Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 1314
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: Clarifying the authority of port districts to deliver water through a public water system.
Sponsors: Representatives Jacks, Walsh, Takko, Nealey, Blake and Fitzgibbon.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/11
Staff: Miranda Leskinen (786-7291) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Port districts, which are a type of special purpose district, build and operate shipping terminals, motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, marinas and docks, airports, railroads, industrial sites, and parks and recreational facilities. A port commission, consisting of three or five elected commissioners who serve four or six-year staggered terms of office, governs each port district.
Port district authority is diverse and includes the following general powers:
land lease, sale, and acquisition, including exercise of the right of eminent domain;
levy assessment and collection;
facilities and commodities construction, condemnation, purchase, acquisition, maintenance, operation, transportation, and improvement; and
foreign trade zone establishment, operation, and maintenance.
With respect to sewer and water utilities, port districts may acquire, construct, install, improve, and operate sewer and water utilities for itself and other property owners, subject to rates and conditions established by the port commission. However, port districts are prohibited from entering into agreements or contracts to provide water and or water utilities where there are similar utilities or facilities willing and able to provide reasonable service unless the other utility or facility gives consent for a port district to provide these services.
Summary of Bill:
The authority of port districts is modified to expressly allow for the delivery of water, treated or raw, to a public water system for municipal water supply purposes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.