Brief Description: Concerning the Vancouver national historic reserve.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Pridemore and Zarelli).

Senate Committee on Government Operations & Elections
House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources
House Committee on Appropriations

Background: The Vancouver National Historic Reserve (Reserve) was created by Congress in 1996 in recognition of the cultural, historic, and natural resources of the area. The Reserve includes Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver Barracks, Pearson Air Museum, Pearson Airfield, Officers Row, and a section of the Columbia River waterfront. The Reserve is managed by a partnership composed of the National Park Service, the United States Army, the State of Washington, and the city of Vancouver. A management plan for the Reserve was adopted in 2000, with the State of Washington as one of the signatories.

Summary: The Legislature affirms that the state is a partner in the Reserve and will take an active role in supporting the protection, preservation, interpretation, and rehabilitation of the Reserve. The Washington State Historical Society is the state's designated partner representative for the Reserve. The State Historical Society is directed to participate in coordination of meetings and in the development of plans and policies associated with the Reserve, partner with Washington State University and other agencies to manage the Center for Columbia River History, to develop and submit operating and capital budget requests, and to oversee the management of all funds appropriated by the state for the Reserve.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      47   0
House      94   0

Effective:   July 22, 2007