WSR 99-03-096
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[Filed January 20, 1999, 10:21 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: To amend WAC 16-470-900 through 16-470-920 (Plant pest detection, testing, and inspection fees and documentation) for fiscal year 1999, and fiscal year 2000.
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: Current plant pest detection testing and inspection fee income is not adequate to cover costs of these activities. It is necessary to raise fees within the fiscal growth factors of both fiscal year 1999 and 2000. Changes in industry practices, program needs, environmental conditions, and legislative mandates (for instance, the regulatory reform statutes) have also made modifications necessary.
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 discuss 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, Laboratory Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1907, fax (360) 902-2094; or Tom Wessels, Plant Services Program Manager, Washington State Department of Agriculture, Laboratory Services Division, P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, phone (360) 902-1984, fax (360) 902-2094.
January 20, 1999
Mary A. Martin Toohey
Assistant Director