SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5644

BYSenators Bluechel, Bender, McDonald, Kreidler, Bailey, McMullen, Johnson, Niemi, Vognild, Lee, Smitherman and West

Transferring designated portions of the Milwaukee Road from the department of natural resources to the parks and recreation commission.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; March 1, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5644 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Minority Report:  Do not pass and do not substitute.

      Signed by Senators Barr, Benitz, Patterson.

Senate Staff:Barry Brandon (786-7717)

                  March 2, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1981 and 1982 the state of Washington acquired 213 miles of railroad right-of-way from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) between the town of Easton and the Washington-Idaho state line.  In 1984 the Legislature transferred ownership and control of approximately 25 miles of the Milwaukee Road right-of-way from management by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.  The commission manages that 25 miles as a recreational trail.  The remaining 188 miles of the Milwaukee Road right-of-way is managed by DNR and can be used for trail purposes by obtaining a special use permit from the department.  DNR has the authority to lease portions of the right-of-way to adjacent land owners.

SUMMARY:

Management of the section of the Milwaukee Road corridor beginning at the western terminus near Easton and ending near the west end of the bridge structure over the Columbia River is transferred from DNR to the State Parks and Recreation Commission.  Management of that portion is pursuant to existing authority of the commission regarding the Milwaukee Road corridor.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The portion of trail to be managed by the Parks and Recreation Commission is extended to the east end of the Columbia River bridge.

The State Parks and Recreation Commission may limit recreational access of the Milwaukee Road corridor to holders of permits issued by the commission.  The commission may adopt rules for the safe use of the corridor and the protection of adjoining landowners, and may include restrictions on permits issued and the availability of corridor use.

The commission may use its discretion to increase recreation management of the corridor and eliminate the permit system if funding is available.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 16, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Marlyta Deck, Washington Cattlemen's Association (con); Richard Welsh, National Association of Reversionary Property Owners (con); Rita Blank (pro); Fred West, Rails to Trails Conservancy (pro); Todd Litman, Bicycle Federation of Washington (pro); Walter H. Olsen (pro)