Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Environment Committee

HB 2952

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.

Brief Description: Concerning officially naming a recreational trail.

Sponsors: Representatives Shea, DeBolt and Haler.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Renames a recreational trail in Spokane Valley the Senator Bob McCaslin recreational trail.

Hearing Date: 2/1/18

Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).

Background:

Responsibility for naming some parts of the natural or built environment are assigned to different state entities. The Washington State Transportation Commission is responsible for naming state transportation facilities, including highways, bridges, and structures. The Board of Natural Resources acts as the state's Board of Geographic Names, and with assistance from the Committee on Geographic names, officially approves names for lakes, mountains, streams, places, towns, and other non-manmade geographic features within the state.

In 1980, the Milwaukee Road railroad declared bankruptcy and sold some of its properties and land. In 1981, the Legislature appropriated funds to purchase much of the railroad's right-of-way in eastern Washington. Other portions of the railroad's right-of-way were acquired by other entities, including Spokane County.

Summary of Bill:

The portion of the Milwaukee Road corridor in the city of Spokane Valley known as the Appleway trail is renamed the Senator Bob McCaslin trail, in order to honor his service to Washington. The state must provide and install a marker identifying the name of the trail in at least one main activity area of the trail.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2018.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.