SENATE BILL REPORT

                                   ESHB 1315

                             AS OF MARCH 26, 1991

Brief Description:  Creating a training program for displaced timber workers in Skagit county.

SPONSORS:House Committee on Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Haugen, Spanel, Wilson, R. Johnson, Kremen, Braddock, H. Sommers, Morris, R. King, Sheldon, Hargrove, Belcher, Basich, Dorn, Jacobsen and Wineberry).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Staff:  Traci Anderson (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates:March 27, 1991

BACKGROUND:

Timber harvest levels, particularly on federal lands, are expected to decrease significantly.  This will adversely impact the state generally and timber communities specifically.

The estimated job losses resulting from the reduced harvest level vary significantly.  The Governor's office estimates the direct and indirect job losses at 20,000; the House Timber Task Force estimated the job losses at 26,000.

Training and retraining programs, most of which are administered by the state Department of Employment Security and funded through the federal Job Training Partnership Act, can benefit timber-dependent communities. 

Skagit County is one of seven counties that the Governor's office has listed as being most dependent on timber for their economic livelihood.

SUMMARY:

A five-year pilot project is established to provide education and training for dislocated timber workers and their spouses.  The project is coordinated jointly by the state Employment Security Department and Skagit Valley Community College.  The project is contingent upon the acquisition of funds by the department and college.

The education and training program will be developed by Skagit Valley Community College (SVCC) and the Employment Security Department.  SVCC and Employment Security will consult with the state Departments of Ecology, Fisheries, Natural Resources, Wildlife, the state Parks and Recreation Commission, and other Skagit County employers to determine minimum employment qualifications in the areas of natural resource management and enhancement of the Skagit River.

The Employment Security Department is to contract with the local development agency in Skagit County to coordinate with the college and the state Departments of Ecology, Fisheries, Natural Resources, Wildlife, the state Parks and Recreation Commission, and other Skagit County employers to assist dislocated timber workers and their spouses in securing education and employment in the natural resource professions.

The Employment Security Department and the Skagit Valley Community College shall provide an annual report to the state Legislature.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

Effective Date:  July 15, 1991