(1) A
marine resources committee, as described in RCW 36.125.010, may
be created by the legislative authority of any county bordering
the marine waters of the outer coast or Puget Sound, in
cooperation with all appropriate cities and special districts
within their boundaries. Adjacent county legislative authorities
shall coordinate their efforts whenever there is a mutual
interest in creating a marine resources committee.
(2) A county may delegate the management and oversight of a
marine resources committee created by the county under RCW 36.125.010 to a city, or cities, within its jurisdiction, if the
city or cities are located on the marine waters of the outer
coast or southern Puget Sound and are willing to accept the
delegation.
(3) Participating county legislative authorities must select
members of the marine resources committee, ensuring balanced
representation from: Local government; scientific experts;
affected economic interests; affected recreational interests; and
environmental and conservation interests. Additionally,
participating county legislative authorities must invite tribal
representatives to participate in the marine resources committee.
An initiating county may delegate its appointment authority to a
city or cities that have received from the county the delegated
responsibilities of managing and overseeing the marine resources
committee.
(4) County residents may petition the county legislative
authority to create a marine resources committee. Upon receipt
of a petition, the county legislative authority must respond in
writing within sixty days as to whether they will authorize the
creation of a marine resources committee as well as the reasons
for their decision.
[2007 c 344 § 3.]