SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6515

BYSenators Lee, Williams, Moore, Matson, Talmadge and Warnke; by request of Department of Community Development

Providing for the preservation of historic sites.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1990; January 30, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass.

     Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; McMullen, Matson, Murray, Smitherman, Williams.

Senate Staff:Patrick Woods (786-7430)

                February 10, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The endangered landmarks fund was established by a $600,000 appropriation in the 1987-88 capital budget with a proviso authorizing the Department of Community Development to buy and sell historic buildings.  The intent was that property acquired with the fund would be promptly resold with a covenant requiring the building to be restored and maintained.  The proceeds of the sale were to be redeposited in the fund for use in future transactions.

The department has found administration of the fund to be difficult for legal and practical reasons.  State purchasing procedures are complex and demand considerable staff time.  As a result, use of the fund has been limited to a narrow range of applications.

The 1989-91 capital budget contains a $600,000 reappropriation to the endangered landmarks fund that is contingent upon the adoption of permanent legislation establishing both the program and the fund.  Without authorizing legislation, the balance of the appropriation will lapse on July 1, 1990.

SUMMARY:

The authority of the director of the Department of Community Development under the Historical Societies and Archaeology Act is expanded to include granting of loans to public agencies, public and private organizations or individuals to preserve properties that are significant in American and Washington State history and culture.  The director is required to conduct a survey of historic sites throughout the state at least once during the biennium, and rank surveyed buildings according to their importance.  In granting loans and grants the director is required to use the following criteria:  the historic significance of the site, the geographic distribution of the projects funded, the threat of demolition or deterioration of the site, the portion of local resources committed to the project and the accessibility of the site for public visitation.  All properties under the program are required to be protected by an historic preservation easement and maintain the historic character of the site.

The endangered landmark preservation fund is established in the office of the State Treasurer.  All monies received from the payments of loans under the program are deposited in the fund.  The director of the Department of Community Development is authorized to distribute the moneys in the fund.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Don Krupp, Department of Community Development; Jake Thomas, Department of Community Development