reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
WA Rev Code § 90.71.010 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.010 - Definitions.

RCW 90.71.010 Definitions.Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.(1) "Action agenda" means the comprehensive schedule of projects, programs, and other activities designed to achieve a healthy Puget Sound ecosystem that is authorized and further described in RCW 90.71.300 and 90.71.310.(2) "Action area" means the geographic areas delineated as provided in RCW 90.71.260.(3) "Benchmarks" means measurable interim milestones or achievements established to demonstrate progress towards a goal, objective, or outcome.(4) "Board" means the ecosystem coordination board.(5) "Council" means the leadership council.(6) "Environmental indicator" means a physical, biological, or chemical measurement, statistic, or value that provides a proximate gauge, or evidence of, the state or condition of Puget Sound.(7) "Implementation strategies" means the strategies incorporated on a quadrennial basis in the action agenda developed under RCW 90.71.310.(8) "Nearshore" means the area beginning at the crest of coastal bluffs and extending seaward through the marine photics zone, and to the head of tide in coastal rivers and streams. "Nearshore" also means both shoreline and estuaries.(9) "Panel" means the Puget Sound science panel.(10) "Partnership" means the Puget Sound partnership.(11) "Puget Sound" means Puget Sound and related inland marine waters, including all salt waters of the state of Washington inside the international boundary line between Washington and British Columbia, and lying east of the junction of the Pacific Ocean and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the rivers and streams draining to Puget Sound as mapped by water resource inventory areas 1 through 19 in WAC 173-500-040 as it exists on July 1, 2007.(12) "Puget Sound partner" means an entity that has been recognized by the partnership, as provided in RCW 90.71.340, as having consistently achieved outstanding progress in implementing the 2020 action agenda.(13) "Watershed groups" means all groups sponsoring or administering watershed programs, including but not limited to local governments, private sector entities, watershed planning units, watershed councils, shellfish protection areas, regional fishery enhancement groups, marine resources committees including those working with the Northwest straits commission, nearshore groups, and watershed lead entities.(14) "Watershed programs" means and includes all watershed-level plans, programs, projects, and activities that relate to or may contribute to the protection or restoration of Puget Sound waters. Such programs include jurisdiction-wide programs regardless of whether more than one watershed is addressed.[ 2017 c 54 § 1; 2007 c 341 § 2; 1996 c 138 § 2.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.060 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.060 - Puget Sound assessment and monitoring program.

RCW 90.71.060 Puget Sound assessment and monitoring program.In addition to other powers and duties specified in this chapter, the panel, with the approval of the council, shall guide the implementation and coordination of a Puget Sound assessment and monitoring program.[ 2007 c 341 § 22; 1996 c 138 § 7.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.110 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.110 - Puget Sound scientific research account.

RCW 90.71.110 Puget Sound scientific research account.The Puget Sound scientific research account is created in the state treasury. All gifts, grants, federal moneys, or appropriations made to the account must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used only for research programs and projects selected pursuant to the process developed and overseen by the Puget Sound science panel as provided in RCW 90.71.280(1)(c).[ 2009 c 99 § 1; 2007 c 345 § 3.]NOTES:Findings—2007 c 345: "Although research about conditions in Puget Sound have been studied during the past several decades, the legislature finds that there is no coordinated, focused, comprehensive Puget Sound science program capable of setting research priorities for Puget Sound science. The legislature finds that environmental problems in Puget Sound are complex and that research is needed to provide information that can guide protective and restorative actions, and to explore and understand the impacts of a changing environment. The legislature also finds that there is no predictable funding process for Puget Sound research projects, including the aquatic rehabilitation zone one. The legislature declares that the state needs a process to focus the scientific effort on the Puget Sound ecosystem and to distribute research funds." [ 2007 c 345 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.200 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.200 - Findings—Intent.

