SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5130

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, February 10, 2003

Title: An act relating to expanding the private sponsorship of state parks, recreation areas, and other natural resource facilities.

Brief Description: Expanding private sponsorship of state parks and state recreation areas.

Sponsors: Senators Swecker, Jacobsen, Hewitt, Oke, Carlson, Morton, Haugen, Winsley, Eide, Horn, Honeyford, Fairley, Esser, Prentice, Roach, Deccio, T. Sheldon, Parlette, Rossi, Fraser, Mulliken and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Parks, Fish & Wildlife: 2/3/03, 2/10/03 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON PARKS, FISH & WILDLIFE

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5130 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Staff: Kari Guy (786-7437)

Background: The State Parks and Recreation Commission manages 120 parks in the state for camping and outdoor recreation. The Department of Natural Resources provides 150 public recreation sites and many miles of trails on state trust lands. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife manages 21 wildlife areas and 604 access sites, as well as numerous hatcheries and fish rearing facilities.

All three agencies have identified extensive funding needs for ongoing maintenance, operation, and major capital improvements of public lands and facilities.

Summary of Substitute Bill: The State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Fish and Wildlife may contract with private sponsors for public recreation sites or other facilities to decrease costs and improve service. Sponsors may provide support for any aspect of recreation site or facility management. Sponsors may augment but not replace the work of current employees. The agency must recognize the efforts of any sponsor with signs with the sponsor's name at appropriate locations.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The substitute clarifies that sponsors may support, but not replace, existing employees.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: This can help bring new, private resources to our state parks and recreation facilities. Many local businesses and user groups would welcome an opportunity to sponsor sites. Recognition is important.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Jim King, Citizens for Parks and Recreation (pro); Bonnie Bunning, Dept. of Natural Resources (pro); Pene Speaks, WA Dept. of Natural Resources (pro); Lynn Maier, WPEA (concerns).