Washington state Discover Pass prices are increasing on Wednesday, climbing from $30 to $45 per year.

The pass is a fee charged to park vehicles at state-run parks, lands and recreation sites.

State lawmakers green-lit Senate Bill 5390 in April, with Gov. Bob Ferguson signing it into law the following month.

While minority-party Republicans were staunch opponents of the $15, or 50 percent, price hike, supporters pointed out that the cost hadn’t risen since the pass was implemented in 2011 — despite high inflation.

Revenue from the pass is key to help fund the maintenance and operation of parks, said Sarah Fronk, a Washington State Parks spokesperson. Washington State Parks, established in 1913, predates the national parks system.

State parks have been around for a long time, she said.

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