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Committee hears bill to create competitive capital grants for outdoor learning facilities
Summary
House Bill 1734 would authorize the Recreation and Conservation Office to run a competitive statewide capital program to expand outdoor learning facilities for public school students; sponsors and numerous education and outdoor-program groups testified in support, citing improved student outcomes and facility needs.
Representative Rachelle Ruhl, prime sponsor, told the Capital Budget Committee that outdoor education improves mental health, academics and prepares students for a range of careers, and said the bill addresses missing infrastructure needed to serve more students in outdoor programs.
Committee staff Ingrid Lewis briefed House Bill 1734 and said the bill authorizes the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) to administer a competitive statewide capital-facility program, subject to appropriation, to expand access to outdoor education. The program would prioritize projects that increase the number of public school students served or remove barriers to participation for underserved communities. Eligible recipients include federally recognized tribes, local governments, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations; RCO must submit a prioritized list of recommended projects as part of its biennial capital budget beginning in the 2027–29 biennium.
Support came from dozens of education and outdoor-education organizations. Roberta McFarland (Outdoor Schools Washington) said prior funding doubled participation in some districts; Manuel Ramos (Chief Seattle Council/Scouting) and other camp operators said existing facilities were designed for summer camps and need upgrades for year-round school use. Testimony from outdoor school operators, principals’ associations and students — including a Lake Washington High School senior — emphasized requests for bunkhouses, dining and restroom upgrades, weatherization and accessibility improvements. Lewis noted RCO anticipates administrative staff costs (an $85,000 operating estimate for 2025–27) and that the program carries no capital-budget impacts in 2025–27 but would begin incurring capital requests in future biennia.
The committee received extensive pro testimony and closed the public hearing without taking a vote; several witnesses asked that funding prioritize equity and capacity-building to serve students from historically underserved communities.
