BILL REQ. #:  S-1601.1 

Read first time 02/17/2003.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development.

     WHEREAS, A Major League Baseball Team would be a tremendous asset to the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area and the entire Northwest Region; and
     WHEREAS, Portland is under strong consideration by Major League Baseball to receive a Major League Baseball Franchise; and
     WHEREAS, A recent study by Game Plan LLC., has shown that Portland has the most favorable economic demographics of any city without a Major League Baseball Team; and
     WHEREAS, The State of Washington has a close cultural, economic, and intergovernmental relationship with the State of Oregon; and
     WHEREAS, Tourism, emerging industries, and small businesses in the entire Northwest Region will benefit from the presence of a Major League Baseball Team in the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area; and
     WHEREAS, Portland has less rainfall during the Major League Baseball season than sixteen other Major League cities; and
     WHEREAS, The Northwest Region has legacy world class facilities including the Space Needle, the Sundome, and Safeco Field, to name a few; and
     WHEREAS, The rivalry and comradery that would be generated between the Seattle Mariners' fans and fans in the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area would enhance the vitality of the region; and
     WHEREAS, As partners in the Northwest Region, the citizens of Washington want to explore opportunities to encourage and advocate the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area as the next home to a Major League Baseball Franchise;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Senate of the State of Washington, the House of Representatives concurring, That a Joint Select Committee on Securing a Second Major League Baseball Team for the Pacific Northwest is created; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee consist of four members, one from each caucus of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, and one from each caucus of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee make recommendations to the legislature before the 2004 legislative session on the appropriate policies to support and assist the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area in securing the relocation of a Major League Baseball Franchise to the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the committee may establish an advisory group of all interested parties and have access to and the assistance of legislative staff and employees of state agencies as necessary to perform the study and develop recommendations.