Brief Description: Concerning distributions from the outdoor recreation account.

Sponsors: Representatives Flannigan, Ericksen, Armstrong, McIntire, Condotta, Wallace, Dunshee and Cooper.

Hearing Date: 1/29/03

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) provides funds for the acquisition and development of local and state parks, water access sites, trails, critical wildlife habitat, and urban wildlife habitat. Counties, cities, ports, park and recreation districts, school districts, state agencies, and tribes are eligible to apply. Local and tribal governments must provide at least a 50 percent match in cash or in-kind contributions. Grants applications are evaluated annually and the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation submits a list of prioritized projects to the governor and legislature for approval. Half the funds are for habitat conservation and the other half for outdoor recreation, allocated by formulas established in statute.

Of the funds allocated for outdoor recreation, at least 25 percent goes to the State Parks and Recreation Commission for acquisition and development of state parks. Of these funds going to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, 75 percent must be used for acquisition and 25 percent for park development.

Summary of Bill:

The use of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program allocation for state parks is changed from 75 percent land acquisition and 25 percent park development to 50 percent for acquisition and 50 percent for park development.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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