S-1987.1 _______________________________________________
SENATE BILL 5942
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State of Washington 53rd Legislature 1993 Regular Session
By Senators Haugen, Erwin, Skratek and M. Rasmussen
Read first time 03/01/93. Referred to Committee on Trade, Technology & Economic Development.
AN ACT Relating to the diversification of the economy of Whidbey Island; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature recognizes that the economic base of Whidbey Island is overly dependent upon congressional appropriations to the Whidbey Island naval air station. Fluctuations in federal appropriations have resulted in a local economy that is unstable and has limited flexibility to respond to important shifts in federal policy. Additionally, many primary jobs in Island county may be prematurely lost if the Whidbey Island naval air station is closed or cut back dramatically. The legislature finds that it is in the best interest of the state and Island county to develop a more balanced and diversified economy that is better able to meet the long-term employment needs of our local citizens.
(2) The department of trade and economic development shall perform a study to investigate the state's role in the economic diversification of the Whidbey Island economy. The department may undertake portions of required feasibility studies. The department shall develop the study in conjunction with the department of community development.
(3) The study must focus on:
(a) The need for programs to train and retrain workers displaced by base closures and to prepare the work force for emerging Northwest industries;
(b) Methods of utilizing the following economic development assets of the North Whidbey area to diversify the economy:
(i) The large concentration of technical workers related to the air station;
(ii) The extensive infrastructure that has been developed by the military and how the infrastructure's facilities can be transferred into commercial projects in the private sector;
(iii) The technological base affiliated with existing jobs;
(iv) The availability of land and appropriate real estate;
(v) The availability of port, air, rail, and highway transportation;
(vi) The possibility of converting current federal facilities into commercial or public use; and
(vii) Accessibility to outdoor recreational facilities;
(c) Methods of addressing the economic liabilities of North Whidbey, including shipping and transportation, supplies, and sources of capital;
(d) Developing potential markets for North Whidbey services and products;
(e) The availability of venture capital and other potential funding sources;
(f) The commercialization of federally developed facilities and technology by assisting and promoting the transfer of technology into private projects and commercial applications; and
(g) The development of a plan to diversify the industrial base of North Whidbey Island.
(4) The department of trade and economic development shall consult the following in conducting the study: Island county economic development council; Skagit Valley community college officials; the area chambers of commerce; the area port districts; the city of Oak Harbor; Island county; the United States navy; relevant business leaders; and other relevant state offices within the department of trade and economic development.
(5) The department of trade and economic development shall submit a final report with specific recommendations that define measurable goals with time frames to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by January 1, 1994.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately.
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