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Ericksen plan would enhance
trails in Whatcom County, statewide
Trails plan
would use existing tax dollars, allow for more local authority
Deputy Republican Leader
Rep. Doug Ericksen
has unveiled a plan that would allow counties a new funding mechanism to
create new or expand existing recreational trails around the state.
“Many local governments want to expand and connect their trail systems,
but don’t have the authority to pursue the funding needed,” said
Ericksen, R-Ferndale. “The goal is to provide them a new mechanism to
fund trail enhancements through an existing tax structure. It’s about
the state allowing for local control and meeting the needs of people who
want to enjoy the outdoors.”
Ericksen’s Public Trails District plan would allow a county to keep up
to 0.06 percent of the state sales/use tax collected in that county for
building, expanding and connecting recreational trails. The collected
money would be deposited in a separate, interest-bearing account, and
could be used in conjunction with private gifts, grants and donations.
“This is not a program that is predicated on new tax revenue. Existing
tax dollars would be used – it’s simply a matter of a county’s local
control, priorities and choices,” said Ericksen. “Counties currently
spend money on recreational trails, but they need additional resources
to meet the growing demand of residents. It’s only fair that local tax
dollars be used for local demands.”
The Public Trails District plan would:
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Allow all counties
under one million people in population to create a Public Trails
District to build, expand and connect recreational trails.
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Use existing funding
sources (state sales/use tax).
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Require that money be
used only for capital improvements to recreational trails as a
supplement to existing funding.
-
Ensure money from a
Public Trails District would not constitute more than 50 percent of
the total project cost.
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Require counties with
a population between 150,000 and one million people to give priority
to recreational trails that connect urban growth areas.
Any participating county
would have to report to the State Auditor on October 1 of each year a
list of new projects funded by the Public Trails District plan. The
funding would expire 10 years after first keeping the tax unless the
Legislature renews the authority.
The Public Trails District plan would allow for Whatcom County to
receive an estimated $2 million each year should the county pursue the
option. Ericksen says the total fiscal benefits to counties statewide
could be around $42 million each year.
“Trails provide tangible benefits for local communities, including
enhancing natural and cultural resources, outdoor recreational
opportunities and health benefits,” said Ericksen. “Our state is blessed
with an amazing natural beauty and it’s only fair that people be able to
experience it.”
Ericksen is sharing his plan with fellow state lawmakers in hopes for
bipartisan support, and plans to introduce legislation in 2008
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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