FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6412

                             C 14 L 90 E1

BYSenate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources (originally sponsored by Senators McDonald, Vognild, Bluechel, Nelson, Warnke, Rinehart, Gaspard, Bailey, Lee, Patrick, Bender, McMullen, Talmadge, Murray, Williams, Bauer, DeJarnatt, Stratton, Metcalf, Conner, Madsen and Kreidler; by request of Governor)

Funding the acquisition of land for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Natural Resources & Parks

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The 1989 Legislature directed the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) to conduct a statewide needs assessment and action plan for land acquisition for long-term outdoor recreation, wildlife, and conservation purposes.  The report, prepared by the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition under contract to the IAC, found a substantial deficiency of funding for both existing and projected demand for outdoor recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat protection.  It found that 84 percent of Washington residents regularly participate in some form of wildlife recreation.  The popularity of outdoor recreation activities has led to overcrowding at many facilities.  For example, the demand for trails is projected to grow by more than 35 percent over the next decade, twice the population growth rate.  Although water-based recreation is very popular, less than 17 percent of the state's saltwater shoreline is available for public use.

The report also found a decline in natural areas available for wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation.  It found that more than 90 percent of the state's coastal wetlands and old growth forests are gone, that most of Eastern Washington's native grasslands and shrub-steppe habitats have been lost, and that critical habitat for fish and shellfish is being lost as waterfront property is developed.

The funding levels for acquisition programs have also declined.  The total funding for state park and wildlife habitat acquisition programs during the past decade totalled just $18 million.  During the past decade, the natural resources share of the state budget has declined to its current level of about 2 percent of the budget.  Federal grants to Washington for state agency and local government outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund have also declined from a peak of $6.3 million in 1979 to $320,000 in 1989.  Although several state bond issues provided significant funding during the 1960's and 1970's, the last state bond measure for these purposes was $3.2 million in 1985.

SUMMARY:

Habitat Conservation Account.  The habitat conservation account is created in the state treasury, to be administered by the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC).  Moneys appropriated to the account are to be distributed for acquisition and development projects as follows:  (1) not less than 35 percent for critical habitat; (2) not less than 20 percent for natural areas; (3) not less than 15 percent for urban wildlife habitat; (4) the remainder for high priority projects meeting the criteria of the other three categories.  Only state agencies may apply for critical habitat and natural area project grants, while both state and local agencies may apply for funds for urban wildlife habitat projects.  Criteria are specified for consideration by the IAC for determining acquisition priorities for critical habitat and natural areas proposals, and for wildlife habitat proposals.

Outdoor Recreation Account.  Moneys appropriated for the purposes of this bill to the outdoor recreation account are to be distributed as follows:  (1) not less than 25 percent for state parks, with at least 75 percent of this amount for acquisition; (2) not less than 25 percent for local parks, with at least 50 percent of this amount for acquisition; (3) not less than 15 percent for trails; (4) not less than 10 percent for water access sites, with at least 75 percent of this amount for acquisition; (5) the remainder for high priority projects for parks, trails and water access sites.  Both state and local agencies may apply for project funding for trails and water access sites.  Criteria are specified for consideration by the IAC for determining acquisition and development priorities for trails proposals.

Requirements Applicable to Both Accounts.  A local agency must commit a share at least equal to the amount awarded by the IAC.  The percentage allocations for distributions from the accounts need not be met in any one biennium.  The IAC project list shall describe any anticipated restrictions on recreational activities allowed prior to the project.  Projects funded are to be accessible to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.  Projects may be funded from both accounts or several of the categories under such accounts.

For each account, the IAC shall annually recommend to the Governor two prioritized lists of projects for funding:  (1) state agency proposals; and (2) local agency proposals.  The Governor may remove projects from the list, and shall submit the amended list in the capital budget request to the Legislature.  The IAC may not obligate funds from the accounts before the Legislature appropriates funds for a specific project list.  The grant moneys may not be used for condemnation.

The appropriations from the accounts for the biennium ending June 30, 1991 will be expended for projects recommended by the IAC to the Governor by March 31, 1990, who must approve a list of projects by April 15, 1990.  If a site has been converted or the owner is not willing to sell, IAC shall select from the list until all funds have been expended.

Appropriation:  $62 million

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   38    9

First Special Session

     Senate   35    8

     House 90  4 (House amended)

     Senate   36   12 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 1, 1990