SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6030

As of February 22, 2001

Title:  An act relating to maximizing the use of state‑owned natural resources facilities.

Brief Description:  Maximizing the use and benefits of state‑owned natural resources facilities.

Sponsors:  Senators Regala, Jacobsen, Spanel, Kohl‑Welles and Fairley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Shorelines:  2/26/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & SHORELINES

Staff:  Victor Moon (786‑7469)

Background:  Natural resource facilities under the control of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Department of Natural Resources have some capital facilities that are in poor physical condition, and some facilities which are abandoned.  Nonprofit organizations have worked with the state in helping with the management of state lands.  Cooperative agreements between nonprofit organizations and the state might help the state in preserving and maintaining facilities on state lands, and could benefit public access and public recreation.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Department of Natural Resources jointly establish a committee to review the use of state-owned facilities dedicated to recreation and natural resource uses.

The committee includes two members from the Senate, one from each political party appointed by the President of the Senate; and two members from the House of Representatives, one from each political party appointed by the Co-Speakers of the House.  The committee also includes interested stakeholder groups.

The duty of the committee is to identify state-owned natural resource facilities that could be maintained and improved by cooperative agreements between nonprofit organizations and the state of Washington.

The committee must submit a report to the Legislature by January 7, 2002, which must discuss potential sites, sources of funding for improvement to the sites, and a list of possible stakeholder partners.  The report may also include recommended legislation or supplemental budget requests needed to maintain facilities on state lands.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 21, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.