S-1825.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5909
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State of Washington 53rd Legislature 1993 Regular Session
By Senators Sheldon, Oke and Owen
Read first time 02/24/93. Referred to Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development.
AN ACT Relating to the diversification of the economy of Kitsap county; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature recognizes that the economic base of Kitsap county is overly dependent upon congressional appropriations to the Puget Sound naval shipyard, the Bangor nuclear submarine base, and other federal military installations. Fluctuations in federal appropriations have resulted in a local economy which is unstable and has limited flexibility to respond to important shifts in federal policy. Additionally, many primary industrial jobs in Kitsap county may be prematurely lost if the Puget Sound naval shipyard is cut back dramatically. The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the state and Kitsap county to develop a more balanced and diversified economy which is better able to meet the long-term employment needs of our local citizens.
(2) The department of trade and economic development shall conduct a study to investigate the state's role in the economic diversification of the Kitsap economy. The department is authorized to undertake portions of required feasibility studies. The department shall develop the study in conjunction with the department of community development.
(3) The study must focus on:
(a) The need for higher education capabilities and access in Kitsap county;
(b) Methods of utilizing the following economic development assets of the Kitsap county area to diversify the economy:
(i) The large concentration of ship engineers, nuclear engineers, craftsmen, and technical workers located in Kitsap county;
(ii) The scientists, engineers, and technical workers living in Kitsap county affiliated with the military installations;
(iii) The extensive technological base affiliated with existing industrial jobs;
(iv) The availability of land and appropriate real estate;
(v) The availability of port, air, rail, and highway transportation; and
(vi) Accessibility to outdoor recreational facilities;
(c) Methods of addressing the economic liabilities of Kitsap county, including shipping and transportation, supplies, and sources of capital;
(d) Potential markets for Kitsap county services and products;
(e) The availability of venture capital and other potential funding sources;
(f) The commercialization of federally developed technology by assisting and promoting the transfer of technology into private projects and commercial applications; and
(g) The development of a plan to diversify the industrial base of Kitsap county.
(4) The following must be consulted in conducting the study: The administration and faculty of Olympic College; the Kitsap visitors and convention bureau; the area chambers of commerce; the area port districts; the cities of Bremerton, Winslow, Poulsbo, and Port Orchard; the United States Navy; Puget Sound naval shipyard contractors; relevant business leaders; and other relevant state offices within the department of trade and economic development.
(5) The department shall submit a final report with specific recommendations that define measurable goals with timeframes to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by January 1, 1994.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.
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