SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1032

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.

As of March 12, 2015

Title: An act relating to amending the fee structure provided in RCW 77.55.321 to encourage habitat projects that provide a public benefit

Brief Description: Amending the fee structure provided in RCW 77.55.321 to encourage habitat projects that provide a public benefit.

Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Hurst and Moeller.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/15, 67-30.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 3/12/15.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS

Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)

Background: Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA). A person must obtain a hydraulic project approval (HPA) prior to commencing any construction project that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any of the salt or fresh waters of the state. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) issues HPAs to ensure the proper protection of fish life.

HPA Fee. Until June 30, 2017, most applicants for an HPA are required to pay a $150 application fee. Fee exemptions are provided projects located above the ordinary high water line, pamphlet HPAs, HPAs processed under an applicant-funded project, HPAs related to forest practices or mineral prospecting, and HPAs occurring on farm or agricultural land.

Streamlined Review. Certain environmentally beneficial fish habitat enhancement projects may qualify for a streamlined administrative review and approval, within 45 days, process by WDFW. Streamlined review is available for projects of an adequate size or scale that either eliminate human-made or fish passage barriers, restore eroded or unstable stream banks, or involve the placement of woody debris into the water. Fish habitat enhancement projects that qualify for a streamlined review are exempt from local government permitting or fees but not from WDFW's $150 HPA application fee.

Summary of Bill: Fish habitat enhancement projects that qualify for a streamlined review are also exempt from WDFW's $150 HPA application fee.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: None.

Persons Testifying: No one.