AN ACT Relating to amending the fee structure provided in RCW 77.55.321 to encourage habitat projects that provide a public benefit; and amending RCW 77.55.321 and 77.55.341.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1.  RCW 77.55.321 and 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 s 103 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The department shall charge an application fee of one hundred fifty dollars for a hydraulic project permit or permit modification issued under RCW 77.55.021 where the project is located at or below the ordinary high water line. The application fee established under this subsection may not be charged after June 30, 2017.

(2) The following hydraulic projects are exempt from all fees listed under this section:

(a) Hydraulic projects approved under applicant-funded contracts with the department that pay for the costs of processing those projects;

(b) ((If RCW 77.55.361, 76.09.490, and 76.09.040 are enacted into law by June 30, 2012,))Forest practices hydraulic projects;

(c) Pamphlet hydraulic projects;

(d) Mineral prospecting and mining activities; ((and))

(e) Fish habitat enhancement projects that are eligible for the permit review and approval process provided in RCW 77.55.181; and

(f) Hydraulic projects occurring on farm and agricultural land, as that term is defined in RCW 84.34.020.

(3) All fees collected under this section must be deposited in the hydraulic project approval account created in RCW 77.55.331.

(4) The fee provisions contained in this section are prospective only. The department of fish and wildlife may not charge fees for hydraulic project permits issued under this title prior to July 10, 2012.

(5) This section expires June 30, 2017.

Sec. 2.  RCW 77.55.341 and 2012 1st sp.s. c 1 s 107 are each amended to read as follows:

The department shall prepare and distribute technical and educational information to the general public to assist the public in complying with the current requirements of this chapter((, including the changes resulting from chapter 1, Laws of 2012 1st sp. sess)).

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