FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5874

PARTIAL VETO

                               C 82 L 89

BYSenators Wojahn, von Reichbauer, Johnson, Madsen, Rasmussen, Gaspard, Smitherman, McCaslin, DeJarnatt, Owen, Thorsness and Sutherland

Providing for a maritime commemorative observance.

Senate Committee on Governmental Operations

House Committe on State Government

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

1992 will mark the bicentennial year of Robert Gray's discovery of the Columbia River and Grays Harbor, of George Vancouver's exploration of Puget Sound, and of the foundation of the Spanish/Mexican outpost at Neah Bay.  A combined commemorative of these events has been suggested as a fitting recognition of the foundation for American claims to the Oregon Country, to the contributions to world geography, and the first European settlement in the state of Washington.

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Historical Society must plan and implement a bicentennial celebration of the maritime accomplishments in 1792 of Robert Gray and George Vancouver, and the establishment of the Spanish outpost at Neah Bay.  To accomplish this purpose, the society is directed to coordinate its activities with the Grays Harbor Tall Ships program; organize museum exhibitions which include traveling exhibits throughout the state; and conduct a maritime heritage markers program along the Pacific Coast, Puget Sound and waterways of the Columbia River Basin; as well as other appropriate activities.

The society will cooperate with organizations planning similar celebrations in Oregon and British Columbia.  An advisory committee is created by the society to review and comment upon the plan and implementation.  The committee has nine members, five of whom are citizens from areas with a special affinity for the commemoration, and four legislators.  The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each name one member from the respective caucuses.

The termination date of the Washington Centennial Commission is moved from December 31, 1993 to June 30, 1990.  The "Return of the Tall Ships" program, which was incorporated into the Centennial statute, is repealed.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   47    0

     House 91  6

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989

Partial Veto Summary:  The Governor vetoed the emergency clause.  (See VETO MESSAGE)