(1) The director shall establish a Washington state heritage barn preservation advisory board that includes:

     (a) Two members representing owners of heritage barns nominated by recognized agricultural organizations;

     (b) The chair of the advisory council, or the chair's designee;

     (c) A representative of a statewide historic preservation organization;

     (d) A representative of a county heritage commission that is recognized by the department as a certified local government;

     (e) Two elected county officials, one appointed by the Washington state association of counties and one appointed by the Washington association of county officials;

     (f) A representative of a private foundation with an interest in the preservation of barns;

     (g) A representative of a land trust that is experienced with easements; and

     (h) At least one at large member with appropriate expertise in barn architecture, architectural history, construction, engineering, or a related field.

     (2) The director may invite representatives of federal agencies that have barn preservation programs or expertise to participate on the advisory board, who shall serve as ex officio members.

     (3) The director shall work to assure that the advisory board members are from diverse geographic regions of the state. The director may serve as chair, or appoint a person to serve as chair.

     (4) The advisory board shall provide advice to the director regarding:

     (a) The criteria for designation of heritage barns;

     (b) The criteria for determining eligibility for grant funds including contracting provisions between the department and grant recipients. In developing this criteria, the department and the advisory board shall consult with the state attorney general; and

     (c) The criteria for awarding grants for barn rehabilitation.

     (5) The advisory board shall examine regulatory issues that impose constraints on the ability to use heritage barns for contemporary economically productive purposes including building and land use codes.

     (6) By December 1, 2010, the department shall provide a final report to appropriate committees of the legislature that summarizes the accomplishments of the program, addresses regulatory issues examined under subsection (5) of this section, and makes final recommendations.

     (7) This section expires December 31, 2010.

[2007 c 333 § 3.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- Purpose -- 2007 c 333: See note following RCW 27.34.400.