AN ACT Relating to preservation of historic sites; amending RCW 27.34.220; creating new sections; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that historic sites are educational resources that help teach traditional values such as freedom, democracy, enterprise, and responsibility and that fostering an appreciation of Washington state's heritage is consistent with the state's educational commitment. Historic sites and landmark buildings are subject to natural deterioration and neglect, and without periodic maintenance and repair they will be lost. The legislature finds that it is in the public interest for the state to cooperate with local government and private organizations in supporting historic preservation projects.

Sec. 2. Section 12, chapter 91, Laws of 1983 as last amended by section 8, chapter 505, Laws of 1987 and RCW 27.34.220 are each amended to read as follows:

The director or the director's designee is authorized:

(1) To promulgate and maintain a state register of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American or Washington state history, architecture, archaeology, and culture, and to prepare comprehensive state-wide historic surveys and plans and research and evaluation of surveyed resources for the preparation of nominations to the state and national registers of historic places, in accordance with criteria approved by the advisory council established under RCW 27.34.250. The nominations shall comply with any standards and regulations promulgated by the United States secretary of the interior for the preservation, acquisition, and development of such properties.

(2) To establish a program of loans or matching grants-in-aid to public agencies, public or private organizations, or individuals for projects having as their purpose the preservation for public benefit of properties that are significant in American or Washington state history, architecture, archaeology, and culture. At least once each biennium, the director or the director's designee shall conduct a survey of historic sites to identify endangered historic properties and rank them according to importance. Criteria to be considered by the director in selecting projects for loan or grant assistance shall include:

(a) The historic significance of the site to the state and the community;

(b) Geographic distribution so that projects are equitably distributed throughout the state;

(c) The threat of demolition, the extent of deterioration, or other factors that might result in the loss of the historic site;

(d) The proportion of local resources committed to the project, including in-kind contributions; and

(e) The accessibility of the site for public visitation or the visual prominence of the site as an historic landmark.

To qualify for loan or grant assistance under this section, a property must be protected by an historic preservation easement or other public benefit covenant that obligates present and future owners to maintain and preserve the historic character of the site for a specified number of years.

(3) To promote historic preservation efforts throughout the state, including private efforts and those of city, county, and state agencies.

(4) To enhance the effectiveness of the state preservation program through the initiation of legislation, the use of varied funding sources, the creation of special purpose programs, and contact with state, county, and city officials, civic groups, and professionals.

(5) To spend funds, subject to legislative appropriation and the availability of funds, where necessary to assist the Indian tribes of Washington state in removing prehistoric human remains for scientific examination and reburial, if the human remains have been unearthed inadvertently or through vandalism and if no other public agency is legally responsible for their preservation.

(6) To consult with the governor and the legislature on issues relating to the conservation of the man-made environment and their impact on the well-being of the state and its citizens.

(7) To charge fees for professional and clerical services provided by the office.

(8) To adopt such rules, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, as are necessary to carry out RCW 27.34.200 through 27.34.280.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The endangered landmarks preservation fund is hereby established in the custody of the state treasurer. The department of community development shall deposit in the fund all moneys received from repayment of loans made pursuant to RCW 27.34.220(2). Moneys in the fund shall be spent only for the purposes set forth in RCW 27.34.220(2). Disbursements from the funds shall be on authorization of the director of community development or the director's designee. The fund is subject to the allotment procedure provided under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for disbursements.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. This act shall take effect July 1, 1990.