SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5871

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.

Background: McNeil Island is a 4,445 acre island in Puget Sound in Pierce County. Beginning in 1875, the federal government operated a prison on the Island. In 1976 the federal Bureau of Prisons declared the prison obsolete and began to dismantle the facility and discontinue operations. In 1981 as the federal government closed the facility, the state began leasing the island and prison.

In 1984 via a quitclaim deed, the federal government conveyed 3119 acres or approximately 70 percent of McNeil Island to the Washington Department of Game (now the Department of Fish and Wildlife) and 1326 acres or approximately 30 percent to the Washington Department of General Administration for operation of the island's prison facilities by the Department of Corrections (DOC). In 2001 the deed was modified to accommodate the Department of Social and Health Services - Special Commitment Center on 87 acres on the island. These public benefit conveyances, under authority of 40 USC 484(p) for correctional purposes and 16 USC 667(b-d) for wildlife conservation, contain numerous restrictions and require reversion to the federal government if the state fails to use the parcels as a correctional facility or the terms of the deed.

The 2009-11 operating budget directs the closure of McNeil Island Corrections Center by June 30, 2011, and DOC will close the facility by April 1, 2011. The Special Commitment Center will remain on the island and assume responsibility for island operations.

Summary of Bill: The Office of Financial Management (OFM) is to prepare a report to be used to initiate a comprehensive, long-range planning process for the future of McNeil Island during the 2013-15 biennium. The report must include (1) resolution of the ownership issues, (2) data and inventory information, and (3) development and recommendation for a comprehensive long-range planning process.

OFM may use its own staff, other public agency and tribal staff, or contract for services and may create a workgroup of knowledgeable agencies, organizations, and individuals to assist in preparing the report.

OFM must engage in broad consultation with interested parties including, but not limited to:

federal agencies with relevant responsibilities;
tribal governments;
state agencies;
local governments and communities in the area, including the Anderson Island community, Steilacoom, and Pierce county; and
interested private organizations and individuals.

The report is due to the Governor and appropriate committees of the Legislature by October 1, 2012.

$100,000 of the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account is appropriated to OFM.