The supplemental budget passed by the 2002 Legislature directed the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to establish a "hydraulic project approval program technical review task force." The legislature further directed that the task force be composed of a balanced representation of both hydraulic project proponents and conservation interests. The purpose of the task force is to conduct a thorough review of the HPA program, including recommendations for a potential fee structure and schedule. The review and recommendations are due to the legislature by November 30, 2002.

In addition, the Governor, in his partial veto of Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2866, directed the "task force also address the question of the overlap of state statutory requirements and local programs, to determine whether they adequately address impacts covered by the HPA process." The Governor acknowledged this task force as "an opportunity to streamline these processes and clarify regulatory authority….in a manner that will protect critical salmon habitat, and maintain the ability of our state agencies to provide such protection."

The HPA program is the vehicle through which WDFW regulates activities which affect the bed or flow of waters of the state for the protection of fish life. WDFW regulation of these activities has historically been controversial and the legislature has responded over the years with numerous changes in that authority. The current request for the agency to form a task force to review the program will require stakeholders and agencies with widely varied interests and concerns to meet and work productively to be able to produce recommendations and a report in the short time mandated by the Legislature.