HOUSE BILL REPORT

SJM 8005

BYSenator Metcalf

Requesting a dedicated trust fund for an outdoor recreation grant program.

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (10)

      Signed by Representatives K. Wilson, Vice Chair; Beck, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Dellwo, Ferguson,R. Fisher, Fuhrman, Hargrove, Raiter and Sayan.

House Staff:Jean Kelley McElroy (786-7196)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & PARKS MARCH 31, 1989

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 provided over $53 million to more than 470 projects in the state of Washington.  With increases in population and changes in recreational activities, demand for new park and recreation projects continues to grow.  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 the Congress and President to provide a dedicated trust fund for an outdoor recreation grant program.  The program should; (1) earmark funds that encourage partnerships between the public and private sector, (2) provide at least one-half of the fund for state and local governments, (3) encourage detailed statewide and local recreational planning, (4) encourage states to adopt similar outdoor trust funds at the state level, and (5) provide consistent year-to-year funding so that state and local governments can adequately plan for acquiring funds to meet matching requirements.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Bob Wilder, Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation; Dave Rogers, Washington Public Ports Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This is an excellent time to send this memorial because Congress will be considering the funding for the federal Land and Water Conservation Act this year.  A dedicated trust fund will help to assure predictable funding for programs from year to year.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.