"NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that state-supported economic development efforts, including work force training, technology transfer, tourism development, and industrial modernization, can make a significant difference in the health and diversification of the state's economy. There are numerous federal and private economic development grant programs and research projects designed to increase the competitiveness of American firms and local work forces, for which state agencies and local consortiums are eligible to apply. There are also numerous opportunities to attract major regional, national, and international business, tourism, and sporting events to the state. State and local agencies in Washington have not maximized the opportunities available to receive federal and private funds to augment economic development efforts.
     The legislature declares that it is the state's policy to maximize the use of federal and private funds for economic development purposes and to devote state resources to leverage federal and private dollars to supplement state economic development efforts. In furtherance of this policy, it is the purpose of section 2 of this act to authorize and fund a technical assistance and grant writing program within the department of community, trade, and economic development.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 43.330 RCW to read as follows:
     The economic development grants program is created in the department to be staffed by at least one grant writer either on contract or on staff. Program staff shall:
     (1) Regularly review the federal register for opportunities to apply for grants, research projects, and demonstration projects;
     (2) Stay abreast of grant opportunities with private foundations and businesses;
     (3) Assist local entities in attracting regional, national, and international business, tourism, and sporting events;
     (4) Correspond and meet with federal officials, including those in the small business administration, the department of labor, the department of commerce, and the department of health and human services, as well as foundation and business officials, on the prospects for obtaining federal and private funds for economic development purposes in Washington state;
     (5) Apprise the agency directors and division heads of the department of community, trade, and economic development, the employment security department, the department of agriculture, the Washington technology center, the Washington manufacturing service, and other state agencies as appropriate, of the opportunities for federal and private grant dollars for economic development projects;
     (6) Assist state agencies in their grant-seeking efforts for economic development projects. Grant writing for and assistance in grant writing for projects sponsored or cosponsored by state agencies shall be the highest priority of the program's work;
     (7) Write grant requests to further the state's economic development efforts;
     (8) Facilitate joint efforts between agencies and between local consortiums and state agencies that will increase the likelihood of success in grant seeking and the attraction of major events; and
     (9) Garner the political support necessary from federal, state, and local elected and appointed officials for success in grant seeking and the attraction of major events.
     The department shall submit to the appropriate committees of the legislature an annual list of grant applications submitted, grant awards received, and the total amount of grant funds received during the year. The list shall be due by December 1st of each year.

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, 2006, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void."