FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 551

                                  C 350 L 87

BYRepresentatives Spanel, Belcher, Sayan, S. Wilson, Locke, Allen and P. King 

Revising the use of proceeds from the sale or lease of aquatic lands.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Rereferred House Committee on Ways & Means/Appropriations

Senate Committee on Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) was a product of recodifying and rewriting the aquatic land laws administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The account was created in 1984.

Income to the account comes from a portion of the proceeds from the sale of valuable materials on state-owned aquatic lands and from sales and leases of state-owned aquatic lands.  In fiscal year 1986, revenues from these sources totalled $3,465,227.  Of that amount, $1,194,855 went to DNR for management.  The remaining income was split with 40 percent to ALEA and 60 percent to the Capitol Purchase and Development Account and the State Building Bond Redemption Fund (SBBRF).  The SBBRF receives $328,160 to repay any bonds for which tideland revenues have been pledged.  The balance of the 60 percent goes to the Capitol Purchase and Development Account for maintenance of the capitol buildings.

The ALEA is an appropriated fund and is used to purchase, improve or protect aquatic lands for public purposes, to improve access to these lands and to pay for volunteer fish and game projects.  DNR awards funds to local and state governments which submit requests for specific projects.

SUMMARY:

The distribution of proceeds from the sale of valuable material originating on state-owned aquatic lands and from the sale or lease of state-owned aquatic lands is changed. The State Building Bond Redemption Fund continues to receive enough funds, about $328,000 per year, to retire bonds issued before January 1, 1987, for which tide and harbor area revenues were pledged.  All of the remaining funds from the proceeds go to the Aquatic Land Enhancement Account.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 88   6

      Senate    41     5 (Senate amended)

      House 95   2 (House concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1989