WSR 16-04-032

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed January 26, 2016, 10:17 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Washington state department of archaeology and historic preservation (DAHP) is considering writing rules for the Washington main street program (WMSP). The WSMP has been administered by DAHP since the program was transferred to it in 2010. In consultation with the WMSP program manager, together with managers from participating local main street programs, DAHP has identified the need to promulgate in rule existing policies, protocols, and expectations for efficient and effective management of the program.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 27.34.220, 27.53.140, 43.21C.120.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The WMSP is based upon an economic development model first formulated in the 1980s to revitalize historic downtown districts throughout the nation. Based upon experience, successful main street programs have come to be defined by tight-knit committee organization, strong volunteer commitment, and close adherence to the Main Street Approach© and guiding principles. The WMSP manager together with the managers of over thirty designated main street programs in Washington have consulted with the director of DAHP on the need to place into rules the policies, eligibility criteria, plus roles and responsibilities of the state and local partners in order to sustain a strong and vital program.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: DAHP will convene one to two workshops of main street program stakeholders to discuss draft rules and receive comments. DAHP will record and respond to all comments before drafting final rules.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Allyson Brooks, Ph.D., Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, P.O. Box 48343, Olympia, WA 98504-8343, phone (360) 586-3065, fax (360) 586-3067, e-mail Allyson.Brooks@dahp.wa.gov.

DAHP will conduct one to two workshops with key main street program stakeholders regarding existing policies and guidelines and proposed new rules. DAHP will record and respond to all comments before drafting final rules.

January 22, 2016

Allyson Brooks

Director