RCW 90.71.200 Findings—Intent.(1) The legislature finds 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 stormwater 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.(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 therefore creates a new Puget Sound partnership to coordinate and lead the effort to restore and protect Puget Sound, and intends that all governmental entities, including federal and state agencies, tribes, cities, counties, ports, and special purpose districts, support and help implement the partnership's restoration efforts. The legislature further intends that the partnership will:(a) Define a strategic action agenda prioritizing necessary actions, both basin-wide and within specific areas, and creating an approach that addresses all of the complex connections among the land, water, web of species, and human needs. The action agenda will be based on science and include clear, measurable goals for the recovery of Puget Sound by 2020;(b) Determine accountability for performance, oversee the efficiency and effectiveness of money spent, educate and engage the public, and track and report results to the legislature, the governor, and the public;(c) Not have regulatory authority, nor authority to transfer the responsibility for, or implementation of, any state regulatory program, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the legislature.(3) It is the goal of the state that the health of Puget Sound be restored by 2020.[ 2007 c 341 § 1.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.210 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.210 - Puget Sound partnership—Created.

RCW 90.71.210 Puget Sound partnership—Created.An agency of state government, to be known as the Puget Sound partnership, is created to oversee the restoration of the environmental health of Puget Sound by 2020. The agency shall consist of a leadership council, an executive director, an ecosystem coordination board, and a Puget Sound science panel.[ 2007 c 341 § 3.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.220 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.220 - Leadership council—Membership.

RCW 90.71.220 Leadership council—Membership.(1) The partnership shall be led by a leadership council composed of seven members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. The governor shall appoint members who are publicly respected and influential, are interested in the environmental and economic prosperity of Puget Sound, and have demonstrated leadership qualities. The governor shall designate one of the seven members to serve as chair and a vice chair shall be selected annually by the membership of the council.(2) The initial members shall be appointed as follows:(a) Three of the initial members shall be appointed for a term of two years;(b) Two of the initial members shall be appointed for a term of three years; and(c) Two of the initial members shall be appointed for a term of four years.(3) The initial members' successors shall be appointed for terms of four years each, except that any person chosen to fill a vacancy shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of the member whom he or she succeeds.(4) Members of the council are eligible for reappointment.(5) Any member of the council may be removed by the governor for cause.(6) Members whose terms expire shall continue to serve until reappointed or replaced by a new member.(7) A majority of the council constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.(8) Council decisions and actions require majority vote approval of all councilmembers.[ 2007 c 341 § 4.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.230 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.230 - Leadership council—Powers and duties.

RCW 90.71.230 Leadership council—Powers and duties.(1) The leadership council shall have the power and duty to:(a) Provide leadership and have responsibility for the functions of the partnership, including adopting, revising, and guiding the implementation of the action agenda, allocating funds for Puget Sound recovery, providing progress and other reports, setting strategic priorities and benchmarks, adopting and applying accountability measures, and making appointments to the board and panel;(b) Adopt rules, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW;(c) Create subcommittees and advisory committees as appropriate to assist the council;(d) Enter into, amend, and terminate contracts with individuals, corporations, or research institutions to effectuate the purposes of this chapter;(e) Make grants to governmental and nongovernmental entities to effectuate the purposes of this chapter;(f) Receive such gifts, grants, and endowments, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the partnership to effectuate the purposes of this chapter;(g) Promote extensive public awareness, education, and participation in Puget Sound protection and recovery;(h) Work collaboratively with the Hood Canal coordinating council established in chapter 90.88 RCW on Hood Canal-specific issues;(i) Maintain complete and consolidated financial information to ensure that all funds received and expended to implement the action agenda have been accounted for; and(j) Such other powers and duties as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of this chapter.(2) The council may delegate functions to the chair and to the executive director, however the council may not delegate its decisional authority regarding developing or amending the action agenda.(3) The council shall work closely with existing organizations and all levels of government to ensure that the action agenda and its implementation are scientifically sound, efficient, and achieve necessary results to accomplish recovery of Puget Sound to health by 2020.(4) The council shall support, engage, and foster collaboration among watershed groups to assist in the recovery of Puget Sound.(5) When working with federally recognized Indian tribes to develop and implement the action agenda, the council shall conform to the procedures and standards required in a government-to-governmental relationship with tribes under the 1989 Centennial Accord between the state of Washington and the sovereign tribal governments in the state of Washington.(6) Members of the council shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.220 and be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.[ 2007 c 341 § 5.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.240 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.240 - Executive director—Appointment—Authority.

