SB 6779 - DIGEST

     Provides that a state agency approving off-site compensatory mitigation shall:  (1) Require the project proponent to demonstrate financial assurance to fund the cost of monitoring and maintenance of the mitigation site for the operational life of the mitigation site;

     (2) require the project proponent to award the contract for monitoring and site maintenance no later than the date upon which the agency determines the mitigation site construction work to be complete;

     (3) require the project proponent or the proponent's authorized contractor to submit periodic monitoring reports regarding the mitigation site's progress toward meeting mitigation objectives; and

     (4) develop a schedule for the state agency or lead state agency to periodically review monitoring reports, make independent site inspections, and independently assess the mitigation site's progress toward meeting mitigation objectives.

     Directs the department of natural resources to conduct an assessment of off-site compensatory mitigation projects and submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature no later than December 31, 2000.