HOUSE BILL REPORT

SJM 8006

As Passed House:

April 5, 2001

Brief Description:  Requesting fish passage modifications be made to the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.

Sponsors:  By Senators Jacobsen, Swecker and Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Natural Resources:  3/26/01 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 4/5/01, 95-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

$The Legislature requests the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to modify the water withdrawal structure at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery so that its operation will be consistent with the federal Endangered Species Act.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Doumit, Democratic Co‑Chair; Sump, Republican Co‑Chair; Pearson, Republican Vice Chair; Rockefeller, Democratic Vice Chair; Buck, G. Chandler, Edwards, Eickmeyer, Ericksen, Jackley, Murray and Pennington.

Staff:  Bill Lynch (786‑7092).

Background:

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service operates a chinook salmon hatchery on the Icicle River near Leavenworth.  The fish hatchery uses a water withdrawal design that does not allow for proper fish passage.  There are currently three Icicle River species of salmonids listed as either threatened or endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.  These species are steelhead trout, spring run chinook salmon, and bull trout.  The water withdrawal design could be modified to provide more protection to these fish species.

Summary of  Bill:

The Legislature requests the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to modify the water withdrawal structure at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery so that its operation will be consistent with the federal Endangered Species Act.  Congress is asked to provide sufficient funds for the project.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Testimony For:  This hatchery was constructed as mitigation for federal dams.  The hatchery needs this modification to work properly.  It is fair to ask the federal government to use money to fix a federal problem.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Robert Foster, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.