S-3635

AN ACT Relating to the Washington rural development council; adding new sections to chapter 43.63A RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. Given the rapid change in both the structure of the state and world economy, it is recognized that experiments in identifying, communicating, and acting upon new means of protecting and enhancing the viability and self reliance of rural Washington communities are needed. Voluntary and meaningful communication between all levels of government, including tribal governments, and the nonprofit and private sectors is critical for the representation of the needs and interests of rural residents. It is also of critical importance to the integrity of the entire state to identify ways that urban and rural economies of Washington can function to complement each other and reinforce the quality of life available to residents.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. There is established formal recognition of the efforts of the Washington state rural development council, in operation since February of 1991, through the voluntary support of state, federal, and local government and private businesses and citizens. In acknowledgment and recognition of these efforts all agencies and branches of state government that operate programs in rural areas of the state are encouraged to actively participate in the activities of the council.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The Washington state rural development council is a partnership among state, federal, and local governments, tribal governments, and the public and private sectors, and is organized to meet the needs of all members of the partnership. The council is organized as a mutual effort to mitigate negative impacts upon rural communities, enhance their viability and self reliance, and look for ways to coordinate, synchronize, or consolidate the efforts of all who serve rural communities and citizens.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The Washington state rural development council's mission has been determined by public forum to be: According to locally conceived and driven strategies, to coordinate and apply private, local, state, tribal, and federal resources to support the development of viable, self-reliant rural communities. A primary function of the council is that of facilitator, serving as a forum for communication between the council's constituencies and stakeholders; change agent, acting as both a sounding board for emerging issues and an advocate for change in policies and rules that inhibit the viability of rural communities; and resource developer, serving to maximize knowledge of discretionary resources throughout rural areas of the state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The costs incurred by the Washington state rural development council shall be limited to amounts appropriated by state and federal governments specifically for its use, membership fees, and grants from public and private sources.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. The objectives of the Washington state rural development council should be consistent with the council's mission and honor the perspectives of the partnership in its undertaking of the following:

(1) Providing a forum for policy analysis concerning existing and proposed rural development strategies in Washington;

(2) Promoting coordination and cooperation between all levels of government, and private, public, and nonprofit groups in order to promote rural economic vitality;

(3) Facilitating communication between rural communities and organizations and other sectors of the state and nation;

(4) Promoting the establishment of rural-urban linkage partnerships that will be mutually beneficial to both areas in alleviating the distress of rapid economic growth or decline and promoting economic vitality;

(5) Identifying and addressing federal, state, and local administrative barriers that hinder economic vitality;

(6) Identifying and providing opportunities to educate and inform state, federal, and local policy and program staff as to the needs and special development context of rural Washington; and

(7) Promoting the establishment of educational and training opportunities for individuals in rural areas.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. The Washington state rural development council shall be located in a branch or agency of either the federal or state government according to a memorandum of understanding between the host agency and the partners represented on the council.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. Sections 2 through 7 of this act are each added to chapter 43.63A RCW.