FINAL BILL REPORT

SJM 8030

BYSenators Barr, Hansen and Sellar

Requesting expedited funding for the lighting system at Grand Coulee Dam.

Senate Committee on Rules

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

As a major world tourist attraction, Grand Coulee Dam is visited by more than 500,000 people every year.  One of the most interesting features of the dam tour is to view the nightly display of colored lights.  The system, which was installed more than 30 years ago, depends upon a massed array of incandescent bulbs which play over the water as it spills across the face of the dam.

The Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the structure and grounds, has included renovation and modernizing of the lighting system in its long-range budget.  Included in the project is development of a laser-light show which would be more dramatic as well as more reliable.

Under current plans, it appears that funding of the improvements might not be approved by Congress in time for the light show to be available to viewers during the celebration of Washington's Centennial next year.  A variety of local groups, including the Economic Revitalization Committee, have asked for state assistance in asking Congress to expedite the necessary appropriation.

SUMMARY:

The President, Congress, and the Department of the Interior are asked to approve the appropriation for the lighting system improvements at the Grand Coulee Dam as soon as possible, so that the project can be incorporated into the celebration of the State Centennial.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    43     0

      House 97   0