House votes to give Bainbridge additional tool in growth decisions

Bill would allow island cities the ability to protect water supplies through designation of “conservation zones”

February 23, 2007

OLYMPIA— Bainbridge Island is geographically the fourth largest city in the state, equivalent in size to New York’s Manhattan Island, but with a population of a mere 22,500 people. What many residents don’t realize is that this island city, which is known for its mix of quaint urban with rural parks and farmland, gets its entire water supply from a lone island based aquifer.

On Friday the state legislature took steps toward giving Bainbridge Island officials the authority to protect its only water supply through the passage of House Bill 1135 which would allow qualifying island cities, such as Bainbridge, to designate one or more aquifer conservation zones to conserve and protect potable water sources.

“Bainbridge Island is like no other city in our state,” said the legislation’s prime sponsor Rep. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo). “This legislation will give local officials another tool to help better plan for growth.”

Zoned entirely as an urban growth area, the island has enormous potential for residential growth. In just the past year there were 110 new single family home permits issued to island residents as more and more people relocate west of Seattle. With the population’s water supply coming from a single source, local officials have been challenged with finding new ways to balance development and conservation.

Rep. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island), who faced the issue as a Bainbridge Island city council member, lauded the importance of the legislation passed by the House.

“Sherry and I crafted this legislation to specifically help Bainbridge Island,” said Rolfes who is serving her first term in the House. “Bainbridge Island is trying to balance urban density and aquifer protection; this bill will allow the city to accept required growth while protecting our water supply for future generations.”

“This is about smart growth,” said Appleton. “We acknowledge that people will continue to move across the water but we need to make sure we are accounting for these changes while wisely managing our resources.”

The legislation cleared the House 94-0 vote. It will now await further action in the Senate.

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Staff Contact: Derek Baker (360) 786-7697

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