RCW 90.71.240 Executive director—Appointment—Authority.(1) The partnership shall be administered by an executive director who serves as a communication link between all levels of government, the private sector, tribes, nongovernmental organizations, the council, the board, and the panel. The executive director shall be accountable to the council and the governor for effective communication, actions, and results.(2) The executive director shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, in consultation with the council. The governor shall consider the recommendations of the council when appointing the executive director.(3) The executive director shall have complete charge of and supervisory powers over the partnership, subject to the guidance from the council.(4) The executive director shall employ a staff, who shall be state employees under Title 41 RCW.(5) Upon approval of the council, the executive director may take action to create a private nonprofit entity, which may take the form of a nonprofit corporation, to assist the partnership in restoring Puget Sound by:(a) Raising money and other resources through charitable giving, donations, and other appropriate mechanisms;(b) Engaging and educating the public regarding Puget Sound's health, including efforts and opportunities to restore Puget Sound ecosystems; and(c) Performing other similar activities as directed by the partnership.[ 2007 c 341 § 6.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.280 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.280 - Science panel—Duties.

RCW 90.71.280 Science panel—Duties.(1) The panel shall:(a) Assist the council, board, and executive director in carrying out the obligations of the partnership, including preparing and updating the action agenda;(b) As provided in RCW 90.71.290, assist the partnership in developing an ecosystem level strategic science program that:(i) Addresses monitoring, modeling, data management, and research; and(ii) Identifies science gaps and recommends research priorities;(c) Develop and provide oversight of a competitive peer-reviewed process for soliciting, strategically prioritizing, and funding research and modeling projects;(d) Develop and implement an appropriate process for peer review of monitoring, research, and modeling conducted as part of the strategic science program;(e) Provide input to the executive director in developing quadrennial implementation strategies; and(f) Offer an ecosystem-wide perspective on the science work being conducted in Puget Sound and by the partnership.(2) The panel should collaborate with other scientific groups and consult other scientists in conducting its work. To the maximum extent possible, the panel should seek to integrate the state-sponsored Puget Sound science program with the Puget Sound science activities of federal agencies, including working toward an integrated research agenda and Puget Sound science work plan.(3) By July 31, 2008, the panel shall identify environmental indicators measuring the health of Puget Sound, and recommend environmental benchmarks that need to be achieved to meet the goals of the action agenda. The council shall confer with the panel on incorporating the indicators and benchmarks into the action agenda.[ 2017 c 54 § 2; 2009 c 99 § 2; 2007 c 341 § 10.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.300 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.300 - Action agenda—Goals and objectives.

RCW 90.71.300 Action agenda—Goals and objectives.(1) The action agenda shall consist of the goals and objectives in this section, implementation strategies to meet measurable outcomes, benchmarks, and identification of responsible entities. By 2020, the action agenda shall strive to achieve the following goals:(a) A healthy human population supported by a healthy Puget Sound that is not threatened by changes in the ecosystem;(b) A quality of human life that is sustained by a functioning Puget Sound ecosystem;(c) Healthy and sustaining populations of native species in Puget Sound, including a robust food web;(d) A healthy Puget Sound where freshwater, estuary, nearshore, marine, and upland habitats are protected, restored, and sustained;(e) An ecosystem that is supported by groundwater levels as well as river and streamflow levels sufficient to sustain people, fish, and wildlife, and the natural functions of the environment;(f) Fresh and marine waters and sediments of a sufficient quality so that the waters in the region are safe for drinking, swimming, shellfish harvest and consumption, and other human uses and enjoyment, and are not harmful to the native marine mammals, fish, birds, and shellfish of the region.(2) The action agenda shall be developed and implemented to achieve the following objectives:(a) Protect existing habitat and prevent further losses;(b) Restore habitat functions and values;(c) Significantly reduce toxics entering Puget Sound fresh and marine waters;(d) Significantly reduce nutrients and pathogens entering Puget Sound fresh and marine waters;(e) Improve water quality and habitat by managing stormwater runoff;(f) Provide water for people, fish and wildlife, and the environment;(g) Protect ecosystem biodiversity and recover imperiled species; and(h) Build and sustain the capacity for action.[ 2007 c 341 § 12.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.320 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.320 - Action agenda—Biennial budget requests.

