‘Discover Pass’ will keep state parks open this summer
OLYMPIA – Four pieces of legislation sponsored by state Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D – Sequim) were signed into law by Governor Gregoire today, including a measure to save state parks from being mothballed amidst budget cuts.
Van De Wege sponsored the House version of Senate Bill 5622, which institutes a day-use fee in Washington’s state parks. Park visitors can purchase a $30 annual “Discover Pass,” which includes access to all state parks, as well as recreational lands managed by the state Department of Natural Resources or the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Without an annual pass, visitors would pay a $10 day use fee when parking a vehicle at state parks.
“Without the Discover Pass, we would be facing park closures across the state,” Van De Wege said. “Instead, our parks will be open and welcoming outdoor enthusiasts this summer.”
Of the 120 state parks in Washington, only a handful are self-supporting through campsite and other fees; the rest rely on other sources of funding for maintenance and operation.
The parks system must backfill $60 million that is being cut from its budget over the coming biennium, and Van De Wege says that amount of money would be impossible to make up by simply raising campground fees again.
The new law also provides for 12 days each year when the parks will be free.
“We’re concerned about maintaining park access for those with low or limited incomes,” Van De Wege said. “The free days will help ensure that everyone who wants to visit a state park will be able to do so.”
Oregon, Idaho, and California state parks also have day use fees.
Three additional bills sponsored by Van De Wege were also signed today. They are:
- A measure giving in-state contractors a level playing field when bidding against out-of-state contractors on public works projects (Senate Bill 5662, companion to Van De Wege’s House Bill 1809).
- A measure incentivizing the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems (House Bill 1295).
- A measure temporarily suspending state laws regarding motorcycle equipment standards and helmet use when a motorcycle is being driven on a closed road during a parade or permitted demonstration (House Bill 1328).
Van De Wege represents the 24th Legislative District, which includes all of Clallam and Jefferson Counties, and parts of Grays Harbor County. He serves as House Majority Whip.