Brief Description: Making the construction, development, or major rehabilitation of public parks eligible for loans or guarantees through the public works assistance account.

Sponsors: Representatives McIntire, Dunshee, Cooper, O'Brien, Kenney, Lantz, Hudgins, Kagi, Chase and Upthegrove.

Hearing Date: 1/29/03

Staff: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background:

The Public Works Assistance Account, commonly known as the Public Works Trust Fund, was created by the Legislature in 1985 to provide a source of loan funds to assist local governments and special purpose districts with infrastructure projects. The Public Works Board, within the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED), is authorized to make low-interest or interest-free loans from the account to finance the repair, replacement, or improvement of the following public works systems: bridges; roads; water and sewage systems; and solid waste and recycling facilities. All local governments except port districts and school districts are eligible to receive loans. In addition to construction projects, the Public Works Assistance Account can also be used for emergency loans, preconstruction loans, and capital facility planning loans.

Summary of Bill:

Local public parks are added to the list of eligible projects for which local governments can receive loans from the Public Works Trust Fund.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/23/2003.

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