HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2952
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 House Committee On:
Environment
Title: An act relating to officially naming a recreational trail.
Brief Description: Concerning officially naming a recreational trail.
Sponsors: Representatives Shea, DeBolt and Haler.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Environment: 2/1/18 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT |
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Fitzgibbon, Chair; Peterson, Vice Chair; Taylor, Ranking Minority Member; Maycumber, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Buys, Dye, Fey and McBride.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Kagi.
Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:
Responsibility for naming some parts of the natural or built environment are assigned to different state entities. The Washington State Transportation Commission is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways, bridges, and structures. The Board of Natural Resources acts as the state's Board of Geographic Names, and with assistance from the Committee on Geographic Names, officially approves names for lakes, mountains, streams, places, towns, and other non-manmade geographic features within the state.
In 1980 the Milwaukee Road railroad declared bankruptcy and sold some of its properties and land. In 1981 the Legislature appropriated funds to purchase much of the railroad's right-of-way in Eastern Washington. Other portions of the railroad's right-of-way were acquired by other entities, including Spokane County.
The State Parks and Recreation Commission manages a system of over 100 state parks and has certain other responsibilities pertaining to recreation activities and providing interpretive activities of state parks.
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Summary of Substitute Bill:
In order to honor Senator Bob McCaslin's service to Washington, the City of Spokane Valley is directed to rename the portion of the Milwaukee Road corridor in the City of Spokane Valley known as the "Appleway trail" to the "Senator Bob McCaslin trail." The state must provide and install a marker identifying the name of the trail in at least one main activity area of the trail. The State Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for all costs from providing and installing the sign.
The City of Spokane Valley is not obligated to change existing signage or to provide additional signage.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The substitute bill specifies that the City of Spokane Valley, rather than the state, is responsible for renaming the Appleway trail as the Senator Bob McCaslin trail. The State Parks and Recreation Commission is specified as the state agency responsible for incurring costs associated with the signage, and the City of Spokane Valley is not obligated to change existing signage or add new signage denoting the new name of the trail.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is to honor the longest-serving senator from Spokane Valley. It is an appropriate honor to name the trail after him since it spans the whole valley.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) There is a question about whether the state can change the name of a locally owned trail. The bill should direct the City of Spokane Valley to be responsible for the renaming, but should specify that the state will incur all costs associated with renaming the facility.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Shea, prime sponsor.
(Other) Chelsea Hager, City of Spokane Valley.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.