SENATE BILL REPORT

SHJM 4005

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Economic Development, February 19, 2003

Brief Description: Supporting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic bid.

Sponsors: House Committee on Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Morris, Anderson, Linville, Veloria, Skinner, Quall, Hunt, Cox, Miloscia, Ericksen, McDonald, Pearson, Sullivan and Hankins).

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Economic Development: 2/19/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators T. Sheldon, Chair; Zarelli, Vice Chair; Benton, Hale, Kohl-Welles; Rossi, Schmidt, B. Sheldon and Shin.

Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background: Three cities are vying to host the XXI Olympic Winter Games in 2010: Vancouver, Canada; Salzburg, Austria; and Pyeongchang, Korea. The cities are assessed by a set of 11 technical assessment criteria: government support and public opinion; general infrastructure; sports venues; Olympic village; environmental conditions and impact; accommodations; transport; security; experience from past sporting events; finance and general concept. As part of the final bid process, Vancouver's bid to the International Olympic Committee can include letters of support from other jurisdictions.

Summary of Bill: The joint memorial refers to the close relationship between Washington and British Columbia and the benefits of the Olympics. The joint memorial communicates to the International Olympic Organizing Committee, the United State Olympic Committee, the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the Premier of British Columbia, Washington's support of Vancouver, British Columbia's bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Testimony For: The timing of the Olympics is during low tourist season, so it's likely that the hosting of the Olympics in Vancouver will bring a boost of tourism to Washington. This will also help long-term in providing some of the infrastructure needed at our border crossing area.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Representative Morris.