(1) In the adoption of the Streamflow Restoration Act, the legislature stated the intent to appropriate three hundred million dollars for projects to achieve the goals of the act until June 30, 2033. They further directed ecology to implement a program to restore and enhance streamflows by fulfilling obligations under the act to develop and implement plans to restore streamflows to levels necessary to support robust, healthy, and sustainable salmon populations.

(2) This chapter contains general rules for project grant eligibility, selection, issuance, and performance, and applies to projects statewide pursuant to and consistent with chapter 90.94 RCW to:

(a) Protect and enhance streamflows.

(b) Improve watershed functions that benefit instream fish and wildlife resources.

(c) Offset the consumptive use impacts from new domestic permit-exempt wells.

(d) Implement other projects identified in an RCW 90.94.020 watershed plan update, an RCW 90.94.030 watershed restoration and enhancement plan, or through a rule-making process to meet the requirements of RCW 90.94.020 or 90.94.030.