NEWS18-002
| Media contact: Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
|
OLYMPIA – Jan. 19, 2018 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will adopt a list of projects for potential grant funding at its regular meeting next week.
The meeting begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Montesano City Hall, 112 N. Main St., Montesano. (Driving directions). The Commission’s regular meetings are six times a year in pre-determined locations around the state. Time for public comment is provided at all regular meetings. A full agenda, including information about opportunities for public comment is available at http://parks.state.wa.us/154/Commission-Meetings-Agendas.
In preparation for every budget cycle, the Commission approves a list of park projects for which staff seek grant funding from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program’s State Parks category. Preparation begins 18 months in advance of each budget session. Agency staff representing parks and programs collaborate to develop a list of grant candidates that match well with grant criteria and will be competitive with other projects.
State Parks’ 2019-21 acquisition candidates include properties within and adjacent to several existing state parks. Development candidates include beach restorations, ADA accessibility, pedestrian bridges and decking and railing of trestles for long-distance rail trails. Some projects from the 2017-19 list that are not yet funded due to the lack of a capital budget could be considered for the upcoming 2019-21 grant cycle.
In other business, the Commission will elect board officers for 2018; document the satisfactory 2017 evaluation of the director and adopt the 2018 director’s performance agreement. The Commission also will hear several reports, including updates on State Parks’ Boating Program, an agency financial update and a report on the agency’s recreational conveyance (ski lifts) inspection program.
Commission work session
A work session is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Montesano City Hall, 112 N. Main St., Montesano. Commission work sessions are open to the public; however, there is no opportunity for public comment, and no formal action is taken.
Next week’s work session agenda includes an opportunity to meet Hilary Franz, commissioner of public lands and learn about the current work of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Commissioners will hear reports on the legislative proviso regarding the state’s recreation fee system; shellfish season setting and harvest on state park beaches; camping fees; and training on Public Records Act and the Open Public Meeting Act.
Commission tour
Commission members will gather at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at La Quinta Inn & Suites in Tumwater to depart for tours of Lake Sylvia and Schafer state parks.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650