PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 173-95A WAC, Uses and limitations of the centennial clean water fund.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: Chapter 70.146 RCW.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Chapter 173-95A WAC guides the centennial program. The current rule was adopted in 1997 with only a single purpose, related to the Growth Management Act. Ecology proposes an update and expansion to the rule to encompass the entire scope of the centennial clean water fund program. Experience has shown that the fund is difficult to manage without a full-scale rule. The rule amendments would help provide consistency and predictability for local governments, tribes, and special districts applying for and receiving funds, clarify the operation of the fund, and allow a full public participation process to any major/significant policy changes or other changes in direction ecology might decide to put into effect.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: No other state and federal agencies regulate this subject but many have an interest in the issue and will be consulted with, coordinated with, and communicated with during the entire rule-making process.
Process for Developing New Rule: Public meetings, mailings, hearings, close work with an advisory council that includes representation of a wide range of stakeholders.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Much work will be accomplished early through the meetings of the Financial Advisory Council and a series of workshops held state-wide. The council will continue their work through the entire development process, and at the appropriate times ecology will hold public hearings. For more information, contact Tim Hilliard, (360) 407-6429 or by e-mail thil461@ecy.wa.gov, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600.
May 9, 2000
Megan White, PE
Program Manager