(1) As Washington begins its second century of statehood, the legislature recognizes that renewed efforts are needed to preserve, conserve, and enhance the state's recreational resources. Rapid population growth and increased urbanization have caused a decline in suitable land for recreation and resulted in overcrowding and deterioration of existing facilities. Lack of adequate recreational resources directly affects the health and well-being of all citizens of the state, reduces the state's economic viability, and prevents Washington from maintaining and achieving the quality of life that it deserves.

     It is therefore the policy of the state and its agencies to preserve, conserve, and enhance recreational resources and open space. In carrying out this policy, the mission of the recreation and conservation funding board and its office is to (a) create and work actively for the implementation of a unified statewide strategy for meeting the recreational needs of Washington's citizens, (b) represent and promote the interests of the state on recreational issues in concert with other state and local agencies and the governor, (c) encourage and provide interagency and regional coordination, and interaction between public and private organizations, (d) administer recreational grant-in-aid programs and provide technical assistance, and (e) serve as a repository for information, studies, research, and other data relating to recreation.

     (2) Washington is uniquely endowed with fresh and salt waters rich in scenic and recreational value. This outdoor heritage enriches the lives of citizens, attracts new residents and businesses to the state, and is a major support of its expanding tourist industry. Rising population, increased income and leisure time, and the rapid growth of boating and other water sports have greatly increased the demand for water related recreation, while waterfront land is rapidly rising in value and disappearing from public use. There is consequently an urgent need for the acquisition or improvement of waterfront land on fresh and salt water suitable for marine recreational use by Washington residents and visitors. To meet this need, it is necessary and proper that the portion of motor vehicle fuel taxes paid by boat owners and operators on fuel consumed in their watercraft and not reclaimed as presently provided by law should be expended for the acquisition or improvement of marine recreation land on the Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound, bays, lakes, rivers, reservoirs and other fresh and salt waters of the state.

[2007 c 241 § 39; 1989 c 237 § 1; 1965 c 5 § 1 (Initiative Measure No. 215, approved November 3, 1964). Formerly RCW 43.99.010.]

NOTES:

     Intent -- 2007 c 241: "The legislature intends to change the name of the interagency committee for outdoor recreation to the recreation and conservation funding board. Similarly, the office of the interagency committee is renamed the recreation and conservation office.

     The legislature does not intend this act to make any substantive policy changes other than to change or clarify the names of the relevant entities.

     The name changes in this act have no impact on the powers, duties, or responsibilities previously delegated to the interagency committee for outdoor recreation or the office of the interagency committee by statute, budget proviso, or executive order.

     The name changes in this act have no impact on the validity of the documents, contracts, agreements, policies, and written decisions made, entered into, recorded, issued, or established before this name change by the interagency committee for outdoor recreation, its office, or director. Documents, contracts, agreements, policies, publications, and written decisions are not required to be changed to conform to the name changes, and the continued use of former names on documents made, recorded, issued, or established prior to the changes in this act does not affect the document's validity after the change." [2007 c 241 § 1.]

     Effective date -- 2007 c 241: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2007." [2007 c 241 § 76.]

     Effective date -- 1989 c 237: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect on June 30, 1989." [1989 c 237 § 9.]