Brief Description: Concerning state capital funding assistance for fire districts.

Sponsors: Representatives McCune, Clements, Kristiansen, Roach, Haler, Jarrett, McDonald and Campbell.

Hearing Date: 2/1/06

Staff: Nona Snell (786-7153).

Background:

The Public Works Assistance Account, commonly known as the Public Works Trust Fund, was created by the Legislature in 1985 to provide a source of loan funds to assist local governments and special purpose districts with infrastructure projects. The Public Works Board (Board), within the Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED), is authorized to make low-interest or interest-free loans from the account to finance the repair, replacement, or improvement of the following public works systems: bridges, roads, water and sewage systems, and solid waste and recycling facilities. All local governments except port districts and school districts are eligible to receive loans.The account receives dedicated revenue from: utility and sales taxes on water, sewer service, and garbage collection; a portion of the real estate excise tax; and loan repayments. The Public Works Assistance Account appropriation is made in the Capital Budget, but the project list is submitted annually in separate legislation. Each year, the Board is required to submit a list of public works projects to the Legislature for approval. The Legislature may remove projects from the list, but it may not add any projects or change the order of project priorities. Legislative approval is not required for pre-construction activities, planning loans, or emergency loans.

Summary of Bill:

Fire stations in rural areas are added to the definition of public works project under the Public Works Trust Fund program

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2007.