SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 551

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 23, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senators Owen, Chairman; DeJarnatt, Vice Chairman; Barr, Conner, Metcalf, Stratton.

Senate Staff:Ross Antipa (786-7413)

                March 23, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):April 6, 1987

Majority Report:     Do pass as amended

     Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Deccio, Fleming, Kreidler, Lee, McDonald, Owen, Rinehart, Talmadge, Vognild, Williams, Wojahn, Zimmerman.

Senate Staff:Charles Langen (786-7715)

                April 7, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, APRIL 6, 1987

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).  It was created in 1984.

Income to the account comes 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 between ALEA (40 percent) 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 ($1,016,675) goes to the Capitol Purchase and Development Account for maintenance of the capitol buildings.

The ALEA -- an appropriated fund -- is used to purchase, improve, or protect aquatic lands for public purposes, improve access to these lands, and volunteer fish and game projects.

SUMMARY:

All net revenues from the management of state-owned aquatic lands are divided between amounts necessary to retire bonds issued for the east capitol campus development (RCW 79.24.630 to 79.24.647, approximately $328,000 annually) and the ALEA.  This change approximately doubles the funds available for aquatic lands related projects at the expense of the capitol purchase and development account.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The act is to be effective July 1, 1989.

Fiscal Note:    available

Senate Committee - Testified:   NATURAL RESOURCES:  Representative Harriet Spanel

Senate Committee - Testified:   WAYS & MEANS:  Craig Partridge, Department of Natural Resources