Brief Description: Expanding the criteria for habitat conservation programs.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Parlette, Doumit and Rasmussen).

Hearing Date: 2/23/04

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) provides funds

for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation and habitat conservation areas.

Counties, cities, ports, park and recreation districts, school districts, state agencies, and tribes

are eligible to apply. Grant 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 appropriated in a biennium for the WWRP are for habitat conservation, and are

allocated according to a statutory formula for critical habitat, natural areas, and urban wildlife

habitat. The other half of the funds are appropriated for outdoor recreation, allocated by

formulas established in statute for state parks, local parks, trails and water access sites. A

portion of each account is left unallocated.

Summary of Bill:

Within the outdoor recreation category the statutory allocations for parks,

statewide parks, local parks, trails, and water access sites are increased, with a smaller

percentage left unallocated. A new category for recreation and stewardship projects by state

agencies replaces the unallocated portion of the habitat conservation category.

The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation may retain up to 3 percent of WWRP

funds for administration.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.