Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Capital Budget Committee
HB 1958
Brief Description: Accelerating rural job growth and promoting economic recovery across Washington through a shovel-ready site certification program and grants.
Sponsors: Representatives Berg, Boehnke, Chapman, Ryu, Paul, Peterson, Frame and Taylor.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Permits the Community Economic Revitalization Board to provide planning program grants to qualifying projects for the costs to achieve shovel-ready status.
  • Increases the maximum award limit on the Community Economic Revitalization Board planning program grants.
  • Directs the Department of Commerce to develop and implement a shovel-ready certification program.
Hearing Date: 1/25/22
Staff: Richelle Geiger (786-7139).
Background:

Community Economic Revitalization Board.

 

The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) provides financial assistance to local governments and federally recognized tribes for public infrastructure that encourages new business development and economic growth.  The Department of Commerce (Department) provides administrative support for CERB.

 

The CERB is authorized to make direct loans and grants to political subdivisions of the state and to federally recognized Indian tribes to finance public facilities.  Grants are available for eligible planning and constructing projects.


CERB Planning Program Grants.

 

The CERB provides grant funding for studies to evaluate economic development projects.  Eligible uses include site-specific plans, studies, and analyses that address environmental impacts, capital facilities, land use, permitting, feasibility, marketing, project engineering, design, and site planning.  The maximum award limit for planning grants is $50,000. 
Summary of Bill:

The CERB may award planning program grants to projects for costs of achieving shovel-ready status.  The maximum award limit on planning grants is increased.  Until December 31, 2026, there is no maximum award limit.  Beginning January 1, 2027, grants may not exceed $200,000.

 

The Department must develop and implement a shovel-ready certification program for the purpose of certifying sites seeking shovel-ready status designation.  In developing the program, the Department must consult with CERB, economic development professionals, industry leaders, and local governments.  The department may consult with other interested parties at its discretion.  The Department must establish an application process, criteria for certification, and may adopt rules to implement this section.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.