To create the department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. This bill abolishes the office of archaeology and historic preservation and transfers its powers to the new department. This bill also establishes the new department’s organization and leadership, and transfers certain powers from the department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development into the new department.   Official Text and Analysis.

By Mary Thompson WA Trust for Historic Preservation; Dave Nicandri, WA State Historical Society; Don Brubeck, American Institute of Architects WA Council. They testified that the independent position of the office will facilitate involvement of the SHPO early in the planning and design processes. Especially for large projects, this will allow shaping of decision-making so that work can be pursued with maximum efficiency and sensitivity to sites of archaeological and historical significance. Having an active and independent SHPO is critical when under-surface projects are in progress so that expert response to unexpected events can be immediate and accurate. The Office can not afford the 40 percent overhead charges from its parent agency, CTED.

To remove the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation from the department of Community, Trade, Economic Devlopment and made a separate department of state government. The director, who is also the SHPO, is appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate.

To omit an erroneous reference to "other agencies" in the first substitute bill.

To create the department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

To create the department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.