Expanding the criteria for habitat conservation programs.
Summary
Adds a category for riparian protection to the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (to the existing categories for outdoor recreation and habitat conservation.)
Changes are made to the statutory formula for funding allocations made under the program. The new Riparian Protection Account receives 50 percent of any capital budget appropriation between $40 - $50 million and one-third of any appropriation over $50 million.
Requires the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife to make a payment in lieu of taxes and another amount for control of noxious weeds on property acquired through the Habitat Conservation Account, and all state agencies acquiring land under the Riparian Protection Account must make these payments. The counties must distribute the payment in lieu of taxes to appropriate junior taxing districts and school districts.
From the Second Substitute House Bill Report (2SSB 6082), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
Did not passDid not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House