SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5032


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 Senate Committee On:
Government Operations & Elections, January 18, 2007

Title: An act relating to the Vancouver national historic reserve.

Brief Description: Concerning the Vancouver national historic reserve.

Sponsors: Senators Pridemore and Zarelli.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 1/16/07, 1/18/07 [DPS].


SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5032 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Fairley, Chair; Oemig, Vice Chair; Roach, Ranking Minority Member; Benton, Kline, Pridemore and Swecker.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

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 of Bill: 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 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.

The Vancouver National Historic Reserve account is created in the State Treasury. Monies in the account may be spent only after an appropriation and must be used to finance the development and operation of the Reserve.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Government Operations & Elections): The substitute removes the provision that creates the Vancouver National Historic Reserve account. The substitute also corrects the reference in the bill to the Washington State Historical Society.


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: PRO: The purpose of this bill is to identify a lead state agency for the Reserve. Identifying the lead state agency will help mature the relationship among the managing partners of the Reserve. The partners of the Reserve agree that the State Historical Society is the best fit to be the lead state agency.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Pridemore, prime sponsor; Mark Brown, City of Vancouver; Dave Nicandri, Washington State Historical Society.