FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5648

PARTIAL VETO

                              C 425 L 89

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Smitherman, Lee, Murray and Vognild)

Authorizing creation of a federation of Washington ports.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Public Ports Association is currently empowered to:  coordinate programs among the ports; study ways of improving commerce; and promote development of transportation and industry throughout the state.  Its coordination authority and responsibilities are found in several sections of statute.  In addition, individual port districts may operate trade centers for the promotion of import and export trade.

The Economic Development Board was established to develop long-range economic development goals.  It has recommended that the ports form a cooperative marketing association to further enhance their ability to carry out their responsibilities.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Public Ports Association is authorized to establish a federation of Washington ports to strengthen international trading capacities.  The federation operates as an international trading company while maintaining the authority of individual ports.

Beginning with the 1990 legislative session, the association shall report to the Legislature on progress toward establishing and operating the federation.

Both the association and federation are given specific authority to operate trade centers.  Associate development organizations are added to the list of groups with which the association and its member districts are directed to work.  A definition of the federation is added.  The sunset review and termination of the Export Trading Company Act is changed from 1991 to 1994.

A 20-member temporary task force on cooperation among ports and local economic development organizations is created.  The task force's areas of study include:  joint marketing, joint trade offices, and other efforts between ports and local organizations; building local capacity; and the state's air cargo capacity.  The task force may not consider nor make any recommendations in the areas of rates or rate setting (or price fixing) by ports or associate development organizations.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   42    5

     House 76 20 (House amended)

     Senate   34    9 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 23, 1989

Partial Veto Summary:  The state's air cargo capacity is removed as a task force study subject.  (See VETO MESSAGE)