Title: An act relating to creating the department of archaeology and historic preservation.

Brief Description: Creating the department of archaeology and historic preservation.

Sponsors: Representatives Lantz, McCoy, B. Sullivan, Williams, Moeller, Hunt, Murray and Chase.

Brief History:

State Government Operations & Accountability: 2/15/05, 2/22/05 [DP].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ACCOUNTABILITY

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Haigh, Chair; Green, Vice Chair; Nixon, Ranking Minority Member; Clements, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Hunt, McDermott and Miloscia.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Schindler and Sump.

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation

The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) exists within the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development. The OAHP has approximately 10 employees and is helmed by the State Historic Preservation Officer.

The OAHP has responsibilities under both federal and state law. For example, under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the OAHP must be consulted with respect to the impacts federal undertakings have on historic properties. This process includes arriving at agreements with proponents of a project in order for them to obtain federal approval. Other federal responsibilities of the office include administering the State Historic Preservation Program and assisting local governments to become eligible for federal grant money.

Other responsibilities of the OAHP include nominating historic places to the state and national historic registers, maintaining an inventory of historic properties and archaeological sites, maintaining a computerized mapping system, and engaging in educational outreach.

The Washington State Historical Society

The Washington State Historical Society (Society) is one of two historical societies that act as trustees for the state to maintain and preserve articles and properties that illustrate the history of the state. The Society is required to establish a competitive process to solicit proposals for and prioritize heritage capital projects for potential funding in the state capital budget. The Society also has authority over the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Advisory Committee, which coordinates and provides guidance to the state's observance of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Summary of Bill:

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation

The OAHP is abolished and its powers and duties are transferred to the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP). The director of the DAHP, who must also serve as the State Historic Preservation Officer, is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The director may appoint deputy and assistant directors as necessary. The DAHP may be subdivided into divisions and may appoint advisory committees or councils. The DAHP is given the authority to adopt rules to keep the state in compliance with federal law. The responsibilities of the DAHP must be carried out in a manner designed to keep the state in compliance with federal law.

The Washington State Historical Society

The responsibilities of the Society with respect to the Capital Budget and the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Advisory Committee expire on June 30, 2007.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 10, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The functions of the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation are important. Preserving archaeological sites sometimes is considered last rather than first. The office needs to be put on par with other agencies. Converting the office into a separate department will allow the agency to be a better voice in siting discussions, will allow the agency to more efficiently manage its resources, and will result in more pass through grants for local governments.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Lantz, prime sponsor; Mary Thompson, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation; Dave Nicandri, Washington State Historical Society; Shanna Stevenson, Olympia Heritage Commission; and Joanne Schwartz, City of Chehalis.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.