HB 1497 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

     Finds that the state's economic development efforts can be enhanced by, in certain instances, providing funds to assist development of telecommunications infrastructure that supports business development, retention, and expansion in rural natural resources impact areas and distressed counties of the state.

     Declares an intent to increase the amount of funding available through the community economic revitalization board for distressed counties and rural natural resources impact areas, and to authorize flexibility for available resources in these areas to help fund planning, predevelopment, and construction costs of infrastructure and facilities and sites that foster economic vitality and diversification.

     Provides that, in accordance with RCW 43.160.060 and 43.160.200, the community economic revitalization board is authorized to provide grants, but not loans, for transportation improvements in distressed counties as defined in RCW 43.160.020, in rural natural resources impact areas as defined in RCW 43.160.020(13), and in designated community empowerment zones approved under RCW 43.63A.700.

     Revises provisions relating to work force training.

     Provides that, in accordance with the criteria prescribed in RCW 46.68.095(7), the following corridors are designated for funding from the congestion relief account:  (1) State route number 18, 180th to interstate 90;

     (2) state route number 509, interstate 5 to south 188th;

     (3) state route number 395, North Spokane freeway;

     (4) state route number 522, state route number 9 to state route number 2;

     (5) state route number 525, interstate 5 to Paine Field boulevard; and

     (6) state route number 539, Horton to International boundary.

     Increases the housing finance commission's debt limit.

     Provides for the department to establish and administer a "one-stop clearinghouse" to coordinate state assistance for growers and nonprofit organizations in developing housing for agricultural employees.  Growers, housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations shall have direct access to the one-stop clearinghouse.  The department one-stop clearinghouse shall provide assistance on planning and design, building codes, temporary worker housing regulations, financing options, and management to growers and nonprofit organizations interested in farmworker construction.  The department one-stop clearinghouse shall also provide educational materials and services to local government authorities on Washington state law concerning farmworker housing.