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Bill would align UGA swap rules to protect critical aquifer recharge areas while easing housing development reviews
Summary
Senate Bill 6,016 would make urban growth area (UGA) swap procedures consistent across annual and 10‑year updates for critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs), a technical fix sponsors say will facilitate housing while maintaining environmental safeguards; opponents warned it revives weaker 2022 language and could invite litigation.
Senate Bill 6,016 would amend UGA swap provisions in the Growth Management Act to treat critical aquifer recharge areas (CARAs) consistently in annual plan updates and 10‑year plan updates, and would require that swaps not result in a net increase of CARA acreage within a revised UGA.
Karen Epps, committee staff, outlined the GMA background and said the bill narrows the swap standard so that CARA protections are maintained under county development regulations when areas are moved…
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