Title: An act relating to capital facilities at the Rainier school.

Brief Description: Regarding capital facilities at the Rainier school.

Sponsors: Representatives Shabro, Morrell, Roach and Woods; by request of Department of Social and Health Services.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/08/05, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 3/22/05 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Doumit, Vice Chair; Fraser, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Fairley, Kohl-Welles, Parlette, Pflug, Pridemore, Rasmussen, Regala, Roach, Rockefeller and Schoesler.

Staff: Brian Sims (786-7431)

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.

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

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: Adds intent section explaining the purpose of the transfer of cognizance and control.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: The Rainier agriculture land is needed for an new wastewater treatment facility that will serve Rainier School and the city of Buckley and help protect the White River.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Chris Olsen, DSHS.