(1) The development of a program for rehabilitation of Hood Canal is authorized in Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason counties within the aquatic rehabilitation zone one.
(2) The Puget Sound partnership, created in RCW
90.71.210, is designated as the state lead agency for the rehabilitation program authorized in this section.
(3) The Hood Canal coordinating council is designated as the local management board for the rehabilitation program authorized in this section.
(4) The Puget Sound partnership and the Hood Canal coordinating council must each approve and must comanage projects under the rehabilitation program authorized in this section.
Findings—2005 c 479: "(1) The legislature finds that Hood Canal is a precious aquatic resource of our state. The legislature finds that Hood Canal is a rich source of recreation, fishing, aquaculture, and aesthetic enjoyment for the citizens of this state. The legislature also finds that Hood Canal has great cultural significance for the tribes in the Hood Canal area. The legislature therefore recognizes Hood Canal's substantial environmental, cultural, economic, recreational, and aesthetic importance to Washington.
(2) The legislature finds that Hood Canal is a marine water of the state at significant risk. The legislature finds that Hood Canal has a "dead zone" related to low-dissolved oxygen concentrations, a condition that has recurred for many years. The legislature also finds this problem and various contributors to the problem were documented in the May 2004 Preliminary Assessment and Corrective Action Plan published by the state Puget Sound action team and the Hood Canal coordinating council.
(3) The legislature further finds that significant research, monitoring, and study efforts are currently occurring regarding Hood Canal's low-dissolved oxygen concentrations. The legislature recognizes that federal, state, tribal, and local governments and other organizations and entities are coordinating research, monitoring, and modeling efforts through the Hood Canal low-dissolved oxygen program. The legislature also recognizes that these entities and others are continuing individual efforts to study and identify potential solutions for Hood Canal's low-dissolved oxygen concentrations. The legislature also recognizes numerous public, private, and community organizations are working to provide public education regarding Hood Canal's low-dissolved oxygen concentrations. The legislature recognizes and encourages the continuation of these efforts.
(4) The legislature finds a need exists for the state to provide additional resources to address Hood Canal's low-dissolved oxygen concentrations. The legislature also finds a need exists to designate the state and local entities to develop, coordinate, and administer a Hood Canal rehabilitation program and funding." [
2005 c 479 s 1.]