Brief Description: Creating the community preservation authority program.

Sponsors: Representative Santos.

Hearing Date: 1/30/06

Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).

Background:

Every year, federal, state and local governments undertake significant public facilities and infrastructure projects in communities around the state. While some of these projects only temporarily affect the surrounding community, others have a more lasting impact on the community.

Summary of Bill:

The legislature finds that the preservation and/or restoration of the character of a community impacted by significant public projects, and the community's historical and cultural character are important public policy goals. A community is defined as a group of people that has a distinct cultural identity located in a geographic area or well-defined neighborhood that currently contains, or historically contained, a high percentage of minority or low-income individuals.

A Community Preservation Authority (CPA) program is created. A CPA must: develop a capital projects plan to restore or enhance the health, safety and well-being of the impacted community and mitigate the effects of several significant public facilities projects, public works projects, capital project with significant public participation or a community transition facility; restore the local area's sense of community; reduce the displacement of community members and businesses; enhance the provision of public services; or stimulate the community's economic vitality.       

The CPA must include each State Representative and State Senator who represents the legislative district in which the community is located. The CPA must also include the county council members or county commissioners and city council members whose precincts include the community. The state legislators, county commissioners or councilors, and city councilors must select the other members of the CPA. These members must include two members who own or operate a business within the community, two members involved in providing nonprofit or social services in the community, two members involved in the arts and entertainment, and two members with significant knowledge of the community's culture and history.

Once formed, a CPA must register with the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development. A registered CPA will be eligible to submit its plan for funding through any grant or low-interest loan program funded by the local, state or federal government.

A Community Preservation Authority Account is created in the treasury. Expenditures may only be used for projects under the CPA program after appropriation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2006.

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