SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1335

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, March 31, 2003

Title: An act relating to the water trail recreation program.

Brief Description: Continuing the development of water trail sites in Washington state.

Sponsors: House Committee on Fisheries, Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Cooper, Sump, Berkey and Hudgins; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission).

Brief History:

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

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

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: In 1993, the Legislature created the water trail recreation program, administered by the State Parks and Recreation Commission. The commission is charged with planning, constructing, and maintaining facilities for water trail activities.

There is an annual permit required for camping at sites designated as water trail sites. All revenues from the annual permit, and any revenues from maps or publications, are deposited in the water trail program account.

A 12-member advisory committee advises the State Parks and Recreation Commission on the development of water trail facilities and programs. The advisory committee must meet at least twice annually.

The Washington Seashore Conservation Area includes certain lands along the coast managed by State Parks for public recreational use. Lands within the Seashore Conservation Area may not be sold.

In implementing the water trails program, the State Parks and Recreation Commission has found that the costs of administering the annual permit and coordinating meetings of the advisory committee exceed the revenues generated by the program.

Summary of Amended Bill: The annual water trail permit, the water trail program account, and the water trail advisory committee are eliminated. Any unspent funds in the water trail program account are transferred to the parks renewal and stewardship account for use for water trail purposes.

At the request of the City of Long Beach, State Parks must transfer certain park parcels within the Seashore Conservation Area to the city to be used as a city park.

Amended Bill Compared to Substitute Bill: The striking amendment authorizes the transfer of certain state parks lands to the city of Long Beach for parks purposes.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: The water trail user groups support this change in law. State Parks continue to ensure they are represented through a seat on the boating advisory committee. Coastal citizens and State Parks support the conveyance of an undeveloped State Parks site to the City of Long Beach.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Fred Romero, State Parks and Recreation Commission.