AN ACT Relating to bonds for financing zoo and aquarium development; adding new sections to chapter 43.99B RCW; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Recent national studies have shown that the quality of life in a state is the single most important factor for many corporations in deciding where to locate. Tourism is becoming the single most important industry in Washington state. The zoos of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane compose the public zoos of the state of Washington. It is in the interest of Washington state to enhance the quality of these zoos, while retaining their local ownership. Washington state has a history of assisting local park development. These zoos represent a factor in our state's quality of life for our children and families, major tourist designations, economic development projects for our state's three largest urban centers, centers for the breeding of endangered species, centers for educating our citizens about domestic and wild animals, and in urban areas are a source for education of children on the importance of farming and our state's agricultural industry. The three zoos together are a state resource benefiting all of the people of the state. State assistance in completing the capital programs of these zoos benefits the state of Washington, its citizens, and particularly its children, who are a significant share of zoo visitors.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. For the purposes of providing funds for the capital investment in zoo and aquarium exhibits and infrastructure, particularly natural habitats, in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane zoos, as provided in sections 1 through 9 of this act, the state finance committee is authorized to issue general obligation bonds of the state of Washington in the sum of seventeen million dollars, or so much thereof as may be required, to finance these projects and costs incidental thereto. No bonds authorized by sections 1 through 9 of this act may be offered for sale without legislative appropriation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by sections 1 through 9 of this act shall be deposited in the outdoor recreation account of the general fund of the state treasury and shall be used exclusively for the purposes specified in sections 1 through 9 of this act and for the payment of expenses incurred in the issuance and sale of the bonds.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by sections 1 through 9 of this act and deposited in the outdoor recreation account of the general fund shall be allocated to the interagency committee for outdoor recreation for the specific purpose of funding zoo and aquarium exhibits, particularly animal exhibits and habitats, animal care facilities, capital projects that enhance the breeding of endangered species, visitor education facilities, family farms, public graphics, necessary public amenities including restrooms, paths and required public health and safety investments, utilities and infrastructure for the operation of zoo and aquarium facilities. Projects may be both for new development and rehabilitation. No funds may be expended for restaurants, food or drink concessions, amusement rides or local acquisition. The interagency committee for outdoor recreation will review individual projects to insure there is compliance with the intent of sections 1 through 9 of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by sections 1 through 9 of this act may be used for projects at the Seattle zoo, the Seattle aquarium, the Tacoma zoo (either of the two locations, including the aquarium) and the Spokane zoo.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by sections 1 through 9 of this act shall establish a challenge grant program. The state challenges local government, corporations, and individuals to contribute toward completing the capital plans of each facility. The governing board of each zoo may apply for matching funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis for an eligible project. The metropolitan park board of Tacoma shall be allocated a challenge of five million dollars, the Seattle zoo and aquarium shall be allocated a challenge of ten million dollars, and the Spokane zoological society shall be allocated a challenge of two million dollars of the bond proceeds.

The governing boards may use federal and local public funds, individual and corporate contributions as local match. The governing boards have four years to meet the state of Washington's challenge. The interagency committee for outdoor recreation will act promptly on project requests after reviewing the proposals to insure the intent of this legislation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. The state general obligation bond retirement fund shall be used for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds authorized by sections 1 through 9 of this act.

The state finance committee shall, on or before June 30th of each year, certify to the state treasurer the amount needed in the ensuing twelve months to meet the bond retirement and interest requirements. Not less than thirty days prior to the date on which any interest or principal and interest payment is due, the state treasurer shall withdraw from any general state revenues received in the state treasury and deposit in the general obligation bond retirement fund an amount equal to the amount certified by the state finance committee to be due on the payment date.

Bonds issued under sections 1 through 9 of this act shall state that they are a general obligation of the state of Washington, shall pledge the full faith and credit of the state to the payment of the principal thereof and the interest thereon, and shall contain an unconditional promise to pay the principal and interest as the same shall become due.

The owner and holder of each of the bonds or the trustee for the owner and holder of any of the bonds may by mandamus or other appropriate proceeding require the transfer and payment of funds as directed in this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. The legislature may provide additional means for raising moneys for the payment of the principal of and interest on the bonds authorized in sections 1 through 9 of this act, and sections 1 through 9 of this act shall not be deemed to provide an exclusive method for the payment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 9. The bonds authorized in sections 1 through 9 of this act shall be a legal investment for all state funds or funds under state control and for all funds of any other public body.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 10. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 11. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 12. Sections 1 through 9 of this act are each added to chapter 43.99B RCW.