SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5874

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Pullen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Barbara Howard (786-7410); Eugene Green (786-7405)

                  March 6, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 6, 1989

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  The "Return of the Tall Ships" program, which was incorporated into the Centennial statute, is repealed.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 22, 1989

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Appointments by Legislature Required:     Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President from each caucus, and two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker from each caucus.

Senate Committee - Testified: No one