SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5112

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, February 11, 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: Concerning distributions from the outdoor recreation account.

Sponsors: Senators Oke, Regala, Sheahan, Swecker, Jacobsen and Esser.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/3/03, 2/11/03 [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 acquisition costs, 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: 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 shift gives State Parks greater flexibility, and acknowledges the parks' need for development funds. Acquisition should continue as population grows so that the state continues to have lands available for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Mike Ryherd, WA Wildlife and Recreation Coalition (pro); Jim King, Citizens for Parks and Recreation (pro); Joe Taller, State Parks (pro); Fred Romero, State Parks (pro).