BILL REQ. #:  Z-0572.1 

Read first time 02/07/2003.   Referred to Committee on Local Government.

     AN ACT Relating to timelines and funding for implementation of guidelines for shoreline master programs; and amending RCW 90.58.080 and 90.58.250.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 90.58.080 and 1995 c 347 s 305 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Local governments shall develop or amend((, within twenty-four months after the adoption of guidelines as provided in RCW 90.58.060,)) a master program for regulation of uses of the shorelines of the state consistent with the required elements of the guidelines adopted by the department in accordance with a schedule of time limits to be established by the legislature.
     (2) Nothing in this section precludes a county or city from conducting the review and evaluation required by this section before the time limits established in subsection (1) of this section. Counties and cities may begin this process early and may be eligible for grants from the department, subject to available funding, if they elect to do so.

Sec. 2   RCW 90.58.250 and 1971 ex.s. c 286 s 25 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature intends to amend the shoreline management act to facilitate the implementation of guidelines that provide for review and amendment of local government shoreline master programs. To this end, the legislature affirms the schedule of time limits provided in RCW 90.58.080 for updating shoreline master programs by local governments and eliminates the limits on state funding of shoreline master program updating costs. It is the intent of the legislature that the state provide funding to local governments that is reasonable and adequate to accomplish the task of updating shoreline master programs, and consistent with the schedule for the local governments to adopt the updates of shoreline master programs. Except as specifically described in this subsection, nothing in this act is intended to alter the existing obligations, duties, and benefits provided by the shoreline management act to local governments and the department.
     (2) The department is directed to cooperate fully with local governments in discharging their responsibilities under this chapter. Funds shall be available for distribution to local governments on the basis of applications for preparation of master programs. Such applications shall be submitted in accordance with regulations developed by the department. The department is authorized to make and administer grants within appropriations authorized by the legislature to any local government within the state for the purpose of developing a master shorelines program.
     ((No grant shall be made in an amount in excess of the recipient's contribution to the estimated cost of such program.))