HB 1441 Would Prohibit State Land Purchases in Urban Areas

[bigtex]

HB 1441 introduced by Rep. Haler (R) would prohibit state agencies from purchasing land in urban growth areas. Urban growth areas are areas outside city limits that are designated by counties to one day in the county's view to be annexed into a city. It's essentially those urban sprawl areas.

This would likely have more of an impact on water access for agencies like WDFW, DNR, and Parks more than huntable land access. If this bill were to pass that 3 acres of riverfront property that would provide fishing access to the river couldn't be purchased by WDFW if the county had it in an urban growth area.

http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2017-18/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1441.pdf

[Special T]

Interesting. What do you guess is the reason for this bill? And the others like it?

The only thing I can surmise is that there is some revenue squabbling.

[wsmnut]

I can surmise a large developer has their wallet open.

[bigtex]

Interesting. What do you guess is the reason for this bill? And the others like it?

Honestly Rep. Haler has a history of being anti-public lands. He has co-sponsored every land sale/transfer bill in the House. 2 or 3 years ago he sponsored a bill that would prevent public access to bodies of water unless there is a publicy accessible bathroom and parking area on that body water.

[fireweed]

The competitive state grant process actually awards more "points" to projects (including acquisition) near or in urban areas--the opposite of what this bill tries to do.