SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1998-8684

By Senators Hale, Swecker, Heavey, McDonald, Newhouse, Haugen, Spanel, Horn, Stevens, Jacobsen, Loveland, Sellar, Johnson, Franklin, Kohl and Rasmussen

     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, that the Washington State Senate recognizes and applauds the Tri-Cities communities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland for making this year "The Year of the River."

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1998-8684,

adopted by the Senate January 23, 1998.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate