House Bill 2045, from Rep. Kevin Waters, would facilitate the removal of fish barriers on lands owned by local governments

Legislation that would improve the state’s efforts to remove fish barriers received overwhelming support from the Washington State House of Representatives on Wednesday, passing with a 95-2 vote.

House Bill 2045, from Rep. Kevin Waters, would facilitate the removal of fish barriers on lands owned by local governments by creating the “Adopt a Fish Barrier” program, through which local governments may receive private donations.

“This policy would be a big boost for all fish species in our state. That’s the bottom line,” said Waters, R-Stevenson. “There are so many people that want to get involved, and this bill would make it possible for private citizens and businesses to donate funds to help with the cause.”

Under the bill, the Recreation and Conservation Office would keep a list of projects suited to receiving private donations so a person could donate to a project of their choice.

Donations of $10,000 or more would be acknowledged with a sign at the corrected barrier. Donations of $100,000 or more would be recognized with the sign and by a plaque signed by the governor.

The plaque would include the donor’s name, the location of the project, the amount and year of the donation, and the fish species helped by removing the barrier.

“We all want to help our fish populations, but it’s not a simple task,” said Waters. “However, this bill would be a great step forward and won’t cost the state anything. Allowing people to join with the state to remove fish barriers on lands owned by local governments is a win for the fish and for everyone working on this issue.”

House Bill 2045 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Information provided by Washington State House Republicans, houserepublicans.wa.gov