HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1718

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Natural Resources

Title:  An act relating to the disposal of state parks and recreation commission land in Moses Lake, Washington.

Brief Description:  Conveying land to the city of Moses Lake.

Sponsors:  Representatives G. Chandler, Murray, Mitchell and Mulliken.

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Natural Resources:  2/16/99, 2/24/99 [DPS].

           Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

$Requires that the State Parks and Recreation Commission convey Moses Lake State Park to the city of Moses Lake, provided that the land remains dedicated to park purposes.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Buck, Republican Co-Chair; Regala, Democratic Co-Chair; Anderson, Democratic Vice Chair; Sump, Republican Vice Chair; G. Chandler; Clements; Doumit; Eickmeyer; Pennington; Rockefeller and Stensen.

Staff:  Josh Weiss (786-7129).

Background:

Moses Lake State Park is located five miles west of the city of Moses Lake, in Grant County.  The park consists of 78 acres with 862 feet of freshwater shoreline.  The park is limited to day use only, and in 1996, 376,282 visits were recorded.  Activities available at the park include: boating, fishing, ice skating, picnicking, scuba diving, swimming, and water skiing. 

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission is required to convey to the city of Moses Lake all property located within the city of Moses Lake which is developed for a state park.  Prior to such action, the commission must obtain waivers or other legal assurances regarding the deed restrictions or reversionary clauses contained in the deed to the land.

The city of Moses Lake is required to take all measures necessary to accept ownership of the land.  The city must maintain the land as a city park and if the city breaches this covenant, the property will revert to the State Parks and Recreation Commission. 

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The substitute bill adds language requiring the State Parks and Recreation Commission to obtain waivers or legal assurances regarding the deed restrictions or reversionary clauses contained in the deed to the land.  The substitute bill removes the distinction between the portion of land dedicated to park uses and other land owned by the commission.  The State Parks and Recreation Commission considers the entire park dedicated to park uses, and this language is unnecessary

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  (Original bill)  This park has been considered for sale by the commission a number of times, and it costs the commission more money than it makes.  Moses Lake is a very parks-oriented city.  They would like to acquire this land to develop a campground.  The area needs a better park facility.  In this time of pressure on the commission, let the city take over responsibility for this land. 

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  (In support) Representative Gary Chandler, prime sponsor.

(With concerns) Rex Derr, Washington State Parks and Recreation Department.