SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5847

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Economic Development, Trade & Innovation, February 12, 2009

Title: An act relating to the development of clean technology within port district properties.

Brief Description: Concerning the development of clean technology within port district properties.

Sponsors: Senators Kastama and Shin.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Innovation: 2/11/09, 2/12/09 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & INNOVATION

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Shin, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Delvin, Eide, Kilmer and McCaslin.

Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background: In 1911 the Legislature authorized the Port District Act allowing citizens to create port districts. Port districts in Washington have a broad array of powers including the purchase and improvement of lands, the creation of industrial development districts, the construction and maintenance of water, rail, and air terminals, and the construction of and maintenance of facilities for processing goods or storing goods.

Summary of Bill: State retail sales and use taxes do not apply to the sales of material or labor for the construction of clean technology incubators within port district properties. Nor do the taxes apply to the sales of machinery or equipment used in the incubators for the development of clean technology.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 9, 2009.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Port of Bremerton is developing its Sustainable and Economic Development, or SEED, project to bring in new innovative and clean energy businesses. This will encourage businesses to come in that are sustainable, economically good, and environmentally friendly. The ports of Whitman, Bellingham, Benton, Skagit, and Grays Harbor will be able to take advantage of this.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Gordon Walgren, Port of Bremerton.