SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6246
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 of January 29, 2014
Title: An act relating to designating Washington's shoreline as a state maritime heritage area.
Brief Description: Designating Washington's shoreline as a state maritime heritage area.
Sponsors: Senators McCoy, Sheldon, Fraser, Angel, Rolfes, Ranker, Darneille, Bailey, Tom and McAuliffe.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Parks: 1/28/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS |
Staff: Bonnie Kim (786-7316)
Background: The National Park Service Maritime Heritage Program works to advance awareness and understanding of the role of maritime affairs in the history of the United States. The national Maritime Heritage Program maintains inventories of historic U.S. maritime properties and provides maritime heritage preservation assistance, public education, and project funding. In April 2010, the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, in partnership with several tribal, local, and heritage organizations, submitted a feasibility study to the National Park Service for consideration of Washington's saltwater coast as a national maritime heritage area. There is no Washington State program dedicated to state maritime heritage areas.
Summary of Bill: A state maritime heritage area designation that may be used to promote a shoreline area's heritage and tourism is created. The state maritime heritage area designation does not create any regulatory jurisdiction or authority, abridge the rights of owners of land within a designated area, or establish any additional legal rights or obligations.
The Washington saltwater coast is designated as a state maritime heritage area, including all federal, state, local, and tribal lands that allow public access and are partly located within one-quarter mile landward of the shoreline within the following counties: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom. The designated area also includes the Lake Washington ship canal and the Lake Union shoreline.
The stated purpose of designating the Washington coast as a state maritime heritage area is to facilitate partnerships among federal, state, local, and tribal governments, businesses, heritage organizations, individuals, and other entities to:
honor the cultural resources of the maritime heritage area;
increase public awareness and appreciation for the natural, historic, scenic, recreational, and cultural resources of the maritime heritage area;
promote tourism and economic development within the state and local jurisdictions; and
encourage Congress to designate the Washington saltwater coast as a national maritime heritage area.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
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: Washington’s waterways have a rich heritage. This bill promotes education, information, enthusiasm, and tourism related to the maritime history of Washington. There is no regulatory impact of this bill. The bill is a marketing and tourism bill. This bill supports the state economy through increased tourism. Furthermore, this bill will encourage Congress to designate Washington's saltwater shoreline as a national heritage area. This bill also supports Native American tribes in the state. Concerns regarding private property in the bill have been addressed. This bill might encourage young people entering into maritime trades.
OTHER: There are concerns the program may become regulatory. There should be a provision to allow landowners to opt out of the designation area.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McCoy, prime sponsor; Senator Fraser; Adrian Miller, Pope Resources; Allyson Brooks, Director, Dept. of Archaeology and Historic Preservation; Mike Doherty, Clallam County Commission; Chuck Fowler, Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society; Les Bolton, Executive Director, Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority; Diane Schostak, Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission; Mike Iyall, Cowlitz Indian Tribe; Christina Pivarnik, City of Port Townsend; Les Eldridge, citizen.
OTHER: Tom Davis, WA Farm Bureau.