March 5, 1997

BILL ANALYSIS

TO:       Members, Committee on Trade and Economic Development

FROM:     Kenny Pittman, Research Analyst  (786-7392)

RE:       HB 2170 - Expediting projects of state-wide significance.

BACKGROUND:

Major industrial investment can have a significant impact on a city=s or a county=s regulatory process and economic well-being.  State recognition of and assistance with major industrial investments or economic development projects can expedite their completion.

SUMMARY:

A process to expedite the development of industrial projects of state-wide significance is created. 

Local governments (cities and counties) that have comprehensive plans must develop a process to expediting the review, approval, permitting, and completion of projects of state-wide significance. 

The local government must notify the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (department) within 10 days of receipt of an application to develop a project of state-wide significance in the local government.  The information to the department must contain information on project type, amount of public and private investment, and local government contact person.

The department must assign an ombudsman to each project of state-wide significance to assemble a team of state, local government, and private officials to help meet the project=s planning and development needs.  Members of the team includes those with responsibility over planning, permitting and licensing, infrastructure development, work force development services, transportation services, and the provision of utilities for the specific project of state-wide significance.

AProject of state-wide significance@ means a manufacturing or research and development project where the initial construction is started after July 1, 1997, and the amount of investment is equal to or greater than, $1,000 times the population of the county where the project is located.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.