Legislature passes Haugen bill to preserve farmland

PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O’HAGAN | STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS Legislation to maintain farmland is a signature away from becoming law.

Senate Bill 6211 designates the I-5 corridor between Starbird Road and Bow Hill Road as an agricultural scenic corridor, an area that showcases the state’s agriculture.

“Our farmlands are what give our region its character and beauty, but the pressure to develop them gets stronger every day,” Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, said.

“This bill should relieve a little of that pressure. Anything we can do to preserve our farmlands is a good thing.”

The House of Representatives passed SB 6211 on a 96-0 vote over the weekend. Having previously passed the Senate on a 47-0 vote, it now goes to the governor to be signed into law.

The bill allows access to federal grants to purchase rights of way adjacent to farmland along state highways, Haugen said.

“This is a historic area of fourth generation farmers,” she added.

“This bill will draw attention to the rich history of farming in the area and help promote the agri-tourism business.”

The bill was supported by Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, the Western Washington Agricultural Association and the state department of agriculture.