HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5081

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Parks & Ecology (originally sponsored by Senators Bluechel, Bottiger and Conner)

Reestablishing the winter recreation commission.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Vekich, Chair; Wineberry, Vice Chair; Braddock, Cantwell, Grant, Hargrove, Holm, Kremen, McMullen, Rasmussen, Schoon and B. Williams.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (5)

      Signed by Representatives Amondson, Beck, Doty, Moyer and J. Williams.

House Staff:Bonnie Austin (786-7107)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 13, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In 1982 the legislature created the Winter Recreation Commission to promote winter recreation in the state.  The commission was directed to study and identify potential sites for new winter recreation development, facilitate trades of land with the federal government, recommend a state supervisory management structure to oversee land development, and hold public hearings. The commission submitted a interim report to the legislature in 1983 detailing its activities.  The commission terminated January 1, 1987.

With termination of the commission, there is no singular entity in state government given specific authority to address the winter recreation industry of the state.

SUMMARY:

The Winter Recreation Commission is reestablished and includes two members of the Senate and two members of the House with one from each caucus of the respective body.  Also included are representatives from the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Departments of Trade and Economic Development and Natural Resources, two representatives of the environmental community, along with one representative of cities and one from counties.

The commission shall study and identify potential sites for new winter recreation development, facilitate needed land trades with other government agencies, recommend state management structures to address winter recreation and consult with other government agencies.  It shall hold necessary public hearings, propose changes to state law to carry out its purposes, and establish advisory committees.  The commission shall submit a biennial report to the legislature in 1989.  Current members are to continue their roles. The legislative members of the commission are subject to reappointment.

Winter recreational activities are declared to be a folk tradition of the state.  To celebrate this tradition, "Roll on Columbia, Roll On" by Woody Guthrie, is designated as Washington's official folk song.

Fiscal Note:      Attached.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Hargrove.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The winter recreation commission is in the process of facilitating land trades and performing its other functions.  The commission needs to continue its efforts to expand the state's winter recreation industry in order to attract tourism.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.