Title: An act relating to a Pacific Northwest maritime national heritage area feasibility assessment.

Brief Description: Assessing the feasibility of a Pacific Northwest maritime national heritage area.

Sponsors: Senators Jacobsen and Kohl-Welles.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 1/16/08, 1/17/08 [DPS-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6144 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to the Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators Jacobsen, Chair; Hatfield, Vice Chair; Morton, Ranking Minority Member; Fraser, Spanel, Stevens and Swecker.

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: The National Heritage Areas System consists of 37 congressionally designated National Heritage Areas (NHAs). Federal law states that the purposes of NHAs are to: (1) recognize areas of the United States that tell nationally important stories; and (2) to protect, enhance, and interpret the natural, historic, scenic, and cultural resources that together illustrate significant aspects of the nation's heritage.

The National Park Service provides planning assistance to NHAs, but NHAs are not units of, owned, or managed by the National Park Service. Rather, local coordinating entities are responsible for the development, planning, and management of NHAs.

Generally, before Congress designates a NHA, the National Park Service or other entity must prepare a feasibility study. The Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) then reviews the feasibility study in consultation with the state's Governor and appropriate tribal governments. After review, the Secretary recommends to Congress whether or not to designate an area as a NHA.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (Department) must conduct a preliminary assessment to determine the feasibility of seeking congressional designation for a Pacific Northwest Maritime NHA. The Department must provide its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than two years from the date it receives funds for the assessment.

The study area includes coastal areas of Washington bordering on the Pacific Ocean as well as coastal areas bordering on the Puget Sound

In conducting the assessment, the Department must consult with appropriate governmental agencies and interested organizations. The Department may consult with individuals from the public and private sector or establish an advisory committee.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): Specifies that the study area includes the coastal areas of Jefferson and Clallam Counties bordering the Puget Sound.

Appropriation: $150,000.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 9, 2008.

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: Creating a maritime Heritage Area recognized by Congress as a National Heritage Area would enhance the preservation of marine and historical resources, as well as increase education, economic, and tourism opportunities. National Heritage Areas are also eligible for technical and monetary assistance by the federal government. A marine focused National Heritage Area would be the first of its kind. The maritime and historical groups are already working towards this goal, but need assistance putting together the required feasibility study.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Joe Follansbee, Association of King County Historical Organizations; Chuck Fowler, Pacific Northwest Maritime Heritage Council; Dick Thompson, Seattle/King County Maritime Heritage Network; Les Bolton, Grays Harbor Historical Seaport.