HOUSE BILL REPORT
EHB 3276


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Passed House:
February 15, 2008

Title: An act relating to the state horse park.

Brief Description: Allowing a city to own land provided for the state horse park.

Sponsors: By Representatives Eddy and Warnick.

Brief History:

Ecology & Parks: 2/1/08 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/15/08, 94-0.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill
  • Allows cities to provide land for the Washington State Horse Park.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ECOLOGY & PARKS

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Upthegrove, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Sump, Ranking Minority Member; Dickerson, Dunshee, Eickmeyer, Kristiansen, O'Brien and Pearson.

Staff: Jaclyn Ford (786-7339).

Background:

A not-for-profit organization called the Washington State Horse Park Authority (Authority) has the responsibility to develop, promote, operate, manage, and maintain the Washington State Horse Park.

The Washington State Horse Park is a venue that will provide ample facilities to accommodate large horse events, as well as cater to smaller and less formal activities.

The future Washington State Horse Park lies off Interstate 90 in Cle Elum. The developers of Suncadia Resort have donated the 106 acre site to the Authority.

Counties may provide land for the Washington State Horse Park, and retain ownership of that land. The Legislature encourages counties to provide a long-term lease to the Authority at a minimal charge.


Summary of Engrossed Bill:

A city is now eligible to provide land for the Washington State Horse Park. The city will be able to retain ownership of the land unless the city determines otherwise. The Legislature encourages the city to provide a long-term lease to the Authority at a minimal charge.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Washington State Horse Park is now within the city limits, so this would allow the city to retain ownership of the land if the Washington State Horse Park ceases to be a park. There is already money allocated to the Washington State Horse Park, and the emergency clause is necessary in order to begin construction immediately.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Eddy, prime sponsor; and Jim Halstrom, Washington State Horse Park Foundation.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.