FINAL BILL REPORT

                  HB 1330

                         C 155 L 99

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Granting concessions or leases in state parks and parkways.

Sponsors:  Representatives Alexander, Sump, Buck, Regala, Anderson, Lantz, Doumit, G. Chandler, Pennington, Rockefeller, Benson and Mulliken; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

House Committee on Natural Resources

Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Parks & Recreation

Background:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission is allowed to enter into leases and concessions in state parks.  There are currently about 100 leases and concessions in state parks, which generate approximately $500,000 a year.  Most of these agreements are leases for campgrounds and food and beverage concessions.  The three most profitable agreements are for Tillicum Village (a Native American cultural attraction) the Sun Lakes golf course and campground, and the Mount Spokane downhill ski area. 

Leases and concession agreements may be no longer than 40 years in duration.  Any lease or concession that has a duration of more than 20 years must be approved by an unanimous vote of the commission.  The rates of all leases and concessions are renegotiated at five-year intervals. 

A longer agreement term would enable the commission to attract private investment in the rehabilitation of  historic structures, and would generally expand the pool of interested lessors and concessioners.

Summary:

The State Parks and Recreation Commission is allowed to enter into leases of 50-year terms.

Votes on Final Passage:

House980

Senate430

Effective:July 25, 1999