HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1103

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                      Higher Education

Title:  An act relating to Washington state history.

Brief Description:  Providing funds for the observance of the state's maritime bicentennial.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Jacobsen, Prince, Belcher, R. Fisher, Ebersole, Fraser, Moyer, Prentice, Basich, Bowman, Pruitt, Ogden, Hargrove, Wang, Ferguson, Jones and Miller.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Higher Education, January 20, 1992, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Ogden, Vice Chair; May, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Fraser; Ludwig; Prince; Sheldon; and Spanel.

Minority Report: Do not pass.  Signed by 3 members:  Representatives Wood, Ranking Minority Member; Miller; and Van Luven.

Staff:  Susan Hosch (786-7120).

Background:  In 1989, the Legislature directed the Washington State Historical Society to plan and implement a celebration of the maritime accomplishments of Robert Gray and George Vancouver.  The celebration, to be held in 1992, was also intended to commemorate the establishment of a Spanish outpost at Neah Bay.

The society was directed to convene a nine member advisory committee to review and comment on the plan.  Four members of the Legislature were to be appointed to the advisory committee.

The implementation duties of the society were described in the legislation.  These included organizing museum exhibits, conducting a maritime historic markers program in coastal and river waterways, organizing festivals and symposia, and issuing publications.

The society was directed to coordinate its activities with the Grays Harbor Tall Ships program.  The society was also instructed to coordinate with organizations planning similar activities in Oregon and British Columbia.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Legislature finds that the two hundredth anniversary of the exploration of the Northeast Pacific by Hispanic, American, and British voyagers is a suitable occasion to bring to attention a number of principles and issues linking Washington with neighboring states and countries.

The Washington State Historical Society is responsible for programs and services leading to the observance of the maritime bicentennial.  The programs and services may include exhibits, publications, historic markers, and festivals.  Conferences, reenactments and craft demonstrations may also be included.

The society may provide grants to maritime organizations and museums for capital projects and operations.  The society may also participate in joint tourism promotions on maritime and riverine themes with British Columbia and Oregon.

For the purposes of this act, $255,000 is appropriated to the Washington State Historical Society for the 1991-93 biennium.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The appropriation for the 1991-93 biennium is reduced from $2,600,000 to $255,000.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Appropriation:  $255,000 from the general fund.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The celebration of the Northwest's maritime bicentennial in 1992 provides Washington with a number of unique opportunities.  The events proposed in the legislation will help to educate the state's citizens on the region's history, on the many contributions of the state's Native Americans, and on the value of multiculturalism.  These events will also enhance opportunities for tourism, help to rejuvenate many communities, and provide opportunities to work cooperatively with Oregon and British Columbia.  Through the reconstruction of ships and boats, and subsequent reenacted voyages, students will have a chance to relive part of Washington's history.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  David Nicandri, Washington State Historical Society; and Les Bolton, Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority.