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AWB-led Coalition Files Appeal to Ecology’s changes to state Shorelines Master Plan |
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Written On: December 29, 2000 |
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OLYMPIA _ The Association of Washington Business, and a coalition of other statewide organizations, public agencies and property owners have filed an appeal against changes to the state's Shorelines Master Plan drafted by the state Department of Ecology.
"We are appealing these changes because they go far beyond the intent of the original master plan," says AWB President Don Brunell. "In this case, AWB believes that Ecology has gone from enacting legislation to creating legislation."
The new rules place heavy restrictions on both businesses and private property owners who are located on any type of shoreline. Under Ecology's definition, a shoreline can range from property bordering Puget Sound to land adjacent to ponds and streams.
The restrictions will make it difficult for property owners to repair bulkheads, further exacerbating erosion problems already being experienced throughout Puget Sound.
Particularly hard hit are landowners with rivers and streams running through their property. In one case, these rules have resulted in a $500,000 loss for one family with no compensation.
"The burden on property owners created by these rules is outrageous," Brunell says. "It amounts to the state simply taking land away from property owners with no compensation."
While AWB is the lead party in the appeal, it is joined by a host of other organizations including the Building Industry Association of Washington, National Federation of Independent Business, the Washington Farm Bureau, the Washington Association of Realtors, Pacific County, Grays Harbor County, Ocean Shores and The Grays Harbor Economic Development Council.
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