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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
March 27, 2006
Contact:
PJ Callahan
Phone: (360) 337-4481
No. 06-25
County Commissioners Consider Amendments to Boating Ordinance
PORT
ORCHARD, WA—The
Kitsap Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on April
10, 10:25 a.m., in the Commissioners’ Chambers
to accept public comment on proposed amendments to the
Watercraft Ordinance (Section 10.36 Kitsap County Code). The proposed
revisions would clean up some repetitive language and modify provisions in
the county’s boating ordinance to be consistent with Washington State law
regarding waterborne traffic and abandoned or derelict vessels.
“While
counties are permitted to establish different standards, following the
state’s process will allow us to potentially be reimbursed for costs related
to impoundment, such as towing and storage fees,” said Jan Angel, chair of
the board. “We also needed to change the way we handle emergency situations,
so we can respond in a timely manner to protect the safety of the public and
our marine mammals. These updates are a first step in a more proactive
response to the public’s concern for our waterways.”
The primary
difference between the current and proposed ordinance is a new section
designating emergency powers for directing waterborne traffic and
designating a restricted area during an emergency, including times when orca
pods visit Kitsap County waters. There are also revised conditions
pertaining to abandoned and derelict vessels and for when a vessel may be
impounded or taken into custody
Current
Kitsap County code requires that the commissioners pass an emergency
ordinance prior to the restriction of waterborne traffic. Often, an emergent
situation that might require such a restriction, such as the presence of
orcas, will have been resolved prior to the board’s ability to convene and
enact an emergency ordinance. Therefore, the proposed ordinance amendment
would allow for the restriction of waterborne traffic by the Sheriff or
authorized officers of appropriate county government agencies when necessary
to expedite waterborne traffic, prevent or eliminate congestion or safeguard
person, property or marine mammals listed in the Endangered Species Act.
“With 228
miles of salt-water, more than any other county in Washington, Kitsap County
has one of the highest incidences of abandoned and derelict vessels,
according to state records,” said Commissioner Patty Lent. “Derelict vessels
have long been an environmental and public safety concern. These updates
will improve consistency between our local ordinance and the state statutes
for removing derelict vessels.”
There are no
fiscal impacts of the proposed ordinance amendments.
Review a copy of the proposed ordinance.
To submit
public comment on the on proposed amendments to the Watercraft Ordinance,
please attend the public hearing on April 10, 10:25 a.m., in the
Commissioners’ Chambers.
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