BILL REQ. #:  H-2319.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/23/07.   

     AN ACT Relating to establishing a Puget Sound scientific research account; adding a new section to chapter 90.71 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Although research about the conditions in Puget Sound have been studied during the past several decades, the legislature finds that there is no coordinated, focused, comprehensive Puget Sound science program capable of setting research priorities for Puget Sound science. The legislature finds that environmental problems in Puget Sound are complex and research is needed to provide information that can guide protective and restorative actions, and to explore and understand the impacts of a changing environment. The legislature also finds that there is no predictable funding process for Puget Sound research projects, including the aquatic rehabilitation zone one. The legislature declares that the state needs a process to focus the scientific effort on the Puget Sound ecosystem and to distribute research funds.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 90.71 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The action team or its successor agency shall:
     (a) Identify gaps in science related to:
     (i) The restoration of the aquatic rehabilitation zone one, created in RCW 90.88.010;
     (ii) Puget Sound environmental protection; and
     (iii) Puget Sound environmental restoration;
     (b) Formulate a research plan that narrows key science research gaps identified in (a) of this subsection;
     (c) Develop a competitive process for soliciting research on Puget Sound and on the aquatic rehabilitation zone one;
     (d) Solicit and strategically prioritize research programs and projects in accordance with (b) and (c) of this subsection. Prioritization shall be determined by criteria that result in the greatest preservation or restoration progress;
     (e) Select and fund the highest priority research programs and projects identified under (d) of this subsection; and
     (f) Develop and implement an appropriate peer review process to review results from the research programs and projects selected and funded under (e) of this subsection.
     (2) The Puget Sound scientific research account is created in the state treasury. All gifts, grants, federal moneys, or appropriations made to the account must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for research programs and projects for the purposes of subsection (1) of this section.