Title: An act relating to providing funding for state and local parks.

Brief Description: Providing funding for state and local parks.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives B. Sullivan, Chase and Conway).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/06, 62-36.

Committee Activity: Natural Resources, Ocean & Recreation: 2/20/06.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, OCEAN & RECREATION

Staff: Curt Gavigan (786-7437)

Background: The State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) manages a diverse system of 120 parks with many different types of facilities and historic buildings and a variety of recreation programs. The Commission has adopted a centennial plan to guide the parks system toward its 100th anniversary in 2013, and has identified capital facilities needs estimated at $300 million and a backlog of major maintenance estimated at $40 million over the next 10 years.

The Office for the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) manages the Youth Athletic Facilities (YAF) Grant Program for acquiring, developing, equipping, maintaining, and improving youth and community athletic facilities. Eligible entities that may apply for grants or loans include cities, counties, and qualified nonprofit organizations. The program was approved by Washington voters as part of Referendum 48, which provides funding for the Seattle Seahawks stadium. An initial $10 million was contributed by the Seattle Seahawks in December 1998. Revenues to the YAF account from the Stadium and Exhibition Center Account are not expected in the next several years.

The Washington State Investment Board manages the investment of the funds of the state retirement systems, as well as other non-retirement funds.

Summary of Bill: The State Parks Centennial Account (Centennial Account) is created in the State Treasury. The State Investment Board may invest monies in the Centennial Account, and only the interest may be appropriated to implement the Centennial Plan and for State Parks capital projects. The Centennial Account retains its own interest earnings, and the principal of the account may not be spent.

"On or before June 30 of each year, the balance, if any," of the Stadium and Exhibition Center Account, "or at least five hundred thousand dollars" must be transferred to the YAF account. Metropolitan Park Districts are added as an entity eligible to receive grants from the YAF account.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2006.

Testimony For: The goal of this bill is to create an endowment for our state parks, which have become the first to lose during a budget crunch.

Testimony Against: None.

Who Testified: PRO: Rep. Sullivan.