SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2851

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

   Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, February 23, 2000

Title:  An act relating to state participation in flood control maintenance.

Brief Description:  Changing the state's funding limit for flood control maintenance projects.

Sponsors:  Representatives Reardon, G. Chandler, Linville, Grant, Stensen, Cooper and Haigh.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  2/23/2000 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Rossi, Snyder, Spanel and Stevens.

Staff:  Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background:  The Flood Control Assistance Account Program (FCAAP) was established by the state Legislature in 1984 to develop a state and local flood control maintenance policy.  The Department of Ecology administers and enforces laws relating to flood control.

The flood control assistance account, also established in 1984, receives $4 million each biennium from the state general fund for state participation in flood control maintenance.  Matching grants are available to counties, cities, towns and other special districts for comprehensive flood hazard management plans, specific projects or studies, and emergency flood‑related activities.  The state's share of funding for flood control projects may not exceed 50 percent, and the state's share of funding for flood control management plans may not exceed 75 percent.  During the 1999-01 biennium, the Department of Ecology projects to spend FCAAP funds on administration of the flood control program, flood control planning and implementation, early warning systems, acquisition, and flood damage reduction projects.  The department may fund up to 80 percent of emergency projects.

Summary of Bill:  The cap on the state's share of costs for flood control maintenance projects is increased from 50 percent to 75 percent of the total cost of the project.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  The bill gives the Department of Ecology and the entity developing the flood control project more flexibility in funding.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Rep. Aaron Reardon, prime sponsor; Doug Levy, City of Everett.