Subject of Possible Rule Making: To amend WAC 16-470-900 through 16-470-921 (plant pest detection, testing and inspection fees and documentation) for fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2004.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 17.24 RCW.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: These fees fund inspection and plant pathology testing of agriculture products for phytosanitary certification. The plant protection division provides these services on a fee for services basis. An increase in applicable rates and charges and in miscellaneous charges equal to or less than the fiscal growth factor is necessary to offset increased operational expenses.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Washington State Department of Agriculture representatives discussed proposed rule change with affected stakeholders and then publish the rule proposal.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Mary A. Martin Toohey, Assistant Director, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094, or e-mil mtoohey@agr.wa.gov; or Tom Wessels, Plant Services Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1984, fax (360) 902-2094, or e-mail twessels@agr.wa.gov.

November 20, 2002

Mary A. Martin Toohey

Assistant Director for

Plant Protection

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office