FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1392

C 183 L 15

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning the administrative rate the recreation and conservation funding board may retain to administer the grant programs established in chapter 79A.15 RCW.

Sponsors: Representatives Stanford, Tharinger, Dunshee and McBride; by request of Recreation and Conservation Office.

House Committee on Capital Budget

Senate Committee on Natural Resources & Parks

Background:

The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) administers several grant programs for numerous boards and councils to create outdoor recreational opportunities, protect the state's wildlife habitat and farmland, and assist salmon recovery efforts. One such grant program is the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) that was established in 1990 to acquire as soon as possible the most significant lands for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation purposes. In addition to acquiring recreation and habitat lands, the program also develops recreation areas for growing populations, preserves farmlands, and restores and develops state lands.

The grants are selected through a competitive process and funds are awarded by the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB). The RCO must submit a prioritized list of projects to the Legislature in its biennial budget request. The projects are prioritized by eight advisory committees that review and rank the applications submitted to the RCFB. In addition to supporting the RCFB and the advisory committees, the RCO develops the grant program policies and prepares and supports the materials and electronic applications. The RCO communicates with potential applicants and provide technical assistance. These reviews applications for completeness and prepares and manage grant agreements for each project. These ensures compliance and provides public access to and disclosure of grant records.

Before 2004 no administrative funds were allowed to be retained from WWRP appropriations. In 2005 a 3 percent fee was established for the administration of the WWRP. The amount available for administration varies depending on the total appropriations, which have ranged from $42 million in 2011-13 to $100 million in 2007-09. An analysis conducted by the RCO shows that the actual cost to administer the program is about 4.3 percent.

The RCO is authorized to retain portions of appropriated funds to administer other grant programs as well. Those administrative fees vary depending on the program. For instance, the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account program allows up to 5 percent to be used for administrative costs. The Youth Athletic Facilities program allows up to 4.12 percent and the Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities program allows up to 10 percent to be retained for administrative costs.

Summary:

The RCO is authorized to retain a portion of the funds appropriated for the WWRP for administrative costs. The portion must be based on either (a) the actual administration costs averaged over the previous five biennia as a percentage of the new appropriation, or (b) the amount specified in the appropriationss, if any. The percentage of the appropriation must be approved by the Office of Financial Management and submitted along with the prioritized list of projects.

Votes on Final Passage: