FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1945

                         C 370 L 97

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Concerning foreclosed property deeded by a county for use as state forest land.

Sponsors:  Representatives Dunn and Boldt.

House Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Background:  The Department of Natural Resources manages forest board transfer lands on behalf of 21 counties.  The department may deduct a maximum of 25 percent from the proceeds derived from timber sales and other revenue generating activities on the lands, and may use these moneys for administration, reforestation, and protection of forest lands.  The remaining proceeds go to the respective counties and, except for counties with a population of less than 9,000,  are distributed to various funds in the same manner that general tax dollars are distributed.

A county with less than 9,000 people must first apply the revenues it receives from its forest board transfer lands towards any indebtedness existing in its current expense fund.  According to 1990 U.S. Census data, Wahkiakum County and Skamania County fall under the 9,000-person population threshold, with Skamania County's population close to the threshold.

Summary:  The county population threshold for the modified distribution of revenues from forest board transfer lands is increased to 16,000 people.  Skamania County will continue to apply the revenue it receives from its forest board transfer lands first to any indebtedness existing in its current expense fund.

Votes on Final Passage:

House  97 0

Senate 43 0

Effective:July 27,  1997