HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1718

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.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Meeting Date:February 16, 1999

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Josh Weiss, Counsel  (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.  The State Parks and Recreation Commission has a concession agreement at the park for the sale of food and beverages.  The commission employs one full-time ranger at the park. 

Summary of 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 that is either dedicated to use as a state park, or is adjacent to dedicated state park property.

The city of Moses Lake is required to take all measures necessary to accept ownership of the lands.  The city must maintain currently dedicated park lands as a city park and if the city breaches the covenants to do so, the property reverts to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.    

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note:None.

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

Rulemaking Authority:None.