SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1136

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, March 31, 2003

Title: An act relating to implementing the recommendations of the state parks and outdoor recreation funding task force relating to the use of the outdoor recreation account.

Brief Description: Implementing the recommendations of the state parks and outdoor recreation funding task force relating to the use of the outdoor recreation account.

Sponsors: House Committee on Capital Budget (originally sponsored by Representatives Flannigan, Ericksen, Armstrong, McIntire, Condotta, Wallace, Dunshee and Cooper).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 3/25/03, 3/31/03 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Oke, Chair; Sheahan, Vice Chair; Doumit, Esser, Jacobsen, Spanel and Swecker.

Minority Report: Do not pass.

Signed by Senator Morton.

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) was created in 1990 to acquire lands for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, and to develop existing recreation lands and facilities. Legislative appropriations are divided into seven categories: local parks; state parks; trails; water access; critical habitat; natural areas; and urban wildlife habitat. Within each category, state and/or local agencies compete for available grant funds. Since 1990, the Legislature has appropriated $362 million for the WWRP.

State parks are allocated 12.5 percent of any WWRP appropriation. Of these funds, at least 75 percent must be used by the State Parks and Recreation Commission for park acquisition, with the remainder to be used for park development. "Development" is defined in rule as the construction of facilities to enhance outdoor recreation resources.

Summary of Bill: Between the effective date of this act and June 30, 2009, the State Parks and Recreation Commission must allocate at least 50 percent of the state parks allocation of WWRP funds for acquisition. Up to 50 percent may be used for park development.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This is a small step that will assist State Parks in addressing the development needs of existing park lands.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Representative Dennis Flannigan; Fred Romero, State Parks; Jim King, Citizens for Parks and Recreation; Lynn Meier, WPEA.