HB 2757 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

     Finds that the department of fish and wildlife issues thousands of hydraulic project approvals each year at a substantial commitment of government resources for individual permitting review and writing.

     Recognizes the importance of such individual approval processes to ensure proper protection of fish life and reasonable conditioning for hydraulic project approval decisions.  However, the legislature also recognizes that certain subjects, such as small scale mining which is addressed by RCW 77.55.270, can be more effectively addressed by pamphlets that describe general rules which, if followed, will ensure proper protection of fish life and lessen the burden on applicants and allow the department to address its significant responsibilities.

     Finds that the department of fish and wildlife should be authorized to charge a fee for processing and issuing decisions on hydraulic project approvals applications in order to defray the cost incurred by the department.  The fee system will be based on the scale and complexity of the proposed project or activity, and whether the application is an original or a time extension, renewal, or alteration.  Fish habitat enhancement projects conducted under RCW 77.55.290 are exempt.