SENATE BILL REPORT

                           ESB 6572

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 14, 1994

Brief Description:  Making an appropriation to purchase and renovate the Sprague Building.

SPONSORS: Senators Wojahn, Gaspard, Franklin, Winsley and Oke

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Gaspard, Hargrove, Hochstatter, Ludwig, McDonald, Niemi, Snyder, Spanel, Talmadge, West, Williams and Wojahn.

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786‑7715)

Hearing Dates: February 7, 1994; February 8, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1988, the citizen volunteer board of United Way of Pierce County adopted its second century plan, recommending, in part, that a community service center be developed so that local human services delivery could operate more efficiently.  This plan was formulated in recognition that human services needs in Pierce County are outpacing existing and projected resources.

Extensive planning and community consultation led to the recommendation that the historic Sprague Building be purchased and converted into the Betye Martin community service center.  The 50,000 square foot facility will house United Way, a mix of nonprofit human service agencies, and a child care center for use by tenants and surrounding businesses.

The recommendation for purchase of the Sprague Building was based on the operating efficiencies and cost savings which a centralized human services facility would provide.  These efficiencies include: centralized and shared spaces and services; long term, below-market rental rates for underfunded agencies; one-stop services for people in need.  Money saved through operating efficiencies can be applied to improved service delivery.

SUMMARY:

The sum of $855,000 from the state general fund is provided as a 15 percent matching grant for the purpose of purchase and renovation of the Sprague Building in Tacoma, Washington.  The building shall be owned and occupied by nonprofit, human service organizations whose services provide a benefit to the citizens of Washington.  The Department of Social and Health Services shall enter into negotiations with the United Way of Pierce County to secure state office space in the Sprague Building for the delivery of human services in Pierce County.

Appropriation:  $855,000

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

State support of the project will enhance funds being spent on direct human services by reducing rent to local service agencies.  The project will provide a one-stop center for a number of human services and will reduce overhead and administrative costs associated with program delivery.  This model may be adapted to other areas of the state as an example of public/private partnership for the delivery of human services.  The Sprague Building is an historic structure and an integral part of the redevelopment efforts occurring in downtown Tacoma.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Becky Fontaine, Washington Children's Learning Center; John Thompson, Pierce County Central Labor Council; John Woodworth, Woodworth & Company; Rick Allen, United Way, Pierce County