SB 5539-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Finds that many Washington citizens are veterans of armed forces conflicts that have important skills that may be employed in projects that help to protect and restore Washington's rivers, streams, lakes, marine waters, and open lands.

Finds that such work has demonstrated benefits for many veterans who are coping with posttraumatic stress disorder or have other mental health or substance abuse disorders related to their service in the armed forces.

Declares that it is the purpose of this act to create a program that provides state funding assistance for projects that restore Washington's waters, forests, and habitat through the primary participation of such veterans.

Requires the department to submit a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2009, on the use of veterans conservation corps members by state agencies and local sponsors of habitat restoration projects.