BILL REQ. #:  H-0911.1 

Read first time 02/03/2005.   Referred to Committee on Local Government.

     AN ACT Relating to clarifying the economic development powers of cities, towns, and counties; amending RCW 35.21.703 and 36.01.085; adding a new section to chapter 35.21 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 36.01 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 35.21.703 and 1985 c 92 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     It ((shall be in the)) is a public purpose for all cities to, and all cities and towns are authorized to, engage in economic development programs. To carry out the programs, any city or town is authorized to transfer or loan to any other city, town, county, or port district, with or without consideration, any funds, real or personal property, property interests, or services. In addition, cities and towns may contract with ((nonprofit corporations)) public and private entities in furtherance of this and other acts relating to economic development.

Sec. 2   RCW 36.01.085 and 1985 c 92 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     It ((shall be in the)) is a public purpose for all counties to, and all counties are authorized to, engage in economic development programs. To carry out these programs, any county is authorized to transfer or loan to any other county, city, town, or port district, with or without consideration, any funds, real or personal property, property interests, or services. In addition, counties may contract with ((nonprofit corporations)) public and private entities in furtherance of this and other acts relating to economic development.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 35.21 RCW to read as follows:
     Any city or town may, upon the request of and pursuant to an interlocal agreement with a port district, jointly exercise with that port district any powers of the port district with respect to economic development programs or projects.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 36.01 RCW to read as follows:
     Any county may, upon the request of and pursuant to an interlocal agreement with a port district, jointly exercise with that port district any powers of the port district with respect to economic development programs or projects.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   The powers granted by this act supplement those previously authorized by law. Nothing in this act limits any other authority of cities, towns, and counties. All prior actions consistent with the provisions of this act are validated.