WHEREAS, Eastern Idaho is experiencing rapid population growth; and

      WHEREAS, an increasing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities comes with that growth; and

WHEREAS, state park development has not kept pace with growing needs in Eastern Idaho; and

WHEREAS, an opportunity exists to develop a new state park in Eastern Idaho;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES E. RISCH, Governor of the State of Idaho, by the authority vested in me under the Constitution and laws of the State of Idaho, do hereby order the following:

1. The Eastern Idaho State Park Search Committee is established. The Committee shall:

a.      Review existing studies and plans that may impact a decision regarding site selection of an Eastern Idaho state park; and

b.      Develop and implement a process for measuring public needs and desires related to the park; and

c.       Develop and deliver recommendations as to the future location of an Eastern Idaho state park to the Governor and the Idaho Park and Recreation Board by September 15, 2006.

2.    The Governor shall appoint Co-Chairs to lead the Committee.

3.   The members of the Committee shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor through calendar year 2006.

a.      The Committee membership shall include at least two State Senators and two State Representatives from Eastern Idaho.

b.      The Committee membership shall also include as many representatives of nearby local governments, representatives of affected state agencies, Region Five and Region Six Idaho Park Board members, and members of the general public as the Governor deems necessary.

4.   The Committee may recommend additional members to the Governor as they deem appropriate and may establish subcommittees consistent with the needs of the Committee.

5.  The Committee shall meet at least six (6) times during calendar year 2006 as determined by the Co-Chairs.

6.      The Committee members shall serve without compensation or reimbursement for expenses, including related travel and per diem to attend Committee meetings.

7.  The Committee shall receive administrative and technical staff support from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 19th day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and six, and of the independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirtieth and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred sixteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE