S-0953

AN ACT Relating to the establishment of The Pacific Northwest Economic Region; adding a new chapter to Title 43 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that there is a new emerging global economy in which countries and regions located in specific areas of the world are forging new cooperative arrangements.

The legislature finds that these new cooperative arrangements are increasing the competitiveness of the participating countries and regions, thus increasing the economic benefits and the overall quality of life for the citizens of the individual countries and regions.

The legislature also finds that the Pacific Northwest states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington and the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia are in a strategic position to act together, as a region, thus increasing the overall competitiveness of the individual states and provinces that will provide substantial economic benefits for all of their citizens.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The Pacific Northwest Economic Region is hereby enacted into law and entered into by the state of Washington as a party, and is in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ECONOMIC REGION

ARTICLE I‑-Policy and Purpose

States and provinces participating in the Pacific Northwest Economic Region shall seek to develop and establish policies that: Promote greater regional collaboration among the seven entities; enhance the overall competitiveness of the region in international and domestic markets; increase the economic well-being of all citizens in the region; and improve the quality of life of the citizens of the Pacific Northwest.

States and provinces recognize that there are many public policy areas in which cooperation and joint efforts would be mutually beneficial. These areas include, but are not limited to: International trade; economic development; human resources; the environment and natural resources; energy; and education. Parties to this agreement shall work diligently to establish collaborative activity in these and other appropriate policy areas where such cooperation is deemed worthwhile and of benefit to the participating entities. Participating states and provinces also agree that there are areas in which cooperation may not be feasible.

The substantive actions of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region may take the form of uniform legislation enacted by two or more states and/or provinces or policy initiatives endorsed as appropriate by participating entities. It shall not be necessary for all states and provinces to participate in each initiative.

ARTICLE II‑-Eligible Parties and Effective Date

Each of the following states and provinces is eligible to become a party to this agreement: Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This agreement establishing the Pacific Northwest Economic Region shall become effective when it is executed by one state, one province, and one additional state and/or province in a form deemed appropriate by each entity. This agreement shall continue in force and remain binding upon each state and province until renounced by it. Renunciation of this agreement must be preceded by sending one year's notice in writing of intention to withdraw from the agreement to the other parties to the agreement.

ARTICLE III‑-Organizational Structure

Each state and province participating in this agreement shall appoint representatives to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. The organizational structure of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region shall consist of the following: A delegate council consisting of four legislators from each participating state and four representatives from each participating province and an executive committee consisting of one legislator from each participating state and/or province who is a member of the delegate council. Policy committees may be established to carry out further duties and responsibilities of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region.

ARTICLE IV‑-Duties and Responsibilities

The delegate council shall have the following duties and responsibilities: Facilitate the involvement of other government officials in the development and implementation of specific collaborative initiatives; work with policy-making committees in the development and implementation of specific initiatives; approve general organizational policies developed by the executive committee; provide final approval of the annual budget and staffing structure for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region developed by the executive committee; and other duties and responsibilities as may be established in the rules and regulations of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. The executive committee shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: Elect the president and vice-president of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region; approve and implement general organizational policies; develop the annual budget; devise the annual action plan; act as liaison with other public and private sector entities; and other duties and responsibilities established in the rules and regulations of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. The rules and regulations of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region shall establish the procedure for voting.

ARTICLE V‑-Membership of Policy Committees

Policy committees dealing with specific subject matter may be established by the executive committee.

Each participating state and province shall appoint legislators to sit on these committees in accordance with its own rules and regulations concerning such appointments.

ARTICLE VI‑-General Provisions

This agreement shall not be construed to limit the powers of any state or province or to amend or repeal or prevent the enactment of any legislation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. It is the intent of this act to direct and encourage the establishment of cooperative activities between the seven legislative bodies of the region. The state representatives to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region shall work through appropriate channels to advance consideration of proposals developed by this body.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall constitute a new chapter in Title 43 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The sum of forty-nine thousand nine hundred dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1993, from the general fund to the Northwest Policy Center for the purposes of funding the activities of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region.