Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Capital Budget Committee

HB 2154

Brief Description:  Authorizing allotment of state funds for rehabilitating or restoring an existing school building listed or eligible to be listed as an historic property.

Sponsors:  Representatives Fisher, Darneille, Kenney and Santos.

Brief Summary of Bill

$School district construction costs that the state provides assistance for can include the cost of rehabilitating or restoring historical school buildings.

Hearing Date:  3/7/01

Staff:  Charlie Gavigan (786‑7340).

Background: 

The state provides financial assistance to school districts for constructing new or remodeling existing school buildings.  The state assistance is allocated to districts based on a formula adopted by the State Board of Education and a statutory formula providing for equalization of assistance between wealthy and less wealthy districts.  The State Board=s formula generally determines the amount of construction costs eligible for state assistance by multiplying eligible square feet by the area cost allowance.  This is then multiplied by 50% to arrive at the statewide assistance; the amount each district gets is determined by the equalization formula.  State assistance is also available for other allowable costs such as architect and engineering fees. 

The State Board=s formula allocates 80% of the cost of new construction for remodeling and replacing existing school facilities.

Summary of Bill: 

In determining the total cost of a school construction project, a  school district board of directors may include the cost of rehabilitating or restoring an existing school building listed or eligible to be listed as an historic property.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 6, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.