S-3964.1  _______________________________________________

                 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 8424

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      55th Legislature     1998 Regular Session

By Senators Hale, Loveland, Sellar, Strannigan, Rossi, Snyder, Kline, Heavey, Anderson, Hochstatter, Haugen, Spanel, Rasmussen, Swecker, Horn, Newhouse, Stevens, Johnson, Prince, McDonald, Bauer and Jacobsen

Read first time 01/19/98.  Referred to Committee on Natural Resources & Parks.

Regarding 1998 as "The Year of the River."

    WHEREAS, Mighty rivers began shaping the State of Washington thousands of years ago, creating an area of exceptional natural beauty at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers; and

    WHEREAS, Washington citizens' universal connection to the water is an abundantly powerful force; and

    WHEREAS, No single resource in the great State of Washington influences the region's culture and way of life as its rivers do; and

    WHEREAS, Washington's mighty rivers are the lifeblood of the Pacific Northwest which immeasurably add to the state's economy and the quality of life enjoyed by all the state's citizens; and

    WHEREAS, Washington's rivers provide an abundant supply of spectacular fish including steelhead, salmon, and chinook, recognized  delicacies throughout the United States and the world; and

    WHEREAS, The Columbia, Snake, and Yakima Rivers offer unique water resources with enormous potential as tourist attractions and recreational venues; and

    WHEREAS, A year-long celebration is planned by the Tri-Cities communities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland to encourage extended use of the river parks and waterfront areas for special events and celebrations to highlight these rivers as great assets; and

    WHEREAS, The celebration will accelerate the completion of river-related public works projects and amenities to enhance the riverfront areas, increase tourism, and foster economic diversity;

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the State of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives declare 1998, "The Year of the River."

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