SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 1330

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

     Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation, March 22, 1999

Title:  An act relating to concessions or leases in state parks and parkways.

Brief Description:  Granting concessions or leases in state parks and parkways.

Sponsors:  Representatives Alexander, Sump, Buck, Regala, Anderson, Lantz, Doumit, G. Chandler, Pennington, Rockefeller, Benson and Mulliken; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation:  3/18/99, 3/22/99 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, PARKS & RECREATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; T. Sheldon, Vice Chair; Hargrove, Oke, Rossi,  Spanel, and Stevens.

Staff:  David Johnson (786-7754)

Background:  The Parks and Recreation Commission has the authority to grant concessions and leases.  The length of these contracts is limited to 40 years.  Because of federal tax rules, this limit is believed to be preventing leases on some historic properties.  A longer agreement term would enable the commission to attract private investment in the rehabilitation of historic structures.

Summary of Bill:  The power to grant concessions and leases is changed to allow a maximum term of 50 years.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The bill makes good business sense.  It would increase possibilities for private investments in state parks.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Representative Gary Alexander, 20^th District; Paul Ruppert, Parks and Recreation Commission.