PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
COMMISSION
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Washington state parks and recreation commission (WSPRC) is considering rule making related to the process of certification of recreational conveyances as defined in chapter 352-44 WAC and specifically under the provisions of WAC 352-44-020, which includes the certification of such devices as ski lifts, ski tows, j-bars, t-bars, ski mobiles, chair lifts, and similar devices and equipment used in snow ski areas.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 79A.05.030, 79A.05.070, 79A.40.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The WSPRC is responsible for the certification of safe and adequate facilities operated for the conveyance of persons generally associated with winter sports activities. The commission is reviewing current rules to determine the need to amend these rules to better accommodate the annual certification of recreational conveyances. By changing the certificate dates from January 1 through December 31 of the same year as currently stated in WAC 352-44-020 to November 1 of the current year through October 31 of the following year, we ensure that all lifts are inspected and certified as safe prior to the beginning of the operating year; which generally runs from November of the current year through March of the following year.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. To obtain additional information to participate in the decisions on rule making, or to comment on the commission rules being reviewed, contact Dale Broyles, Facilities Manager, WSPRC, P.O. Box 42650, 7150 Cleanwater Drive S.W., Olympia, WA 98504-2650, phone (360) 902-8543, fax (360) 902-8666, e-mail Dale.Broyles@parks.wa.gov.
February 7, 2008
J. M. French, Administrator
Statewide Recreation Programs