(1)(a) Counties, cities, and tribal governments must jointly designate, by resolution or by letters of support, the area for which a habitat project list is to be developed and the lead entity that is to be responsible for submitting the habitat project list. No project included on a habitat project list shall be considered mandatory in nature and no private landowner may be forced or coerced into participation in any respect. The lead entity may be a county, city, conservation district, special district, tribal government, regional recovery organization, or other entity.

     (b) The lead entity shall establish a committee that consists of representative interests of counties, cities, conservation districts, tribes, environmental groups, business interests, landowners, citizens, volunteer groups, regional fish enhancement groups, and other habitat interests. The purpose of the committee is to provide a citizen-based evaluation of the projects proposed to promote salmon habitat.

     (c) The committee shall compile a list of habitat projects, establish priorities for individual projects, define the sequence for project implementation, and submit these activities as the habitat project list. The committee shall also identify potential federal, state, local, and private funding sources.

     (2) The area covered by the habitat project list must be based, at a minimum, on a WRIA, combination of WRIAs, or any other area as agreed to by the counties, cities, and tribes in resolutions or in letters of support meeting the requirements of this subsection. Preference will be given to projects in an area that contain a salmon species that is listed or proposed for listing under the federal endangered species act.

     (3) The lead entity shall submit the habitat project list to the salmon recovery funding board in accordance with procedures adopted by the board.

     (4) The recreation and conservation office shall administer funding to support the functions of lead entities.

[2009 c 345 § 3; 2009 c 333 § 25; 2005 c 309 § 6; 1999 sp.s. c 13 § 11; 1998 c 246 § 7. Formerly RCW 75.46.060.]

NOTES:

     Reviser's note: This section was amended by 2009 c 333 § 25 and by 2009 c 345 § 3, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025(1).

     Finding -- Intent -- 2009 c 345: See notes following RCW 77.85.030.

     Severability -- Effective date -- 1999 sp.s. c 13: See notes following RCW 77.85.005.