04/19/2000 12:00 PM Senate FIN

     COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 432(FIN)                                                                           
     "An Act extending the termination  date of the Board of                                                                    
     Storage  Tank Assistance;  expanding  the authority  of                                                                    
     the board  to issue recommendations  concerning cleanup                                                                    
     decisions;  relating  to  the  eligibility  of  certain                                                                    
     nonprofit entities  for financial assistance  under the                                                                    
     tank cleanup  grant program and the  tank upgrading and                                                                    
     closure program; and providing for an effective date."                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
JOHN BARNETT,  Board of  Storage Tank  Assistance, testified                                                                    
to the bill.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Torgerson  asked if  it would  take the  board four                                                                    
more years to complete its business.                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                
Mr. Barnett  asserted there is  always trouble  when working                                                                    
with the Department of  Environmental Conservation. He noted                                                                    
that most cleanups are undertaken in phases, thus extending                                                                    
the time required for completion.                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
Senator Leman supported an extension of the cleanup date.                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
Co-Chair Torgerson ordered the bill HELD in Committee.