(1) The department shall collaborate with the state agencies implementing the Washington conservation corps, created in chapter 43.220 RCW, to maximize the utilization of both conservation corps programs. These agencies shall work together to identify stewardship and maintenance projects on agency-managed lands that are suitable for work by veterans conservation corps enrollees. The department may expend funds appropriated to the veterans conservation corps program to defray the costs of education, training, and certification associated with the enrollees participating in such projects.

     (2) By September 30, 2007, the department, in conjunction with the state agencies identified in subsection (1) of this section, shall provide to the office of financial management and to the appropriate committees of the senate and house of representatives a report that:

     (a) Identifies projects on state agency-managed lands that are currently planned for veterans conservation corps enrollee participation;

     (b) Identifies additional projects on state agency-managed lands that are suitable for veterans conservation corps enrollee participation and for which funding is currently in place for such participation; and

     (c) Identifies additional projects on state agency-managed lands for which project implementation has been funded or is included in the agency's multibiennial stewardship plans, and that are suitable for veterans conservation corps enrollee participation in the event that additional funding is provided to the department for associated training, education, and certification.

[2007 c 451 § 5.]