BILL REQ. #:  H-2264.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/05/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to promoting tourism; amending RCW 77.12.190; adding a new section to chapter 43.31 RCW; creating a new section; and making appropriations.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that:
     (1) Nature-based tourism is a growing sector that can provide Washington residents with jobs and local communities with needed revenues;
     (2) Contacts made through nature-based tourism activities may yield future benefits in terms of future investments in the state and local communities;
     (3) Current efforts to promote nature-based tourism are limited by funding; and
     (4) A collaborative effort among state and local governments, tribes, and private enterprises can serve to leverage the investments in nature-based tourism made by each.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:
     The department of community, trade, and economic development shall develop an annual nature-based business and marketing plan and coordinate with the department of fish and wildlife and other appropriate agencies and organizations to promote and market nature-based tourism in Washington to maximize efforts and benefits. This effort shall include the coordination of:
     (1) The promotion of nature-based tourism;
     (2) The promotion of fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing;
     (3) The creation of partnerships among agencies, organizations, tribes, and local communities to develop and promote nature-based tourism;
     (4) The provision of educational information to the minority and local communities in order to educate them about rules and regulations as well as recreational opportunities; and
     (5) The promotion of local industries, such as agriculture-based tourism.

Sec. 3   RCW 77.12.190 and 1991 sp.s. c 31 s 17 are each amended to read as follows:
     Moneys in the state wildlife fund may be used only for the purposes of this title, including the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued for capital projects and the promotion of nature-based tourism.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   (1) The sum of seventy-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the state wildlife fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2004, to carry out the purposes of this act.
     (2) The sum of seventy-five thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the state wildlife fund to the department of community, trade, and economic development for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, to carry out the purposes of this act.