation in the health of lakes.

Directs that a comprehensive strategy for lakes protection and restoration be developed, portions of which may be implemented within current authority and funding, and that the strategy further include recommendations for further legislative authorization and funding to achieve a comprehensive statewide lakes protection and restoration program.

Requires the department of ecology to prepare a comprehensive lakes management strategic plan to guide state programs that provide technical and financial assistance to other state agencies, local governments, special purpose districts, and nongovernmental entities for the protection and restoration of the state's freshwater lakes.