Title: An act relating to harbor lines.

Brief Description: Concerning the relocation of harbor lines.

Sponsors: Senator Jacobsen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/20/05, 1/24/05 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair; Fraser, Hargrove, Morton, Oke, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Vic Moon (786-7469)

Background: Harbor lines are established in front of incorporated cities to allow for navigation and commerce. The Legislature has assigned the setting of harbor lines to the Board of Natural Resources. Since the original harbor areas were set, the Legislature has given the Harbor Line Commission authority to revise lines in 27 areas. The process involves fact finding, site analysis, and public hearings. Only three areas, Steilacoom, Lake Whatcom, and Marysville must come to the legislature to get permission to work with the Commission to adjust a harbor line.

Summary of Bill: The detailed listing of harbor areas is eliminated and the Board of Natural Resources, acting as the Commission, can work with an area to adjust the line.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Testimony For: This change will make the administration of harbor lines easier, will allow public input, and will treat all harbor areas equally.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Loren Stern, Department of Natural Resources.