OLYMPIA — State parks are again on the chopping block as the Legislature tries to fill another multibillion-dollar shortfall.
The legislature in 2009 adopted a bill introduced by former Rep. Lynn Kessler — who retired after long service in the 24th District, which covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County — that added a $5 contribution to the parks on vehicle tabs (with the option of opting out) in order to fend off closures.
That money is no longer enough.
Under Gov. Chris Gregoire’s two-year budget proposal, state parks would need to earn $64 million in new revenue during the July 2011-July 2013 biennium or risk closure.
Van De Wege bill
Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim — who represents the 24th District — said he plans to introduce a bill this week to help raise money for the parks.
The details haven’t been ironed out, he said, but the legislation may end up increasing the vehicle-tab fee to $25. Those who pay the fee could get a pass for state parks, Van De Wege added.
“It’s our only option,” he said.
If nothing is raised, only 10 parks out of the approximately 150 in the state could remain open, Van De Wege said. The rest would be “mothballed” until enough money became available.
The North Olympic Peninsula is home to six state parks.
In 2009, Bogachiel State Park southwest of Forks, Flagler State Park on Marrowstone Island and Fort Townsend, south of Port Townsend were among the parks placed on a list for closure before Kessler’s legislation was approved.
The 24th District is also represented by state Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, and Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim.
Last week, Tharinger and Hargrove introduced legislation that would allow counties to tax the excavation of rock, stone sand and gravel. The tax would be up to 5 percent of the minerals’ value.
They said counties need the ability to impose the tax because the minerals can’t be replaced and are usually used outside of the county in which they are mined.
“In general, the way I look at this is, the more options we can give to the local commissions and councils the better,” said Tharinger, who is also a Clallam County commissioner.
Jefferson wants law
Hargrove and Tharinger said Jefferson County has been the biggest proponent of the legislation.
Jefferson County Commissioner David Sullivan said the county has been seeking it for two years.
Sullivan said Jefferson County needs the tax to help pay for road maintenance.
Currently, the county is dependent on federal funding to maintain its roads, and that funding is expected to dry up.
“I think this is an opportunity for us to get some benefit for all the citizens of Jefferson County for that resource,” he said.
‘Benefit for all’
Sullivan noted that there already is a county tax on forestry products.
Half of the mining tax revenue would be placed in the county’s general fund and the other half would be placed in its road fund, he said.
Tharinger said he is not considering proposing the tax for Clallam County if the legislation — House Bill 1573 and Senate Bill 5450 — is adopted.
Last week, Hargrove also introduced:
• Senate Bill 5605, which would limit liability for some state workers.
• Senate Bill 5435, which would require background checks for peace and reserve officers.
• Senate Bill 5452, which would require law enforcement agencies to be notified of the release of a person who committed a crime in their area from a state mental health facility.
• Senate Bill 5485, which requires the state building code council to amend the state building code to encourage the greater use of wood and paper products.
• Senate Bill 5527, which creates an electronic benefit transfer system for the delivery of subsidized child care.
• Senate Bill 5553, which would prevent court legal obligation funds from being subject to budget cuts.
• Senate Bill 5543, which would create a fire protection firm licensing account.
• Senate Bill 5558, which would restrict the distribution of juvenile criminal records.
Ambulance user fee
Last week, Tharinger also introduced House Bill 1596, which would allow cities to enact a user fee to help pay for ambulance services.
Van De Wege and Tharinger both voted for a supplemental budget on Monday that cuts $222 million from the remaining 2009-2011 budget.
Included in the cuts is eliminating the Basic Health Plan in May.
Both legislators said it wasn’t an easy budget to vote on.
“We’re seeing direct results like the OlyCAP [Olympic Community Action Programs] dental center closing that are going to have dramatic effects on people’s lives,” Van De Wege said, referring to impending closure, announced last week, of the Port Angeles clinic.
Said Tharinger: “It’s the first of many hard decisions. There’s just not enough money.”
The Senate has yet to vote on the supplemental budget.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
