WSR 17-09-065 PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE [Filed April 18, 2017, 11:21 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 16-240 WAC, WSDA grain inspection program—Definitions, standards, and fees, the department is considering amending this chapter to address the fee structure in consideration of workload variables that contribute to variability in the fund balance.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is considering amending chapter 16-240 WAC to add an additional alternate fee rate to WAC 16-240-043, as the fund balance is still growing too rapidly despite the implementation of the alternate fee rate beginning July 1, 2016. The program needs a fee structure that has greater flexibility to adjust to fluctuating demands for services related to tonnage inspections. In addition, the department is considering amending this chapter to include barges under USGSA Table 2 and AMA Table 2.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, Federal Grain Inspection Service (USDA GIPSA FGIS) must approve changes in the WSDA grain inspection program's fee schedule.
Process for Developing New Rule: Grain inspection program staff will develop the proposed amendments based upon program needs, requirements of USDA GIPSA FGIS, and input from the grain inspection program advisory committee and members of the grain industry. Affected stakeholders will also have an opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed rules during the public comment period and will be able to present oral testimony at the public hearing.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Philip Garcia, Grain Inspection Program Manager, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, (360) 902-1921, pgarcia@agr.wa.gov; or Jeff Larsen, Project Management and Rulemaking Coordinator, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560, (360) 902-1960, jlarsen@agr.wa.gov.
April 18, 2017
Jason Ferrante
Assistant Director
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