FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1136

C 184 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Implementing the recommendations of the state parks and outdoor recreation funding task force relating to the use of the outdoor recreation account.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Flannigan, Ericksen, Armstrong, McIntire, Condotta, Wallace, Dunshee and Cooper).

House Committee on Capital Budget

Senate Committee on Parks, Fish & Wildlife

Background:

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) provides funds for the acquisition and development of local and state parks, water access sites, trails, critical wildlife habitat, and urban wildlife habitat. Counties, cities, ports, park and recreation districts, school districts, state agencies, and tribes are eligible to apply. Local and tribal governments must provide at least a 50 percent match in cash or in-kind contributions. Grants applications are evaluated annually, and the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation submits a list of prioritized projects to the Governor and the Legislature for approval. Half of the funds are for habitat conservation and the other half for outdoor recreation, allocated by formulas established in statute.

Of the funds allocated for outdoor recreation, at least 25 percent go to the State Parks and Recreation Commission for acquisition and development of state parks. Of these funds going to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, 75 percent must be used for acquisition and 25 percent for park development.

Summary:

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s allocation for state parks is changed from 75 percent land acquisition and 25 percent park development to 50 percent for land acquisition and 50 percent for park development through June 30, 2009. Beginning July 1, 2009, the minimum amount that must be used for acquisition costs reverts to 75 percent.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 93  0

Senate 49  0

Effective: July 27, 2003