FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 2007 Legislative Session was a great success for The Cascade Agenda

Seattle, WA May 01, 2007

Thank you for supporting:

• Passage of the Regional Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Marketplace Bill (2SHB 1636). Stakeholders from agriculture, real estate, development, county and city government, as well as experts in growth management and TDRs will now begin to create a marketplace for TDRs within Snohomish, King, Pierce and Kitsap Counties. The 18-month process will create a program that will conserve important lands, provide economic viability to rural and resource landowners, and create new options for builders.
• $4 million to develop and implement a Transfer of Development Rights program and acquire development rights from family forest landowners most at risk of conversion.
  

Thanks and congratulations to partners at Washington Farm Forestry Association, Washington Forest Protection Association, Washington State Grange and The Nature Conservancy for their success on these other strategies that also advance The Cascade Agenda:

Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) funded at $100 million
This competitive grant program will provide 135 grants for state and local parks, wildlife habitat and the preservation of working farms.

Creation of the Puget Sound Partnership SB 5372
This bill creates and funds a regional public/private partnership to restore and protect Puget Sound.

Forest Products Excise Tax Relief HB 1513
This bill helps make forestry more economically viable for small forest landowners under extreme pressure to convert their lands to other uses.

Right to Farm HB 1648
This bill bolsters and extends protections from nuisance lawsuits to additional agricultural operations.

Creating an Office of Farmland Preservation SB 5108
This new office, part of Gov. Gregoire's Working Lands Initiative, will provide coordination and resources for protection of agricultural lands throughout Washington.

Small Farm Direct Marketing Assistance HB 1311
This bill provides marketing assistance for smaller farms, helping increase potential profitability and bring more local foods to communities.

Expansion of Local Infrastructure Financing Tools HB 1277
This bill helps to make cities great places to live, work, and raise families.

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