H-4813              _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 1996

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1988 Regular Session

By Representatives Grant, Amondson, Rayburn, Baugher and Lewis

Read first time 2/3/88 and referred to Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development.

AN ACT Relating to rivers and streams in agricultural areas; and adding a new section to chapter 75.20 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 75.20 RCW to read as follows:

          The legislature finds that it is in the best interests of the fisheries resource, and the well-being of farmers to encourage stream or river bank stability in agricultural areas.  The prevention of erosion is paramount to the preservation of the fisheries resource and is vital in maintaining agricultural productivity.

          The department of fisheries and the department of game shall not deny or condition hydraulic project permits for projects that are designed to stabilize stream or river banks in agricultural areas.