SENATE BILL REPORT
SJM 8031
AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 14, 1994
Brief Description: Requesting the National Park Service to preserve Sunrise Lodge.
SPONSORS: Senators Fraser, Deccio, Talmadge, Morton, McCaslin and Roach
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Fraser, Chairman; Deccio, Moore, Morton, Sutherland and Talmadge.
Staff: Cathy Baker (786‑7708)
Hearing Dates: February 4, 1994
BACKGROUND:
The Sunrise Lodge in Mt. Rainier National Park was built in 1931 by a private concessionaire and later acquired by the National Park Service. The lodge is located within the "Sunrise Historic District" which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Park Service 1992 draft environmental assessment and development concept plan for the Sunrise area recommends dismantling and removing the lodge.
SUMMARY:
The National Park Service is requested to reconsider its decision to dismantle and remove the Sunrise Lodge and work with local and statewide interests to preserve the structure.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
TESTIMONY FOR:
The Sunrise Lodge is an important historic building and should be preserved. Restoring and rehabilitating the structure will not be that much more expensive than demolishing it and constructing a new visitor center.
TESTIMONY AGAINST: None
TESTIFIED: PRO: Valerie Sivinski, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation; Karen Gordon