Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Capital Budget Committee
HB 2310
Brief Description: Creating the Julia Butler Hansen state park heritage center.
Sponsors: Representatives McEntire, Chambers, Barnard, Jacobsen, Schmidt, Chandler, Leavitt, Simmons, Nance, Orwall, Eslick, McClintock, Mosbrucker, Connors, Rude, Klicker, Couture, Robertson, Walsh, Morgan, Orcutt, Santos, Bateman, Davis, Barkis, Slatter, Ormsby, Tharinger, Riccelli, Rule, Timmons, Paul, Peterson, Street, Macri and Doglio.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides for the establishment of the Julia Butler Hansen State Park Heritage Center.
Hearing Date: 1/25/24
Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).
Background:

The Julia Butler Hansen Heritage Center is located in Cathlamet, Washington.  The heritage center was established in 2004 through the Wahkiakum Community Foundation and contains the historical home, garden, and artifacts of the Hansen family.  The home was built in 1857.


Julia Butler Hansen was a member of the Cathlamet City Council for 12 years, served in the Washington State House of Representatives for 20 years, and served in the United States House of Representatives for 14 years.  She also served on the Washington State Toll Bridge Authority, the State Highway Commission, and the Washington State Transportation Commission.


Washington State has more than 140 state parks, trails, and heritage sites.  State Park's heritage parks and heritage sites provide a wide range of historic properties representing major themes of state history.  These include pioneer structures, coastal defense fortifications, and other locations of historical significance.  
Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (the Commission) is to establish and manage the Julia Butler Hansen State Park Heritage Center once the current site and an adjacent historical property are donated to the state.  The properties are located in Cathlamet, Washington.   The Commission must develop a management plan in consultation with the Washington State Historical Society and the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.  The Julia Butler Hansen home should be preserved, as much as possible, in the condition and with such furnishings as existed during Julia Butler Hansen's lifetime.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2024.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.