SENATE BILL REPORT

                           HJM 4013

   AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC

                  DEVELOPMENT, MARCH 26, 1993

Brief Description:  Petitioning the federal government for coastal economic recovery investment.

SPONSORS: Representatives Kessler, Basich, Riley, Jones, Holm and J. Kohl

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Deccio, Erwin, M. Rasmussen, and Williams.

Staff:  Midori Okazaki (786‑7444)

Hearing Dates: March 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The state's coastal communities have been severely affected by the loss of timber-related jobs.  In response to this economic crisis, the coastal communities have developed the Coastal Economic Recovery Plan.  The plan lays out a strategy to diversify the area's economy and create jobs by utilizing the natural resources of the area and to mitigate the social impacts of the economic transition. One aspect of the plan is the establishment of a partnership with the federal government, particularly in the area of habitat restoration.

SUMMARY:

The members of the Washington State Senate and the House of Representatives ask President Clinton and the US Congress to fund the following elements of the Coastal Economic Recovery Plan:  (1) $50 million for habitat restoration jobs; (2) $17 million for new coastal hatcheries; (3) $12 million for coastal tourism infrastructure facilities; (4) $5 million for educational facilities; and (5) $10 million for coastal transportation facilities for tourism and outdoor recreation.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The striking amendment broadens the resolution by recognizing the impact of job losses in natural resource-based industries on the coastal counties' economies.  References to the plan name are made consistent.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The Coastal Economic Recovery Plan is a community-based response to the economic downturn.  It is a proactive plan that seeks to create jobs and restore habitat.  Action must be taken now to prevent the permanent loss of the economy's natural resource base.  The cost of investing in the economic plan now is far less than the cost down the road of maintaining the status quo.  The request to the federal government is modest.  It is not a request for a handout, but rather for the tools needed to achieve economic independence.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Diane M. Ellison, Chehalis Basin Fisheries Task Force; Naki Stevens, People for Puget Sound; Russ Richardson, Port of Grays Harbor; Roger Reidel, Washington State Labor Council; Ed Owens, Coalition of Washington Ocean Fishermen; Jeff Parsons, National Audubon Society