SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1106
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Natural Resources & Marine Waters, March 17, 2011
Title: An act relating to sale, lease, and disposal of lands within the Seashore Conservation Area.
Brief Description: Authorizing disposal of property within the Seashore Conservation Area to resolve boundary disputes.
Sponsors: Representatives Takko, Orcutt and Blake; by request of Parks and Recreation Commission.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/11, 96-1.
Committee Activity: Natural Resources & Marine Waters: 3/09/11, 3/17/11 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES & MARINE WATERS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Ranker, Chair; Regala, Vice Chair; Fraser, Hargrove and Swecker.
Staff: Sherry McNamara (786-7402)
Background: In 1967 the Legislature established the Seashore Conservation Area (Seashore) on the Pacific Ocean to dedicate the use of the ocean beaches to public recreational use. The Seashore is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) in cooperation with federal agencies, other state agencies, and local governments. The Commission is responsible for surveying the area every ten years. Except for specific authorized purposes, lands within the Seashore may not be sold or leased.
Currently, the Commission has the authority to exchange state park lands in the Seashore for lands of equal value.
Summary of Bill: The Commission is authorized to dispose of up to five acres of real property without public auction to adjacent property owners as needed to resolve property trespasses or boundary line disputes. The property may be disposed of only after an appraisal and for at least fair market value.
Proceeds from the disposal of the property must be deposited into the Parkland Acquisition Account and reinvested in real property located inside or within one mile of the Seashore.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Under current law the agency isn't able to make a quick sale of a few feet of property. This bill is a good government bill, it streamlines a currently onerous process and saves the state and the landowners money. State Parks is dealing with very small pieces of property in settling boundary disputes; these properties are between 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. The change in the law will not impact access to our beaches.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Takko, prime sponsor; Deb Wallace, Steve Hahn, State Parks.