SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5081

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

Reestablishing the winter recreation commission.

Senate Committee on Parks & Ecology

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5081 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Kreidler, Chairman; Bluechel, Hansen, Kiskaddon.

Senate Staff:Henry Yates (786-7708)

                  April 14, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 2, 1987

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 singular entity in state government given specific authority to address the winter recreation industry of the state.

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.

Appropriation:    $35,000

Fiscal Note:      requested

Appointments by Legislature Required:     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.

Senate Committee - Testified: No one

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

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

The appropriation is deleted.