FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1354

                                  C 237 L 89

BYRepresentatives Fraser, McLean, R. Fisher, Crane, Winsley, Dorn, Sayan, Belcher, Chandler, Brough, Rector, Haugen, R. King, K. Wilson, Hankins, H. Myers, Miller, Rasmussen, Ebersole, Tate and Sprenkle; by request of Governor Gardner

Continuing the interagency committee for outdoor recreation.

House Committe on State Government

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) was created in 1964 by Initiative 215 (The Marine Recreation Land Act).  The IAC administers state and federal grant funds for the acquisition and development of outdoor recreation facilities, and oversees the Non-highway and Off-Road Vehicles Activities grant- in-aid program (NOVA).

Funding for grants comes from the Outdoor Recreation Account, from such sources as unreclaimed marine fuel tax revenues, gasoline fuel excise taxes, recreation bond issues, and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.  In order to qualify for federal funding and to assist recreation planning, the IAC prepares a "Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan" (SCORP).  The IAC also provides technical assistance and intergovernmental liaison services to grant applicants; prepares the State Trails Plan and the Off-Road Vehicle Plan; and publishes the State Recreation Guide.

The IAC is comprised of nine members who meet quarterly:  the Directors of the Departments of Natural Resources, Fisheries, and Wildlife, the Director of the Parks and Recreation Commission, and five members of the public appointed by the Governor for three-year staggered terms.  The committee appoints a director, but the committee retains statutory administrative authority over the agency.

In 1987 the Legislature directed the Governor's office to submit a report by January 1, 1989 recommending whether the IAC should be located within another agency or retained as a separate entity.  The IAC will terminate on June 30, 1989 unless reauthorized by law.

SUMMARY:

The mission of the Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) is established in statute.  The director, in furthering the mission of the IAC, has the following statutory responsibilities:

      o To administer recreation grant-in-aid programs and provide technical assistance to state and local agencies;

      o To prepare a strategic plan for the acquisition, renovation, and development of recreational resources in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, the private sector, and the general public;

      o To represent the interests of the state on recreational issues;

      o Upon approval of the committee, to enter into contracts and agreements with private non-profit corporations to further enhance recreational resources;

      o To create and maintain a repository for data and research relating to recreation; and

      o To encourage and provide opportunities for interagency and regional coordination in the development and preservation of recreational resources.

The director is also given authority to carry out the specific statutory duties previously assigned to the committee.

The Governor is to appoint the director from a list of three names submitted by the committee.  The Governor may also request additional lists.  The director serves at the pleasure of the Governor.  Not more than three positions in the IAC are to be exempt from civil service law.

The section terminating the IAC is repealed.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 95   0

      Senate    43     2 (Senate amended)

      House             (House refused to concur)

Free Conference Committee

      Senate    33    11

      House 87  10

EFFECTIVE:June 30, 1989