Brief Description: Allowing port districts to lease land acquired from a commercial waterway district.

Sponsors: Representatives McDermott, Woods, Cody, Jarrett, Clibborn and Dunn.

Hearing Date: 2/9/05

Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).

Background:

Port Districts.

Port districts are authorized for the purpose of acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, development and regulation within the district of harbor improvements, rail or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, water and air transfer and terminal facilities, or any combination of these facilities. A port district may also, through its commission, spend money and conduct promotions of resources and facilities within the district or general area through advertising, publicizing, or marketing.

A port district is granted broad authority to lease all lands, wharves, docks, and all other property it owns and controls for whatever purposes it deems proper. Subject to specified exceptions, such leases are limited to a maximum of fifty years, but under certain circumstances may be subject to additional thirty year extensions.



Commercial Waterway Districts.

In 1911 legislation was passed authorizing the creation of commercial waterway districts, many of which were created during the ensuing decades. However, the authorizing legislation creating such districts was repealed in 1971, which resulted in the dissolution of the districts.

Summary of Bill:

A port district is granted broad authority to lease lands, wharves, docks, and real and personal property it owns and controls that have been acquired from commercial waterway districts. This authority, however, is subject to all applicable statutes regarding the leasing of port district property.

A port commission may authorize the managing official of a port district to sell and convey port district property obtained by the district from a commercial waterway district. This authority, however, is subject to all applicable statutes regarding the sale of port district property.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 7, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.