BILL REQ. #:  S-3646.1 

Read first time 01/20/14.   Referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Parks.

     AN ACT Relating to designating Washington's shoreline as a state maritime heritage area; and adding a new chapter to Title 27 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the Washington saltwater coast should be recognized as a unique and integral part of our state and national heritage. This coastal landscape has supported the development of a rich and diverse maritime heritage, including the canoe cultures of the original native American inhabitants, the spirit of exploration, and the growth of marine industries. The water touches all aspects of daily life on the coast involving transportation, jobs, recreation, and community activities. The purpose of designating the Washington coast as a state maritime heritage area is to preserve and share our cultural resources, to promote tourism and local economic development, and to encourage congress to recognize the Washington coast as a national maritime heritage area.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The state of Washington's saltwater coast is designated as the state maritime heritage area. The designated area includes all federal, state, local, and tribal lands that allow public access and are partly located within one-quarter mile landward of the saltwater shoreline, within the following counties: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom. The Lake Washington ship canal and the Lake Union shoreline are included in the designated area.
     (2) The designation of the state maritime heritage area is intended to facilitate partnerships among federal, state, local, and tribal governments, businesses, heritage organizations, individuals, and other entities to:
     (a) Honor the cultural resources of the maritime heritage area;
     (b) Increase public awareness and appreciation for the natural, historic, scenic, recreational, and cultural resources of the maritime heritage area;
     (c) Promote tourism and economic development within the state and local jurisdictions; and
     (d) Encourage congress to designate the Washington saltwater coast as a national maritime heritage area.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The maritime heritage area designation may only be used for the purposes of heritage and tourism promotion, consistent with section 2 of this act. Nothing in this chapter:
     (1) Creates any regulatory jurisdiction or grants any regulatory authority to any government or other entity;
     (2) Abridges the rights of any owner of public or private property within the designated area; or
     (3) Establishes any legal rights or obligations, including in regards to any environmental or administrative review process involving land use.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 27 RCW.