Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community & Economic Development & Housing Committee |
HB 2444
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. |
Brief Description: Regarding establishing the Washington center for marine innovation.
Sponsors: Representatives Morris, Lytton, Hansen and Ryu.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/12
Staff: Jennifer Thornton (786-7147).
Background:
Centers of Excellence
A "Center of Excellence" is a community or technical college designated by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (State Board) as a statewide leader in industry-specific workforce education and training. Centers of Excellence began in 2004, and there are currently 10 Centers of Excellence, including the Northwest Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology at Skagit Valley College.
The State Board designates Centers of Excellence and funds new and existing centers with state general funds on a competitive basis. In making such designations, the State Board consults with business, industry, labor, certain state agencies, and educational institutions. The State Board gives priority to applicants with established programs serving a targeted industry cluster within the region.
Centers of Excellence serve as statewide liaisons to business, industry, labor, and the state’s educational systems for the purpose of creating a highly skilled and readily available workforce. Their role is to employ strategies that, among other outcomes, build a diverse workforce for strategic industries. These strategies include sharing curriculum and instructional resources, delivering collaborative certificate and degree programs, and holding statewide summits on industry trends and educational best practices.
Marine Industry Cluster
The Northwest Washington Marine Industry Cluster Study produced by Berk & Associates in 2007 defined the marine industry sector as comprising ship and boat manufacturing; boatyards and shipyards; boat and ship suppliers; ship and boat repair and maintenance businesses; marinas; boat charters; and boat storage and non-marina boat storage facilities. The study found that every one job in boat and ship building led to the creation of an additional 1.2 jobs through indirect and induced effects, and that the industry is diversified, growing, and operates in a globally competitive marketplace.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature finds that the state derives significant economic benefits from its marine industry, and that it is in the state's best interest to maintain competitiveness in the marine industry. The Legislature intends to establish the Washington Center for Marine Innovation as a public-private entity to promote research and development efforts.
The Northwest Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology is required to convene and staff a work group comprised of voluntary participants representing certain segments of the marine industry, higher education, public ports, economic development agencies, and workforce development agencies, to develop the Washington Center for Marine Innovation. The work group is directed to design the center to:
facilitate research and development of innovative marine manufacturing and marine fuel production technologies and processes;
develop related education and training;
provide research and other job training opportunities for students;
ensure that technologies are easily transferred and implemented; and
coordinate the center's activities with other institutions and initiatives.
The work group must report to the Legislature by December 1, 2012.
Appropriation: The sum of $150,000 from the Recreation Resources Account.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 17, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.