HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5324

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators Metcalf, Owen, Sutherland, Johnson, Kreidler, DeJarnatt, Bluechel, Sellar, Saling, Bailey, Gaspard and Lee; by request of Governor)

Continuing interagency committee for outdoor recreation.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives R. Fisher, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; Hankins, Morris, O'Brien, Rector and Sayan.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives McLean, Ranking Republican Member; and R. King.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT MARCH 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) was created in 1964 by Initiative 215 (The Marine Recreation Land Act).  The IAC administers state and federal grant funds for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities, and oversees the Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicles Activities grant- in-aid program (NOVA).

Funding for grants comes from the Outdoor Recreation Account, from such sources as unreclaimed marine fuel tax revenues, gasoline fuel excise taxes, recreation bond issues, and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.  In order to qualify for federal funding and to assist recreation planning, the IAC prepares a "Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan" (SCORP).  The IAC also provides technical assistance and intergovernmental liaison services to grant applicants; prepares the State Trails Plan and the Off-Road Vehicle Plan; and publishes the State Recreation Guide.

The IAC is comprised of nine members who meet quarterly:  the Directors of the Departments of Natural Resources, Fisheries, and Wildlife, the Director of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and five members of the public appointed by the Governor for three year staggered terms.  The committee appoints a director, but the committee retains statutory administrative authority over the agency.

In 1987 the Legislature directed the Governor's office to submit a report by January 1, 1989 recommending whether the IAC should be located within another agency or retained as a separate entity.  RCW 43.99.115 terminates the IAC on June 30, 1989 unless the agency is reauthorized by law.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The mission of the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) is established in statute.  The director, in furthering the mission of the IAC, has the following statutory responsibilities:

            oTo administer recreation grant-in-aid programs and provide technical assistance to state and local agencies;

            oTo prepare a strategic plan for the acquisition, renovation, and development of recreational resources in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, the private sector, and the general public;

            oTo represent the interests of the state on recreational issues;

            oUpon approval of the committee, to enter into contracts and agreements with private non-profit corporations to further enhance recreational resources;

            oTo create and maintain a repository for data and research relating to recreation; and

            oTo encourage and provide opportunities for interagency and regional coordination in the development and preservation of recreational resources.

The director is also given authority to carry out the specific statutory duties assigned to the committee under existing law.

The director is to be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  Not more than three positions in the IAC are to be exempt from civil service law.

The sections of statute terminating the IAC are repealed.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO SUBSTITUTE:  The director is to be appointed by the Governor, and three exempt positions are allowed for the IAC.

Fiscal Note:      No Impact.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on June 30, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Fred Hellberg, Governor's Office; Jim King, Washington State Sportsmen's Council (testified against the amendment); Jim Justin, Association of Washington Cities; and Dave Rogers, Washington Public Ports Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The IAC has an excellent reputation among state agencies and local governments.  It should be continued so that recreation and funding for recreation projects have a focal point in state policy.  However, the director should be appointed by the Governor to ensure a direct line of accountability for what are essentially executive and administrative responsibilities.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.