READ FIRST TIME 02/09/04.   

     AN ACT Relating to the creation of a center for advanced manufacturing; adding a new section to chapter 43.31 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Although manufacturing has long been subject to the ups and downs of regular market cycles, the increasing pace of globalization and the ability of the world's new manufacturing floor to export deflation has caused United States manufacturers to lose all pricing power. Despite the development of good cost control practices such as lean manufacturing, domestic manufacturers cannot compete on price alone.
     As our economy continues to evolve through changes to our existing manufacturing base, our manufacturers need assistance to continue to provide high quality products at a low cost. In order to make a radical change to an innovation focus, there must be a public and private partnership.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.31 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Provided the conditions in subsections (2) and (3) of this section are met, a center for advanced manufacturing may be created to provide the necessary resources for the state's manufacturing industry.
     (2) A feasibility study and economic analysis for the creation of a center for advanced manufacturing must be conducted by a qualified organization chosen by the department of community, trade, and economic development and should include, but is not limited to, a center for advanced manufacturing that offers:
     (a) A research institution to transfer technology for commercial applications in small and mid-market manufacturers;
     (b) A clearinghouse and national research library that locates best practices information, disseminates national research, and provides a publicly accessible research library; and
     (c) Ongoing training, and curriculum and courses to develop a skilled work force, with a focus on quality efficiency practices.
     (3) The feasibility study and economic analysis must be delivered to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2005.
     (4) For the purposes of this section, a qualified organization must be:
     (a)(i) Designated as a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code, or (ii) a partnership between a designated nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code and a government or quasi-government agency;
     (b) Focused on developing or supporting small, medium, and large manufacturing businesses;
     (c) Structured around a sound business plan;
     (d) Able to demonstrate that it has the resources to complete the feasibility study and economic analysis in a timely manner and the state is not the sole source of funding for the feasibility study and economic analysis; and
     (e) Compliant with the standards developed by the department of community, trade, and economic development and included in the application.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 2004, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.