HOUSE BILL REPORT

                      HB 2676

                     As Reported By House Committee on:

                        Trade & Economic Development

Title:  An act relating to economic development related projects of regional or state-wide significance.

Brief Description:  Concerning economic development related projects.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Sheldon, Forner, Cantwell, Rasmussen, Ferguson, Wynne, Jacobsen and Carlson.

Brief History:

   Reported by House Committee on:

Trade & Economic Development, January 30, 1992, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Cantwell, Chair; Sheldon, Vice Chair; Forner, Ranking Minority Member; Betrozoff, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Ferguson; Kremen; Ludwig; Moyer; Rasmussen; Riley; and Roland.

Staff:  Charlie Gavigan  (786-7340).

Background:

Counties and cities in Washington State can choose or be required to plan under four different planning laws or under inherent authority under their charter.

A majority of counties in Washington State, and cities in these counties, are planning under the Growth Management Act.  The comprehensive plans required under this act are intended to enable the local governments to accommodate expected growth within the jurisdiction.  The local comprehensive plans are also required to be consistent with the plans of adjacent jurisdictions and coordinated regarding regional issues.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  Counties and cities, as part of their planning process, may identify economic development related projects of regional or state significance.  The county or city may request that the region plan for the project.  The county or city may seek state technical or financial assistance to help offset the impacts of the project, particularly infrastructure impacts.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Counties and cities planning under any planning enabling act, not just under the Growth Management Act, may identify economic development related projects of regional and state significance and plan for these projects.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  Counties and cities and the state should work together to plan for economic development related projects with regional or state-wide significance.  A common database and state technical assistance can help effectively plan for and address impacts, such as necessary infrastructure.  The optional process in this bill encourages coordinated and efficient planning between local, regional, and state agencies.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Paul Roberts, City of Everett (Pro); and Bill Vogler, Washington State Association of Counties (Pro).