Senate unanimously approves bill to remove derelict vessels

OLYMPIA – More money to clear local waters from possible dangerous effects of abandoned and derelict vessels may be on the way with the passage of a bill that provides additional funding to the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Derelict Vessel Removal Program.

“We needed to ramp up the Derelict Vessel Removal Program and provide additional funding to remove the backlog of several hundred vessels in inventory,” said Sen. Phil Rockefeller, D-Kitsap County, the bill’s sponsor. “The passage of this bill will help the program clear our waters from these dangerous derelict vessels that may be a source of oil spills.”

The bill provides a surcharge of $1.00 on current vessel registration fees to address the backlog of vessels that need removal. $1 million per year of the watercraft excise tax will also be deposited into the derelict vessels removal account until 2013.

In addition, under Senate Bill 6044, marina owners who lease permanent moorage will be asked to collect registration information from vessel owners for inspection by DNR to improve its ability to track ownership.

“I am grateful to have the support of recreational boaters, marina owners and operators,” Rockefeller said.

SB 6044 passed the Senate on a 49-0 vote and now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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