The bill aims to enhance the resilience of residential structures against flood damage, particularly in the Chehalis River basin, by providing greater regulatory flexibility for improvements in floodways. It establishes a new section that emphasizes the need for the Department of Ecology to implement an integrated strategy for long-term flood damage reduction. The bill allows for substantial improvements to residential structures specifically aimed at reducing flood risk, which may have previously been restricted due to existing regulations.

Key amendments to RCW 86.16.041 include changes to the language regarding the submission and approval of floodplain management ordinances, with a specific focus on the percentage of market value allowed for repairs and improvements. The bill modifies the criteria for assessing substantially damaged residential structures and introduces provisions for projects that aim to improve residential structures in floodways to mitigate flood damage. Notably, it specifies that the department can recommend repair or replacement of such structures based on scientific assessments, effectively waiving the floodway prohibition when appropriate.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 86.16.041
Substitute Bill: 86.16.041
Bill as Passed Legislature: 86.16.041
Session Law: 86.16.041