HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  SB 5484

Title:An act relating to concessions or leases in state parks and parkways.

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

Sponsors:Senators McAuliffe, Rossi, Hargrove and Oke; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Meeting Date:March 23, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Josh Weiss, Counsel  (786-7129)

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.  However, 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 which has a duration of more than 20 years must be approved by a 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 of Bill:The State Parks and Recreation Commission is allowed to enter into leases of 50-year terms.

Appropriation:None.

Fiscal Note:Not requested.

Effective Date:Ninety days after adjournment of the legislative session in which the measure is passed.

Rulemaking Authority:None.