Drafter
Clerk 7/16/2007
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AN ORDINANCE directing the development of a work program; expansion of water quality monitoring programs and scientific studies; and analysis of options to reorganize the office of the county executive or department of natural resources and parks to support the work of the Puget Sound Partnership and meet King County's responsibilities for the implementation of Washington State Engrossed Senate Bill 5372.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The Washington state Legislature, in creating the Puget Sound Partnership has found that:
(a) Puget Sound, including Hood Canal, and the waters that flow to it are a national treasure and a unique resource. Residents enjoy a way of life centered around these waters that depends upon clean and healthy marine and freshwater resources;
(b) Puget Sound is in serious decline, and Hood Canal is in a serious crisis. This decline is indicated by loss of and damage to critical habit, rapid decline in species populations, increases in aquatic nuisance species, numerous toxics contaminated sites, urbanization and attendant storm water drainage, closure of beaches to shellfish harvest due to disease risks, low-dissolved oxygen levels causing death of marine life, and other phenomena. If left unchecked, these conditions will worsen;
(c) Puget Sound must be restored and protected in a more coherent and effective manner. The current system is highly fragmented. Immediate and concerted action is necessary by all levels of government working with the public, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to ensure a thriving natural system that exists in harmony with a vibrant economy; and
(d) Leadership, accountability, government transparency, thoughtful and responsible spending of public funds and public involvement will be integral to the success of efforts to restore and protect Puget Sound.
2. The legislature has therefore created a new agency entitled Puget Sound Partnership to ...
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