SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6711

BYSenators Metcalf, Saling and Stratton

Appropriating water quality account funds.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 30, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                February 1, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, JANUARY 30, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In 1986 the water quality account was created to provide financial assistance for water quality projects and activities.  The account was funded primarily by a tax upon tobacco products.

The program was projected to extend to the year 2010, and provision was made for supplementing funds from the general fund to ensure that the account receipts were at least $45 million each fiscal year.

During the period 1987 to 1995, the total distributions from the account by the Department of Ecology are subject to percentage limitations as follows:  (1) not more than 50 percent for treatment facilities that discharge to marine waters; (2) not more than 20 percent for activities that prevent groundwater pollution and facilities that protect federally designated sole source aquifers, with at least two-thirds for the Spokane-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer; (3) not more than 10 percent for activities to protect freshwater lakes and rivers; (4) not more than 10 percent for controlling nonpoint source pollution; (5) 2-1/2 percent to the Conservation Commission for water pollution control activities; and (6) the remainder as discretionary grants by the department.  The percentage limitations are not required to be met in any single fiscal year.

SUMMARY:

During 1996 to 2010, not more than 20 percent of the total distributions from the account shall be distributed for activities to prevent or mitigate groundwater pollution, and facilities that protect federally designated sole source aquifers, with at least two-thirds of this distribution for protecting the Spokane-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

The starting date for the bill's provisions is changed from 1996 to 1995.  Eligible funding under this category is limited to activities and facilities to prevent pollution of federally designated sole source aquifers with two-thirds to the Spokane aquifer.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   John McBride, Spokane County Commissioner (pro); Dave Robinson (pro); Marion Hay (pro)