OLYMPIA – The state Senate gave its unanimous approval Monday (Apr. 10) to legislation that tweaks Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA) to prevent unnecessary infrastructure spending. Sponsored by Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-23, Poulsbo), HB 1683 relieves counties, cities, and utilities of the requirement to extend costly sewer service to properties within urban growth areas that are already served by well-designed septic systems.
“It’s just common sense,” Appleton said. “As good as the GMA is – and I think it is a very important set of laws – there is always room for improvement. I developed this bill with a Republican lawmaker from a rural district to correct a small flaw that can cause headaches and unnecessary expense for homeowners and their local governments.”
Appleton chairs the House Local Government Committee. HB 1683, which also received a unanimous OK in the House last month, now awaits Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature.