SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5320

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Parks, Fish & Wildlife, February 10, 2003

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

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

Sponsors: Senators Oke, Doumit, Sheahan, Swecker, Jacobsen and Kline; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

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. 5320 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: 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 is required to meet at least twice annually.

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 Substitute 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.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission continues to plan, construct, and maintain facilities for water trail activities. The commission is charged with providing expertise and consultation on the continued development of water trail sites.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: References to the water trail permit are deleted.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: Administering the program cost more than was generated. User groups support simplification.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Fred Romero, State Parks.