SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1992-8749

By Senators Barr and Hansen

     WHEREAS, Affordable farmworker housing is essential to the state; and

     WHEREAS, The need for affordable farmworker housing is estimated to be at least twenty-five thousand units; and

     WHEREAS, The need for affordable farmworker housing is not currently being met due to the costs associated with constructing the housing; and

     WHEREAS, The need for affordable farmworker housing will not be met without economic incentives;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the state of Washington, That the senate agriculture and water resources committee study the issue of affordable farmworker housing; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee shall explore all aspects of the cost associated with constructing farmworker housing and shall seek to find methods of reducing costs by any available means while maintaining adequate health and safety standards.  In studying the issue, the committee shall, at a minimum, examine the potential benefits of modifying construction and thermal performance standards for seasonally occupied housing, and the effect of establishing an energy rebate program for seasonal housing constructed according to model standards; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee may seek assistance from appropriate state or federal agencies, including the Bonneville power administration, the department of community development, the department of labor and industries, the department of health, the state energy office, and the state building code council; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee may seek assistance from representatives from the appropriate public or private organizations, including the agricultural community involved in providing farmworker housing, farmworkers, the building industry, both eastern and western Washington, residential architecture and design professionals, private nonprofit farmworker housing organizations, cities, and counties; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee shall develop a report of its findings and recommendations by the 1993 legislative session; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the involved public or private organizations.