BILL REQ. #:  H-2003.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/26/03.   

     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; and amending RCW 79A.15.050.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 79A.15.050 and 1999 c 379 s 941 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Moneys appropriated for this chapter to the outdoor recreation account shall be distributed in the following way:
     (a) Not less than twenty-five percent to the state parks and recreation commission for the acquisition and development of state parks, with at least seventy-five percent of this money for acquisition costs. However, ((during the 1999-2001 biennium, distributions for acquisition and development of state parks shall not exceed four million two hundred fifty thousand dollars, and the proportion for acquisition costs shall be determined by the commission)) between the effective date of this act and June 30, 2009, at least fifty percent of this money for the acquisition and development of state parks must be used for acquisition costs;
     (b) Not less than twenty-five percent for the acquisition, development, and renovation of local parks, with at least fifty percent of this money for acquisition costs;
     (c) Not less than fifteen percent for the acquisition and development of trails;
     (d) Not less than ten percent for the acquisition and development of water access sites, with at least seventy-five percent of this money for acquisition costs; and
     (e) The remaining amount shall be considered unallocated and shall be distributed by the committee to state and local agencies to fund high priority acquisition and development needs for parks, trails, and water access sites.
     (2) In distributing these funds, the committee retains discretion to meet the most pressing needs for state and local parks, trails, and water access sites, and is not required to meet the percentages described in subsection (1) of this section in any one biennium.
     (3) Only local agencies may apply for acquisition, development, or renovation funds for local parks under subsection (1)(b) of this section.
     (4) State and local agencies may apply for funds for trails under subsection (1)(c) of this section.
     (5) State and local agencies may apply for funds for water access sites under subsection (1)(d) of this section.