Olympia - Legislation directing the management of Washington's coastal and marine resources to protect coastal jobs and provide greater understanding of Washington's coastline was passed 46-3 today by the state Senate.

Senate Bill 6263 removes roadblocks from marine spatial planning legislation that was passed two years ago, allowing the state, coastal counties and industry to take advantage of opportunities to leverage private, state and federal support. Expenditures from the account in the next four years will be used to advance projects involving ecosystem mapping and initiating the marine management planning process for the coast.

“We are at a time where traditional and new users of our oceans must work together to meet increasing demands,” said Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, the prime sponsor of the bill. “But this can’t be done without proper planning and the right set of tools.

“This bill gives us the tools to manage Washington’s marine resources more effectively for everyone, while ensuring a healthy ocean that supports fisheries, agriculture, recreation and the jobs they create.”

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.

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For more information, Michael Althauser, 360-786-7326