RCW 90.71.320 Action agenda—Biennial budget requests.(1) State agencies responsible for implementing elements of the action agenda shall:(a) Provide to the partnership by June 1st of each even-numbered year their estimates of the actions and the budget resources needed for the forthcoming biennium to implement their portion of the action agenda; and(b) Work with the partnership in the development of biennial budget requests to achieve consistency with the action agenda to be submitted to the governor for consideration in the governor's biennial budget request. The agencies shall seek the concurrence of the partnership in the proposed funding levels and sources included in this proposed budget.(2) If a state agency submits an amount different from that developed in subsection (1)(a) of this section as part of its biennial budget request, the partnership and state agency shall jointly identify the differences and the reasons for these differences and present this information to the office of financial management by October 1st of each even-numbered year.[ 2007 c 341 § 14.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.330 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.330 - Funding from partnership—Accountability.

RCW 90.71.330 Funding from partnership—Accountability.(1) Any funding made available directly to the partnership from the Puget Sound recovery account created in RCW 90.71.400 and used by the partnership for loans, grants, or funding transfers to other entities shall be prioritized according to the action agenda developed pursuant to RCW 90.71.310.(2) The partnership shall condition, with interagency agreements, any grants or funding transfers to other entities from the Puget Sound recovery account to ensure accountability in the expenditure of the funds and to ensure that the funds are used by the recipient entity in the manner determined by the partnership to be the most consistent with the priorities of the action agenda. Any conditions placed on federal funding under this section shall incorporate and be consistent with requirements under signed agreements between the entity and the federal government.(3) If the partnership finds that the provided funding was not used as instructed in the interagency agreement, the partnership may suspend or further condition future funding to the recipient entity.(4) The partnership shall require any entity that receives funds for implementing the action agenda to publicly disclose and account for expenditure of those funds.[ 2007 c 341 § 15.]
WA Rev Code § 90.71.340 (2021)
2021 Revised Code of Washington|Title 90 - Water Rights—Environment|Chapter 90.71 - Puget Sound Water Quality Protection.|90.71.340 - Fiscal accountability—Fiscal incentives and disincentives for implementation of the action agenda.

RCW 90.71.340 Fiscal accountability—Fiscal incentives and disincentives for implementation of the action agenda.(1) The legislature intends that fiscal incentives and disincentives be used as accountability measures designed to achieve consistency with the action agenda by:(a) Ensuring that projects and activities in conflict with the action agenda are not funded;(b) Aligning environmental investments with strategic priorities of the action agenda; and(c) Using state grant and loan programs to encourage consistency with the action agenda.(2) The council shall adopt measures to ensure that funds appropriated for implementation of the action agenda and identified by proviso or specifically referenced in the omnibus appropriations act pursuant to RCW 43.88.030(1)(g) are expended in a manner that will achieve the intended results. In developing such performance measures, the council shall establish criteria for the expenditure of the funds consistent with the responsibilities and timelines under the action agenda, and require reporting and tracking of funds expended. The council may adopt other measures, such as requiring interagency agreements regarding the expenditure of provisoed or specifically referenced Puget Sound funds.(3) The partnership shall work with other state agencies providing grant and loan funds or other financial assistance for projects and activities that impact the health of the Puget Sound ecosystem under chapters 43.155, 70A.305, 70A.135, 77.85, 79.105, 79A.15, 89.08, and 90.50A RCW to, within the authorities of the programs, develop consistent funding criteria that prohibits funding projects and activities that are in conflict with the action agenda.(4) The partnership shall develop a process and criteria by which entities that consistently achieve outstanding progress in implementing the action agenda are designated as Puget Sound partners. State agencies shall work with the partnership to revise their grant, loan, or other financial assistance allocation criteria to create a preference for entities designated as Puget Sound partners for funds allocated to the Puget Sound basin, pursuant to RCW 43.155.070, 70A.305.180, 70A.305.190, 70A.305.200, 70A.135.070, 77.85.130, 79.105.150, 79A.15.040, 89.08.520, and 90.50A.040. This process shall be developed on a timeline that takes into consideration state grant and loan funding cycles.(5) Any entity that receives state funds to implement actions required in the action agenda shall report biennially to the council on progress in completing the action and whether expected results have been achieved within the time frames specified in the action agenda.[ 2020 c 20 § 1508; 2007 c 341 § 16.]