HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                      Olympia, Washington

Bill Analysis     Bill No.  ESB 5097

Transferring the office of archaeology and historic preservation from the department of community, trade, and economic development to the office of the secretary of state.

Brief Title                              Hearing Date: 3/30/99

Senators Haugen, Honeyford, and Gardner Staff:  Scott MacColl

Sponsor(s)                          State Government Committee

                                              Phone:  786-7106

BACKGROUND:

The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) is housed within the local government division of the Department of Community, Trade, & Economic Development (CTED).  The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation was moved into CTED in 1986.

The Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation's main responsibilities are to maintain the State Register of Historic Sites, to inventory state-owned and private properties of archaeological or historic significance, to administer the federal investment tax credit program, to award federal grant money to certified local governments for historic preservation, to make recommendations to the National Register of Historic Places, and to provide technical assistance, education and outreach.

SUMMARY:

A task force is created to study the best place to locate OAHP, and to develop a single recommendation for legislative and executive consideration by January 1, 2000.  The task force must consider how to realize the potential for OAHP to generate revenue for services provided in international, national and statewide venues, and the best method to achieve adequate funding from all sources to assure continued services.  Staff support will be provided by CTED, and the task force sunsets by June 30, 2000.

The task force is made up of eleven members; the State Historic Preservation Officer, who will act as chair of the task force; two members from state agencies; two members from local governments; one member each from the Washington State Historical Society, the Eastern Washington Historical Society, and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and Indian Tribes; and two private sector representatives with experience in preservation of historical buildings or archaeological sites.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not requested.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.