Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Technology, Telecommunications & Energy

HB 1006

Brief Description:  Allowing various entities to put public utility lines on state‑owned aquatic lands.

Sponsors:  Representatives Morris and Lantz.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Access to state-owned aquatic lands without charge for public utility lines is granted to cooperatives, mutuals, and privately-owned utilities.

Hearing Date:  1/22/01

Staff: Pam Madson (786-7166)

Background: 

State-owned aquatic lands are state-owned tidelands, shorelands, harbor areas, beds of navigable waters, and waterways administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or managed by a port district.  These lands do not include aquatic lands owned in fee by, or withdrawn for the use of, state agencies other than the DNR.

Governmental entities may use state-owned aquatic lands for public utility lines at no charge as long as the use is consistent with statutory purposes for these lands and does not obstruct navigation or other uses.  The term ?public utility lines@ includes pipes or similar structures for distribution of water, electricity, natural gas, telephone, and other electronic communication, and sewers.

As the manager of state-owned aquatic lands, the DNR must strive to balance the public benefits for all citizens.  Public benefits of aquatic lands include encouraging direct public use and access, fostering water-dependent uses, ensuring environmental protection, and utilizing renewable resources.

DNR is vested with the authority to lease state-owned lands upon terms and conditions and length of time that are consistent with the state constitution and state law.

Summary of Bill: 

Access to state-owned aquatic lands without charge is expanded to include public utility lines owned by cooperative associations (rural electric cooperatives), mutual corporations or associations, or a public service company (gas, electric, telecommunications and water) subject to regulation by the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission.

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

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 18, 2001.