SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5018

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, January 29, 2009

Title: An act relating to historic preservation.

Brief Description: Concerning historic preservation.

Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Swecker, Parlette, Schoesler and Carrell.

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/29/09 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Benton, McDermott, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)

Background: The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (AHP) serves as Washington's primary agency for recording the state's historic sites. To date, over 50,000 historic sites have been recorded and approximately 1,800 of these sites have been added either to the State or National Registers of Historic Places for their exceptional significance.

Summary of Bill: The Historic Preservation Grant Program is established within the AHP. Funding for the Grant Program is subject to appropriations. Grants may be issued by the director of the preservation grant for purposes of maintaining, preserving, stabilizing, and restoring properties and structures of historic interest. Eligible structures include historic courthouses, theaters, schools, and other buildings of historic interest. The Historic Preservation Grant Advisory Board is established to consult and advise the director on eligibility, application, and selection criteria and procedures for the preservation grant.

The Historic Preservation Grant Account (account) is established in the custody of the State Treasurer. All receipts from legislative appropriations and public and private contributions to the preservation grant are deposited into the account. Expenditures from this account are only used for maintaining, preserving, stabilizing, and restoring properties and structures of historic interest.

Appropriation: The bill did not specify an appropriated amount, but did specify dollars should be appropriated, or as much thereof as may be necessary, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, from the General Fund to the Historic Preservation Grant Account for the purposes of this act.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: Yes.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2009.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There are concerns that there are grants for historic buildings, but nothing is put into statute. Many historic schools as well as bridges are in disrepair and in need of funds for restoration. Establishing this grant will allow for the state to contribute when there are funds available.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.