Brief Description: Regarding capital facilities at the Rainier school.

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Sponsors: Senators Roach, Zarelli, Prentice, Fraser, Fairley and Rasmussen; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Hearing Date: 3/24/05

Staff: Susan Howson (786-7142).

Background:

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) operates Rainier School as one of five residential habilitation centers (RHCs) for the care of persons with developmental disabilities. Rainier School owns lands in excess of what is required by the RHC. These excess lands include 620 acres of timber land and 280 acres of agricultural land previously under control of Washington State University (WSU). The WSU controlled land was provided through 1981 legislation transferring "cognizance and control" to the university. WSU no longer actively uses this land for agricultural research.

The DSHS is working with the city of Buckley on plans to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities used by the city and the institution. Current plans specify use of the agricultural lands for a composting and water recharge system.

Summary of Bill:

The bill eliminates the "cognizance and control" by WSU of the agricultural lands at Rainier School. Transfer of cognizance and control back to the DSHS is for the purpose of providing land for a new wastewater treatment facility and must not result in compensation for WSU.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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