Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Innovation, Community & Economic Development, & Veterans Committee
HB 1231
Brief Description: Accelerating rural job growth and promoting economic recovery across Washington through site readiness grants.
Sponsors: Representatives Berg, Chapman, Wylie, Waters, Reed, Volz, Peterson, Taylor, Leavitt, Doglio, Riccelli, Paul, Fey, McEntire, Ramel, Tharinger, Lekanoff, Slatter, Barkis and Stonier.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to provide planning program grants to qualifying projects for the costs of achieving site readiness.
  • Increases the maximum award limit on the CERB planning program grants.
Hearing Date: 1/17/23
Staff: Cassie Jones (786-7303).
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 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 facility projects.  Grants are available for eligible planning and construction projects.

Community Economic Revitalization Board Planning Program Grants.
 
The CERB provides grant funding for studies to evaluate economic development projects.  When considering planning grants, the CERB gives priority to projects that could result in a type of project eligible for CERB construction funds.  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.  
 
CERB offers grants for planning projects up to 80 percent of the total project cost.  The project applicant must match CERB’s funding with at least 20 percent of the total project cost.  The maximum award limit for planning grants is $50,000. 
Summary of Bill:

The CERB may award planning program grants to projects for the costs of achieving site readiness.  The maximum award limit on planning grants is increased.  Until December 31, 2028, there is no maximum award limit.  Beginning January 1, 2029, grants may not exceed $200,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 12, 2023.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.