SB 6044-S2.E - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Authorizes a marina owner to contract with a local government for the purpose of participating in the derelict vessel removal program. The local government shall serve as the authorized public entity for the removal of the derelict vessel from the marina owner's property. The contract must provide for the marina owner to be financially responsible for the removal costs that are not reimbursed by the department as provided under RCW 79.100.100, and any additional reasonable administrative costs incurred by the local government during the removal of the derelict vessel. Prior to the commencement of any removal which will seek reimbursement from the derelict vessel removal program, the contract and the proposed vessel removal shall be submitted to the department for review and approval. The local government shall use the procedure specified under RCW 79.100.100(6).

Declares that, in order to address the significant backlog of derelict vessels that have accumulated in our state's waters that pose a threat to the health and safety of the people and to our environment, the legislature intends to collect a derelict vessel removal surcharge.

Provides that, in addition to the fees collected under RCW 88.02.050, the department shall collect an annual derelict vessel removal surcharge of one dollar. The revenue generated from the derelict vessel surcharge must be deposited into the derelict vessel removal account established under RCW 79.100.100.

Expires January 1, 2014.

Requires the department of natural resources, in consultation with the department of revenue, the department of licensing, and other appropriate stakeholder groups, to examine: (1) The costs and benefits of extending a derelict vessel removal fee or surcharges to vessels that are not subject to RCW 88.02.050; and

(2) The use of alternative revenue sources, such as the watercraft excise tax, in order to more equitably distribute the financial responsibility of supporting the cost of the derelict vessel program. The departments shall submit a report of the findings to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the legislature by November 1, 2007.

Directs the department of natural resources, the department of ecology, representatives from the ship demolition industry, and representatives from the environmental community to convene a work group to discuss operations and permitting requirements surrounding the demolition and disposal of large abandoned and derelict vessels. The department of natural resources shall consider the findings of the work group when updating the guidelines for the derelict vessel program.