BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to the office of archaeology and historic preservation; amending RCW 27.34.210, 27.34.220, 27.34.230, and 27.34.240; creating a new section; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 27.34.210 and 1995 c 399 s 14 are each amended to read as follows:

There is hereby established the office of archaeology and historic preservation within the ((~~department~~)) Washington state historical society.

The director of the state historical society shall appoint the preservation officer to assist the director in implementing this chapter. The preservation officer shall have a background in program administration, an active involvement in historic preservation, and a knowledge of the national, state, and local preservation programs as they affect the state of Washington.

Sec. 2. RCW 27.34.220 and 1997 c 145 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

The director of the state historical society or the director's designee is authorized:

(1) To promulgate and maintain the Washington heritage register of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant in American or Washington state history, architecture, archaeology, and culture, and to prepare comprehensive state-wide historic surveys and plans and research and evaluation of surveyed resources for the preparation of nominations to the Washington heritage register and the national register of historic places, in accordance with criteria approved by the advisory council established under RCW 27.34.250. Nominations to the national register of historic places shall comply with any standards and regulations promulgated by the United States secretary of the interior for the preservation, acquisition, and development of such properties. Nominations to the Washington heritage register shall comply with rules adopted under this chapter.

(2) To establish a program of matching grants-in-aid to public agencies, public or private organizations, or individuals for projects having as their purpose the preservation for public benefit of properties that are significant in American or Washington state history, architecture, archaeology, and culture.

(3) To promote historic preservation efforts throughout the state, including private efforts and those of city, county, and state agencies.

(4) To enhance the effectiveness of the state preservation program through the initiation of legislation, the use of varied funding sources, the creation of special purpose programs, and contact with state, county, and city officials, civic groups, and professionals.

(5) To spend funds, subject to legislative appropriation and the availability of funds, where necessary to assist the Indian tribes of Washington state in removing prehistoric human remains for scientific examination and reburial, if the human remains have been unearthed inadvertently or through vandalism and if no other public agency is legally responsible for their preservation.

(6) To consult with the governor and the legislature on issues relating to the conservation of the man-made environment and their impact on the well-being of the state and its citizens.

(7) To charge fees for professional and clerical services provided by the office.

(8) To adopt such rules, in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW, as are necessary to carry out RCW 27.34.200 through 27.34.280.

Sec. 3. RCW 27.34.230 and 1986 c 266 s 12 are each amended to read as follows:

The director of the state historical society or the director's designee shall:

(1) Submit the budget requests for the office to the heritage council for review and comment;

(2) Receive, administer, and disburse such gifts, grants, and endowments from private sources as may be made in trust or otherwise for the purposes of RCW 27.34.200 through ((~~27.34.290~~)) 27.34.280 or the federal act; and

(3) Develop and implement a cultural resource management plan.

Sec. 4. RCW 27.34.240 and 1986 c 266 s 13 are each amended to read as follows:

The amounts made available for grants to the public agencies, public or private organizations, or individuals for projects for each fiscal year shall be apportioned among program applicants by the director of the state historical society or the director's designee, with the advice of the preservation officer, in accordance with needs as contained in state-wide archaeology and historic preservation plans developed by the department.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The functions and personnel of the office of archaeology and historic preservation shall be transferred from the department of community, trade, and economic development without any change in personnel status or compensation by September 1, 1999.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. This act takes effect September 1, 1999.