Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee

HB 1049

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Concerning the Vancouver national historic reserve.

Sponsors: Representatives Fromhold, Orcutt, Moeller, Wallace, Dunn and B. Sullivan.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Affirms that the Washington State Historic Society is the state's designated partner representative for the Vancouver National Historic Reserve.
  • Instructs the Washington State Historic Society to develop and submit operating and capital budget requests to the Office of Financial Management.
  • Creates an account in the state treasury, moneys of which may be spent only after appropriation.

Hearing Date: 2/7/07

Staff: Jasmine Vasavada (786-5793).

Background:

The Vancouver National Historic Reserve ("Reserve") was created by Congress in the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996. It encompasses a 366-acre parcel in Southwest Washington including the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Pearson Airfield and Air Museum, officers row, Vancouver barracks, and a section of the Columbia River waterfront. The reserve is managed by four legislatively designated partners, including the state of Washington, the National Park Service, the United States Army, and the city of Vancouver.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature affirms that the state is a partner in the Reserve and will take an active role in supporting the protection, preservation, interpretation, and rehabilitation of the Reserve. The Washington State Historical Society is the state's designated partner representative for the Reserve. The State Historical Society is directed to participate in coordination meetings and in the development of plans and policies associated with the Reserve, partner with Washington State University and other agencies to manage the Center for Columbia River History, to develop and submit operating and capital budget requests, and to oversee the management of all funds appropriated by the state for the Reserve.

The Vancouver National Historic Reserve account is created in the State Treasury. Monies in the account may be spent only after an appropriation and must be used to finance the development and operation of the Reserve.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.