SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5075

              As Passed Senate, February 15, 1995

Title:  An act relating to emergency school construction.

Brief Description:  Appropriating funds for emergency construction of Crown Hill elementary school.

Sponsors:  Senators Owen, Sheldon and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  2/1/95 [DP].

Passed Senate, 2/15/95, 46-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

  Signed by Senators Rinehart, Chair; Loveland, Vice Chair; Bauer, Cantu, Finkbeiner, Fraser, Hargrove, Hochstatter, Johnson, Long, Moyer, Roach, Sheldon, Strannigan, Sutherland and Winsley.

Staff:  Michael Groesch (786-7715)

Background:  The Crown Hill School in the Bremerton School District was approved for state matching funds by the State Board of Education prior to the 1993-95 biennium.  The 1993-95 capital budget provided sufficient appropriation authority to fund school construction projects on the state prioritized list of projects up to and beyond Crown Hill's place on the list.  Subsequent to the initial 1993-95 budget, and again following the 1994 supplemental budget, downward revisions to the timber revenue forecast by the Department of Natural Resources have forced the State Board of Education to postpone release of school construction funds.  At the current level of funding, the Crown Hill project will not receive funding in this biennium.

On July 13, 1993, prior to the revenue forecast adjustments, Crown Hill School was partially destroyed by fire.  In replanning the project, the school district decided to raze the entire building and rebuild with resources from the anticipated state funds, and from the proceeds of an insurance settlement.  The lack of state resources following the sequence of events has left the school unfinished and students housed in temporary facilities.

In addition to the Crown Hill project, the Bremerton School District has three other projects on the state prioritization list that have been approved for state funding.  These projects have been completed with local funds and the district is waiting for the state to provide sufficient resources to compensate the district for the state share of the projects.

Summary of Bill:  $5,520,000 is appropriated to the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development to fund emergency school construction at Crown Hill Elementary School in the Bremerton School District.  When the State Board of Education releases funds any time after the effective date of this act, the appropriation in this act must be repaid to the State General Fund.

Appropriation:  $5,520,000 State General Fund.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony:  Testimony regarding the bill was presented at the Ways & Means Committee hearing of 1/11/95 regarding the supplemental budget, SB 5103.  A fire has damaged the building creating an unreasonable situation for students and teachers of Crown Hill Elementary School.

Testified:  Walt Draper, Bremerton School District; Margaret Cook; Joe Munzie; Gail Cook, Crown Hill Principal.