Gov. Christine Gregoire rolls out state system to improve service to communities

For Immediate Release: September 21, 2005

Olympia - Sept. 21, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire today announced a system for improved coordination among eight state agencies as they work with cities and counties. The effort ensures that state participation in local planning activities is timely, helpful and effective. Called correspondence principles, the actions are helping to minimize conflicts and resolve disagreements.

�Cities and counties have a significant responsibility in charting a course for the future that maintains their quality of life as this state grows,� said Gov. Gregoire. �The state will be a helpful, reliable partner on land use and environmental policies that communities are considering."

The correspondence principles, which have been in place since February 2005 as a pilot project, are benefiting local governments. When the City of Anacortes was updating its critical areas ordinance, issues came up about further development along the city�s historic waterfront.

�This process has allowed the City of Anacortes to discuss and clarify issues with state agencies that could otherwise have threatened hundreds of jobs on our industrial waterfront,� said Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell.

State agencies and local government planning staff, with the help of the Association of Washington Cities and the Washington State Association of Counties, developed the principles.

�This is a significant, if long-overdue, step in the right direction,� said Betty Sue Morris, president of the county association.

For Pierce County one of the more challenging issues was balancing wetland protection with property owners� use of their land. The state agency staff came to the county's public meetings, heard the concerns in person and a meaningful balance was achieved.

"It was the willingness of state agency staff at Department of Ecology to really listen to the public comments that allowed us to achieve success,� said Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg.

The Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) coordinates the state�s growth management efforts and led the correspondence principles project under the governor�s direction.

An agreement signed by the departments of Agriculture, Health, Ecology, Transportation, Fish and Wildlife, Social and Health Services, and CTED, along with the Puget Sound Action Team, commits the eight agencies to:
� Work with local governments as early as possible when draft plans and amendments are being considered.
� Share draft comments with communities.
� Consider local concerns before letters are finalized.
� Designate a lead staff person at the agency to help resolve disputes between the agency and local governments over growth management issues.
� Make a clear distinction in letters between requirements of the law and state agency opinion over best practices.

In Washington, cities and counties develop plans within the framework of the state Growth Management Act. Local governments have major responsibilities for carrying out the act because they approve development proposals, such as housing developments and shopping centers. They also provide supporting infrastructure - roads, parks and sewers, for example. State agencies play a role by providing infrastructure and technical assistance, including much of the scientific information on which local governments rely.

Local communities notify CTED 60 days before adoption if they are considering changes to their comprehensive plans and development regulations. State agencies review the proposals and offer suggestions through comment letters.

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