HB 2608 - DIGEST

Finds that the greatest efficiency and effectiveness in expediting the permit writing process will include the inclusion of qualified private sector parties in the preparation of required project permits.

Requires that, by June 30, 2004, the committee shall develop guidelines for a certification program to enable third party persons to draft environmental permits.

Requires that, by January 1, 2005, the departments of transportation, ecology, and fish and wildlife shall, using the guidelines developed by the committee, develop rules that allow a third party writer to write permits that the department of ecology and the department of fish and wildlife are responsible for issuing. The rules may address permit writing requirements, qualifications of the third party in writing permits, and other requirements.

Provides that, if the transportation permit efficiency and accountability committee is not funded or ceases to exist, the departments of transportation, ecology, and fish and wildlife shall by January 1, 2005, jointly develop rules that allow a third party writer to write permits that the department of ecology and the department of fish and wildlife are responsible for issuing. The rules may address permit writing requirements, qualifications of the third party in writing permits, and other requirements.