Title: An act relating to leasing state lands and development rights on state lands to public agencies.

Brief Description: Regarding leasing and development rights on state lands.

Sponsors: Representatives Fromhold, McDonald and Morrell.

Brief History: Passed House: 4/16/07, 93-0.

Committee Activity:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: Upon its admission to the United States in 1889, the federal government provided Washington with approximately 3.2 million acres of land to support public institutions, including common schools, public buildings, and higher education. Washington has retained the majority of these granted lands and now manages about 2.25 million federally granted acres. The state also manages approximately 626,000 acres of state forest lands, beneficiaries of which include counties and junior taxing districts.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has the authority to lease state lands for purposes including commercial, industrial, residential, agricultural, and recreational uses in order to obtain a fair market rental return to the state or appropriate trust. DNR generally may not lease state lands for longer than ten years, although longer leases are specifically authorized in multiple instances.

Summary of Bill: DNR may lease land and development rights on state lands held for the benefit of the common schools to public agencies for terms not to exceed 99 years. DNR may enter into leases with public agencies through negotiations, which may allow for a lump sum payment for the entire lease term at the beginning of the lease. The leases may include provisions for renewal.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.