The newest funds proposal from the Legislature might imply the top for the Columbia River Gorge Fee, which was established 4 a long time in the past to guard the nationwide scenic space.
An modification launched March 27 by Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, stripped $4.4 million allotted to the Columbia River Gorge Fee from the state Home of Representatives’ proposed 2025-27 biennium funds. Couture, who didn’t say why the fee funding was eliminated, launched the modification throughout a Home Appropriations Committee assembly.
Though the Home has now adopted the Senate’s proposed funds, the 2 chambers nonetheless should reconcile any funds modifications, just like the Gorge funding, earlier than presenting a funds package deal to Gov. Bob Ferguson for approval.
Funding for the Columbia River Gorge Fee accounts for a fraction of the state’s $77.8 billion biennium funds, about 0.6 % of 1 %.
Wolniakowski mentioned the fee performs a vital function in defending the scenic space’s forests and agricultural space, whereas additionally serving to create a sustainable economic system. She mentioned the company doesn’t buy land, take away properties from county tax rolls or cost allow charges, as a substitute counting on state appropriations.
The company was ready for a compulsory funds discount however not a whole elimination, mentioned Renee Tkach, conservation director for the nonprofit Buddies of the Columbia Gorge.
The Home had beforehand proposed a 6 % discount, and the Senate had proposed an 8 % discount.
“That just came out of nowhere. That amendment basically defunded the Gorge Commission’s budget,” Tkach mentioned Tuesday.
Tkach mentioned though there was no particular purpose given for eliminating the fee’s funds, it’s undoubtedly linked to the state’s funds deficit.
“We’ve been hearing from our lobbyists and in our meetings in Olympia that they are really prioritizing bills and legislation that save a life or educates a child. Those are the top priorities right now,” she mentioned.
Ought to the Legislature move a funds with out offering funding for the fee, it’s more likely to set off a authorized battle.
“The state of Washington is legally obligated to fund the commission by the Columbia River Gorge compact, which is a binding contract. It’s an interstate compact and a state law all rolled up into one,” Tkach mentioned.
Due to the bistate compact, a discount or elimination in funding from Washington must be matched by Oregon. That would go away the company totally with out funding, which Tkach mentioned can be unprecedented. She mentioned the compact would nonetheless be in place and the nationwide scenic space must be managed, however there can be nobody to do the work.
“The governor’s office is very concerned about what’s happening in the House and Senate, and also what is legally obligated by the state, which I think was completely ignored in the amendment when it was introduced and passed,” Tkach mentioned.
Ferguson has till the top of the legislative session on April 27 to approve the funds proposals.
