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

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/27/08 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Hatfield, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Hargrove, Rockefeller and Stevens.

Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)

Background: In 1995 the Legislature created the Washington State Horse Park Authority (Authority) with responsibility to locate, develop, and manage a suitable site for the state horse park. The Authority is a nonprofit corporation with a seven-member board appointed by the Governor.

Currently, 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.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Engrossed Bill: PRO: This bill will help the Authority move closer to making the Washington State Horse Park a reality. Suncadia has donated 106 acres to the city of Cle Elum for the project. If this bill moves forward, the city will have the ability to then lease the property back to the Washington State Horse Park for 99 years for a nominal amount.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Jim Halstrom, Washington State Horse Park Foundation.