FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5081

                                  C 526 L 87

BYSenate Committee on Parks & Ecology (originally sponsored by Senators Bluechel, Bottiger and Conner)

Reestablishing the winter recreation commission.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature created the Winter Recreation Commission to promote winter recreation in the state in 1982.  The Commission terminated January 1, 1987.

With termination of the Commission, there is no entity in state government given specific authority to address the winter recreation industry.

A 1984 report issued by the Winter Recreation Commission found that the state has under-utilized its potential for winter recreation facilities.  Several tasks were identified as necessary to allow the state to realize more of its winter recreation potential.

SUMMARY:

The Winter Recreation Commission is reestablished and includes two members of the Senate and two members of the House with one from each caucus of the respective body.  Also included are representatives from the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Departments of Trade and Economic Development and Natural Resources, two representatives of the environmental community, along with one representative of cities and one from counties.

The Commission is to study and identify potential sites for new winter recreation development, facilitate needed land trades with other government agencies, recommend state management structures to address winter recreation and consult with other government agencies.  It is also to hold necessary public hearings, propose changes to state law to carry out its purposes, and establish advisory committees.  The Commission is to submit a biennial report to the Legislature in 1989.  Current members are to continue their roles.

The legislative members of the commission are subject to reappointment.

"Roll On Columbia, Roll On" is established as the official state folk song.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    39     8

      House 84  11 (House amended)

      Senate             (Senate concurred in part)

      House 83  14 (House receded in part)

      Senate    26     3

EFFECTIVE:May 19, 1987