HOUSE BILL REPORT

SJM 8013

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requests the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Congress, and the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to expedite the appropriation of funds pursuant to the federal Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (Act) to significantly enhance monitoring and prevention efforts related to Dreissenids in the Columbia River Basin and to implement the Act's intent.

Background:

Aquatic Invasive Species.

Generally, aquatic invasive species are nonindigenous species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of infested waters, or any agricultural, aquacultural, or recreational activities dependent on such waters. Aquatic invasive species include Dreissenids (quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) and zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)). Quagga mussels and zebra mussels, which are native to Eastern Europe, were first discovered in the United States in the late 1980s; they were introduced to the United States through ballast water of ocean-going ships. In the United States, quagga mussels and zebra mussels were first discovered in the Great Lakes, but are now present in over half of all states. Quagga mussels or zebra mussels have not yet been discovered in Washington.

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act.

Recently, President Obama signed into law the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (Act). Among other things, the Act authorizes the United States Army Corps of Engineers to perform various water-related projects, like restoring ecosystems. The Act provides for a $20,000,000 annual appropriation to the Columbia River Basin area in order to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. To that end, the Act authorizes the Secretary of the Army to establish watercraft inspection stations in the Columbia River Basin area located in strategic locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The federal government will provide 50 percent of the cost of constructing, operating, and maintaining the watercraft inspection stations.

Summary of Bill:

The President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Congress, and the Secretary of the Department of the Interior are requested by the Washington Legislature to expedite the appropriation of funds pursuant to the federal Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (Act) to significantly enhance monitoring and prevention efforts related to Dreissenids in the Columbia River Basin and to implement the Act's intent.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Washington Invasive Species Council and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife support this bill. Washington is one of the few states without detected quagga and zebra mussels. Preventing quagga and zebra mussels from spreading to Washington is important in order to avoid harmful economic and ecological consequences. This joint memorial is important to secure federal funding to help Washington prevent quagga and zebra mussels from becoming established in Washington.

(Opposed) None.