SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6149

                    AS OF JANUARY 21, 1994

Brief Description:  Deeding certain Skagit county tidelands to the city of La Conner.

SPONSORS: Senators Haugen and Spanel

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Kari Guy (786‑7464)

Hearing Dates: January 24, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1969 the Legislature authorized the Commissioner of Public Lands to deed to the Port of Skagit County certain tidelands in the Sullivan Slough area of La Conner.  The authorization stated that whenever the Port of Skagit County ceased to use the tidelands for public port purposes, the grant of the tidelands was to be terminated and the tidelands were to revert to the state.  The tidelands were used by the port for dredge disposal.

In 1974, the Port of Skagit County leased a portion of the tidelands to the City of La Conner, to build a sewage treatment plant to be used by both the city and by a marina operated by the port.  In 1985, further lands were leased to the city.  The tidelands are now used predominantly by the City of La Conner.

In order for La Conner to be granted deed to the tidelands, the Port of Skagit must declare the tidelands as surplus to its needs, so that the tidelands can revert to the state.  The port does not wish to declare the tidelands as surplus without certainty that the state will grant these lands to the City of La Conner.

SUMMARY:

Upon the declaration by the commissioners of the Port of Skagit County that these tidelands are surplus to their needs, the Department of Natural Resources is directed to deed the tidelands to the City of La Conner for such public purposes as the city may designate.  If the tidelands are not needed by the city, they shall revert to the Department of Natural Resources.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested January 14, 1994