SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5170

   AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC

                DEVELOPMENT, FEBRUARY 12, 1993

Brief Description:  Reauthorizing timber recovery programs.

SPONSORS: Senators Snyder, Owen, Quigley, Hargrove, Spanel, Anderson and Erwin

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means. 

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

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Hearing Dates: February 9, 1993; February 12, 1993

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Martin Chaw (786-7711)

Hearing Dates:  February 24, 1993

BACKGROUND:

In 1991, the Legislature responded to the crisis in the state's timber communities by enacting legislation commonly referred to as the timber package.  The timber package included:  the establishment of an economic recovery coordinating board and a timber recovery coordinator; an agency timber task force; targeted loans, grants, export assistance and entrepreneurial training; tuition wavers; extended unemployment benefits; and mortgage, rent, and food assistance.  A number of the programs in the timber package are scheduled for termination this year.

The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) makes grants or loans for infrastructure development and is currently prohibited from making grants or loans for the acquisition of real property, including buildings and fixtures. 

SUMMARY:

The expiration dates of the statutes authorizing the timber recovery coordinator, the agency timber task force, the economic recovery coordinating board and the loans and grants for timber impact areas by the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) are extended for two years to June 30, 1995.  The special provisions relating to public works loans in timber impact areas are also extended to June 30, 1995.  Additional unemployment benefits for those in timber areas are extended until July 1, 1995 and expanded to two years beyond the normal claim period.  In the case of an individual in training, additional benefits may extend up to five weeks after completion or termination of training.

Eligible cities and counties are authorized to use CERB loans or grants for buildings and structures.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

The starting date of a statute that would conflict with giving priority to timber impact areas in receipt of CERB loans and grants is delayed for two years.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 5, 1993

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

TESTIMONY FOR:

The worst is yet to come for some timber communities.  The timber team has contributed to effective dialogue in resolving tough issues and does a good job at developing cooperative approaches to the problems facing timber communities.  The program for timber workers in the community and technical colleges has been effective.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Karin Berkholtz, DCD; Jan Yoshiwara, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Gib Johnston, Economic Recovery Coordinating Board; Naki Stevens, People for Puget Sound; Harriette Buckmann, Clallam County/Timber Counties; Pam Brown, Lewis County Economic Development Council; Steve Lansing, Lutheran Public Policy Office; Jim Pissot, National Audubon Society