Lawmakers Consider Dropping Fees For Washington State Parks

OLYMPIA, WA — A bill being considered by state lawmakers would eliminate vehicle fees at state parks, freeing entry to hundreds of recreational areas in Washington state. The Seattle Times reports the effort, led by Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Schoesler, would replace funding from the Discover Pass with money from the state's general fund.

According to the Times, the pass's $30 annual fee, and $10 day-use fees currently make up about 25 percent of the State Parks operating budget.

In a video posted on Sen. Schoesler's YouTube channel, he argues the Discover Pass, which was created during the recession in 2011, is no longer needed, and eliminating the fees will help bring in more visitors.

"They are a treasure for all of us to enjoy, and it's something that we need to do for taxpayers who have been overlooked for too long," Schoesler said.

In the introduction to Senate Bill 6174, the authors cite an average decline of 7 million visitors annually, during the first two years of the Discover Pass program.

"State lands and parks are a public good that should be available to all people, regardless of financial means," the bill reads.

The Times reports some lawmakers are skeptical funding for the measure can realistically be secured in the budget this session.

Schoesler's bill was introduced in the state Senate on Jan. 13, the first day of the legislative session. It has yet to be heard by a committee.