SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5639

BYSenate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Williams and Warnke; by request of Department of Community Development)

Authorizing the acquisition, stabilization, and sale of landmark buildings by the department of community development.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 25, 1987; February 26, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5639 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Cantu, Lee, Sellar, Vognild, West, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Mark McDermott (786-7429)

                  March 20, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 18, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In recent years many sites with historic and cultural significance have been destroyed or substantially altered in the state.  Many historic buildings have been lost because no economic use was apparent for a brief period of time.  The State Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation does not have funds for the acquisition and development of historic sites.

In the past ten years several states have set up historic preservation funds using state monies.

SUMMARY:

The endangered landmarks preservation fund is established in the state treasury. The Department of Community Development shall deposit in the fund proceeds of the sale of historic sites and interests in historic sites, gifts, grants, and legislative appropriations. Interest and profits from sales shall be retained in the fund. The monies from the fund may be used to acquire, maintain, stabilize, or rehabilitate historic sites.  It is the intent of the Legislature that any sites acquired shall be promptly offered for sale at a fair market price following the completion of necessary repairs.  If two landmark buildings are considered of equal value, the one which has the potential for the highest rate of return shall be purchased.

No initial disbursements may be made from the fund until $100,000 has been received from nonlegislative sources and deposited in the fund.

Criteria are established for the use by the Department in selecting historic sites to be acquired, rehabilitated, and resold.

The Department of Community Development is specifically denied the right of eminent domain or condemnation for the purposes of acquiring and rehabilitating historic sites.

The term "public lands" is further defined to exclude historic sites acquired under this Act.

The Director of General Administration shall give preference to historic sites when considering the purchase, lease or rent of space for state agency purposes unless the space is not feasible and prudent compared with available alternatives.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Ralph Munro, Secretary of State; Caroline Gallacia, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation; Jake Thomas, Department of Community Development; Carole Martens, Seismic Safety Council