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

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, Prentice, Kastama, Fairley, Honeyford, Zarelli, Hewitt, Berkey, Fraser, Thibaudeau, Jacobsen, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Kline and Rockefeller).

Hearing Date: 3/25/05

Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).

Background:

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.

Summary of Bill:

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.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 8, 2005.

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