FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5644

                              C 129 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Bluechel, Bender, McDonald, Kreidler, Bailey, McMullen, Johnson, Niemi, Vognild, Lee, Smitherman and West)

Transferring designated portions of the Milwaukee Road from the department of natural resources to the parks and recreation commission.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 and 1982 the state of Washington acquired 213 miles of railroad right-of-way from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) between the town of Easton and the Washington-Idaho state line.  In 1984 the Legislature transferred ownership and control of approximately 25 miles of the Milwaukee Road right-of-way from management by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.  The commission manages that 25 miles as a recreational trail.  The remaining 188 miles of the Milwaukee Road right-of-way is managed by DNR and can be used for trail purposes by obtaining a special use permit from the department.  DNR has the authority to lease portions of the right-of-way to adjacent landowners.

SUMMARY:

Management of the section of the Milwaukee Road corridor beginning at the western terminus near Easton and ending at the west end of the bridge structure over the Columbia River is transferred from DNR to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.  Management of that portion is pursuant to existing authority of the commission regarding the Milwaukee Road corridor.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission may limit recreational access of the Milwaukee Road corridor to holders of permits issued by the commission.  The commission may adopt rules for the safe use of the corridor and the protection of adjoining landowners, and may include restrictions on permits issued and the availability of corridor use.

The commission may use its discretion to increase recreation management of the corridor and eliminate the permit system if funding is available.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   34   13

     House 66 31

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989