HOUSE BILL REPORT

SJM 8022

BYSenators Metcalf, Bender and Kreidler

Requesting stable federal funding for parks and recreation.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (16)

      Signed by Representatives Sutherland, Chair; K. Wilson, Vice Chair; Amondson, Basich, Beck, Belcher, Bumgarner, Butterfield, Cole, Dorn, Hargrove, Meyers, Sayan, Schmidt, Spanel and S. Wilson.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (1)

      Signed by Representative Fuhrman.

House Staff:Pamela Madson (786-7310)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES FEBRUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established in 1965 as a dedicated fund to help federal, state, and local governments acquire, develop, and renovate outdoor recreation areas and facilities.  The fund receives money primarily from offshore oil leases.  The fund is currently administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior.

In 1977, Congress authorized a minimum balance of $900 million per year for a period of twelve years through 1989 when the fund is scheduled to terminate.  Though Congress authorized this minimum balance, it has never appropriated this level of funding.

Funds are appropriated to federal agencies and the states.  The states' share of each year's appropriation has declined from $369.8 million in 1979 to $32.7 million in 1987.  Washington's share in 1979 was $6.2 million, and in 1987, it was $600,000.

The State of Washington administers its share of LWCF funds through the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation and these funds are distributed both to state agencies and local governments.

The program is scheduled to terminate in 1989, however, legislation has been introduced in Congress to continue the program beyond 1989.

SUMMARY:

AMENDED MEMORIAL:  The Washington State Legislature requests that the President and Congress of the United States appropriate $200 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund during 1988 for use by state and local governments to acquire, renovate, and develop needed recreational areas and facilities.

AMENDED MEMORIAL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The state legislature requests a specific appropriation of $200 million.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.