Brief Description: Expanding membership on the community economic revitalization board.

Sponsors: Senators T. Sheldon, Hale, Kohl-Welles, Swecker, Eide, Thibaudeau, Finkbeiner, Brown, B. Sheldon, Shin, Franklin, Regala, Keiser, Doumit, Prentice, McAuliffe, Fraser, Kline, Winsley, Mulliken and Rasmussen.

Brief Summary of Bill

(As Amended by House Committee)

• Adds a representative of a federally recognized Indian tribe to the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB).

• Clarifies that the CERB program can make loans and grants to eligible federally recognized Indian tribes, including those federally recognized Indian tribes in rural counties and rural natural resource impact areas eligible for the CERB's rural program.

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Veloria, Chair; Eickmeyer, Vice Chair; Blake, Chase, McCoy, Ormsby and Pettigrew.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 6 members: Representatives Skinner, Ranking Minority Member; McDonald, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Condotta, Kristiansen, Priest and Rodne.

The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) program was created in 1982 to provide direct loans and grants to counties, cities, and special purpose districts for economic development-related infrastructure improvements. The CERB financing is available for public improvements that include the acquisition, construction, or repair of domestic and industrial water, sewer and storm water infrastructure; bridge, railroad, electricity, telecommunication, and road improvements; buildings and structures; port facilities; and feasibility studies. The CERB financing must be necessary to either bring a new business into a community or expand or retain an existing business that is already located in the community.

The board membership is composed of 11 members appointed by the Governor, four nonvoting ex officio members, and one member from each of the two major caucuses in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

In 2002, the Legislature expanded the CERB program eligibility to include federally recognized Indian tribes.

A twelfth member of the CERB is added to include a representative of a federally recognized Indian tribe who is appointed by the Governor.

The eligibility of the federally recognized Indian tribes is clarified to include all projects, including loans and grants to federally recognized Indian tribes in rural counties and in rural natural resource impact areas eligible for assistance under the CERB's rural program.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: In many rural areas, the Indian tribes are the best opportunity for economic development and jobs. This bill treats the Indian tribes like other forms of government who have representation on the CERB.

Persons Testifying: Senator T. Sheldon, sponsor; Mike Moran, Samish and Quileute Tribe; and Tom McBride, Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.