77.95.160 - Fish passage barrier removal task force -- Membership -- Recommendations.

Fish passage barrier removal task force — Membership — Recommendations.

The department and the department of transportation shall convene a fish passage barrier removal task force. The task force shall consist of one representative each from the department, the department of transportation, the department of ecology, tribes, cities, counties, a business organization, an environmental organization, regional fisheries enhancement groups, and other interested entities as deemed appropriate by the cochairs. The persons representing the department and the department of transportation shall serve as cochairs of the task force and shall appoint members to the task force. The task force shall make recommendations to expand the program in RCW 77.95.180 to identify and expedite the removal of human-made or caused impediments to anadromous fish passage in the most efficient manner practical. Program recommendations shall include a funding mechanism and other necessary mechanisms to coordinate and prioritize state, tribal, local, and volunteer efforts within each water resource inventory area. A priority shall be given to projects that immediately increase access to available and improved spawning and rearing habitat for depressed, threatened, and endangered stocks. The department or the department of transportation may contract with cities and counties to assist in the identification and removal of impediments to anadromous fish passage.

[2000 c 107 § 110; 1997 c 389 § 6; 1995 c 367 § 2. Formerly RCW 75.50.160.]

Notes: Findings -- 1997 c 389: See note following RCW 77.95.100.

Severability -- Effective date -- 1995 c 367: See notes following RCW 77.95.150.