Relates to the leasing and licensing of property

Title of bill

An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in relation to the leasing and licensing of property

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would authorize the Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to enter into a lease or license not exceed forty years for the construction of a full service marina and cabins at Sampson State Park.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of this bill would amend the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law (PRHPL) § 3.09(2-d) to add to the list of properties that the Commissioner may lease or license to a private entity for a term not to exceed more that forty years, a full service marina and cabins at Sampson State Park.

Section 2 of this bill would provide that no lease or license entered into by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the marina and cabin construction will result in the impairment of any existing collective bargaining agreements.

Section 3 of this bill provides for an immediate effective date.

Existing law

PRHPL § 3.09(2-a) authorizes the Commissioner to enter into agreements for up to twenty years provided that agreements in excess of ten years provide for a capital investment of no less than one million dollars. PRHPL § 3.09(2-d) authorizes leases and licenses for specifically delineated park-related properties for terms of up to forty years, in recognition that extensive capital improvements to the listed structures, or new capital construction, require longer-term financial investment.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Justification

OPRHP has a long tradition of working with private entities to invest in state park facilities to improve the public's experience and provide necessary resources needed to support park functions. There has been a growing interest in providing for a new marina at Sampson State Park and constructing new cabins as well. Private investment is essential for these projects to succeed and a longer term than twenty years is needed to attract such a private investor.

Any lease or license will be subject to environmental and historic preservation reviews, public notice and involvement, and any lease or license must comply with the State Finance Law. Surrounding park and historic resources will continue to be protected and any proceeds realized will be invested in capital improvements to the State Park system.

Budget implications

None

Fiscal implications for state and local government

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.