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