April 10, 2007 

OLYMPIA - Washington state residents will soon have the opportunity to support state parks by voluntarily adding $5 to their annual vehicle renewal fee.  Under legislation passed by the Senate yesterday, motor vehicle owners can opt to make a voluntary $5 donation at the time of initial vehicle registration or renewal.  The voluntary fee will be used for operation and maintenance of state parks. 

The bill, HB 2275, was sponsored by Rep. Lynn Kessler (D – Hoquiam).  It passed the House 94-3 last month.

“Last year, the Legislature did away with the mandatory $5 parking fee at state parks, which was the right thing to do because we found it was keeping people away from the parks,” Kessler said.  “This new legislation gives people an opportunity to donate voluntarily, creating a much-needed stable funding source.”

The State Parks and Recreation Commission estimates that approximately $2 million in donations would be received annually through the new voluntary system, representing roughly seven percent of the population.  Lack of funds and budget cuts have caused a backlog of maintenance at Washington’s state parks.

Rep. Brian Sullivan (D – Mukilteo), a long-time advocate for the state parks system, co-sponsored the legislation.

"Our state parks have seen so many cuts through the years, and the effect is noticeable,” Sullivan said.  “For example, we have not had lifeguards at our state parks since the early 1990’s.  Yet every year, there are several tragic drowning deaths.  It’s high time we start putting money back into these parks, for the safety and enjoyment of the public.”

The Department of Licensing will begin collecting the donations on January 1, 2008, and forwarding them to the State Parks Renewal and Stewardship Account.

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Contact: Rep. Lynn Kessler (360) 786-7904

Rep. Brian Sullivan (360) 786-7972

Media Staff Contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler (360) 786-7201

Link to House Bill 2275: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2007&bill=2275

Link to Rep. Kessler’s website and print-quality photo:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/kessler/

Link to Rep. Sullivan’s website and print-quality photo:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/sullivanb

Radio and TV news directors: For broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange TV or radio interviews, contact Dan Frizzell, House Democratic Caucus broadcast coordinator, at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208