BILL REQ. #: H-2381.1

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SECOND SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1973
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State of Washington

58th Legislature

2003 Regular Session

By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Veloria, McCoy and Kenney)

READ FIRST TIME 03/10/03.

AN ACT Relating to promoting tourism; adding a new section to chapter 43.31 RCW; and creating new sections.

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 coordinate the development of 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.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3 If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2003, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.

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