Franz proposes bill to fund wildfire team, restore forests

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state’s commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz wants to raise $63-million each year to fight wildfires.

Commissioner Franz says Monday’s proposal would be the largest investment Washington has ever made to expand its wildfire team and restore the health of forests.

Money for the fund will come from a surcharge of $5 per year on each policy sold by property and casualty insurance companies across the state.

Franz estimated it will cost the average household about $1 per month, based on one homeowner’s policy and two auto policies.

The bill will be introduced in the state House of Representatives.