FINAL BILL REPORT

SCR 8440

BYSenators Bluechel, Hayner and Vognild

Establishing a Leadership conference.

AS PASSED LEGISLATURE

BACKGROUND:

The Washington State Legislature and the Northwest Policy Center at the University of Washington conducted a Northwest Leadership Forum in October of 1989.  The forum was attended by approximately 55 legislative leaders and members from the states of Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon, and the two Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia.  The purpose of the event was to review the feasibility of increasing the level of regional cooperation among Pacific Northwest states and provinces.  During the course of the forum, numerous recommendations regarding regional cooperation were developed including:  expanding technology's role in economic development; increasing access to capital; advancing education through telecommunications; meeting the Northwest's education and training needs; ensuring low cost energy; protecting the region's environment and quality of life; reducing hazardous waste at its source; enhancing the region's tourism potential; and improving international markets for agricultural products.

The conference attendees also agreed to:  examine the feasibility of forging greater cooperative efforts within the region; develop an inventory of existing cooperative relationships throughout the Pacific Northwest; and explore the establishment of a comprehensive system of regional cooperation along with the possibility of holding future conferences.

SUMMARY:

The Senate and House of Representatives resolve to: continue the investment of time and resources in the pursuit of regional cooperative efforts that will provide benefits to the citizens, business and general economy of the Pacific Northwest; and hold a conference in Seattle, Washington in the fall of 1990 to continue the ongoing discussion and examination of regional cooperation.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   41    0

     House 96  0