SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   SHB 2560

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 25, 1992

Brief Description:  Establishing the senior environmental corps.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives J. Kohl, Horn, Rust, Basich, Rayburn, Ogden, Kremen, Valle, Paris, Pruitt, Jacobsen, Haugen, Belcher, Rasmussen, Fraser and Anderson; by request of Department of Community Development)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Oke, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, Owen, Snyder, Sumner, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Ats Kiuchi (786‑7708)

Hearing Dates: February 25, 1992

BACKGROUND:

In 1988 the state established a senior environmental corps to tap the expertise of professional and para-professional seniors to volunteer in environmental and natural resource programs.  Currently seven state agencies use senior volunteers.  The Department of Community Development reports at least 175 seniors have participated and have given over 14,000 hours of their time.

In 1992, the first federal allocation of grant funds to the states will be available for the senior volunteer program.  A coordinated local and state program is needed to establish eligibility and priorities for funding.

SUMMARY:

The Senior Environmental Corps is established in the Department of Community Development (DCD).  The corps shall carry out projects that focus on natural, environmental, and recreational resources.  They will provide opportunities for seniors to use their professional expertise, assist state agencies in carrying out statutory responsibilities and to provide public outreach and education.

A Senior Environmental Corps Coordinating Council is created to evaluate and select projects.  Nine natural resource, environmental, health, and recreational agencies are members of the council.  Contingent upon funding, DCD will provide staff and budget support.  The volunteers cannot be used to displace currently employed workers.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 19, 1992

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

TESTIMONY FOR:

The state can continue its leadership in this unique program and be eligible for federal grant funds.  The excellent work and contributions of the senior citizens can continue.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Connie Bacon, Department of Community Development (pro); Vern Leidle, Olympia (pro)