HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 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 Reported by House Committee On:
Ecology & Parks
Title: An act relating to the state horse park.
Brief Description: Allowing a city to own land provided for the state horse park.
Sponsors: Representatives Eddy and Warnick.
Brief History:
Ecology & Parks: 2/1/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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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 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 contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
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.