SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8022

BYSenators Metcalf, Bender and Kreidler

Requesting stable federal funding for parks and recreation.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 21, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Smith, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler.

Senate Staff:Gary Wilburn (786-7453)

                  January 22, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1964 the federal Land and Water Conservation Act was passed, which in part provided financial assistance to state and local governments for planning, acquisition, development and rehabilitation of park, recreation and conservation projects.  Since its enactment the land and water conservation fund has been the source of over $53 million to more than 470 such projects in the State of Washington.  Demand for new park and recreation projects continues to grow with increases in population and changes in recreational activities, and many facilities developed over the past two decades are in need of rehabilitation.  In recent years the federal assistance from the land and water conservation fund has been unstable and unpredictable, making it difficult for state and local park agencies to adequately plan and budget for necessary project expenditures.

SUMMARY:

The Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington request of the Congress and the President that a more stable level of funding be provided to state and local governments from the land and water conservation fund and that it be made a dedicated fund to ensure assistance for state and local park, recreation and conservation projects.  Findings are made regarding the benefits of the fund for projects in the State of Washington, the increase in need for such projects, and the need of state and local governments for predictability in federal assistance for purposes of planning and budgeting.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Wilder, Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation; Pam Earle, Washington Recreation and Park Association; Jane Boubel, City of Olympia; Cal Groen, Department of Wildlife; Cleve Pinnix, State Parks