Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS

Community & Economic Development & Trade Committee

HB 1375


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Creating a joint legislative task force on aerospace manufacturing.

Sponsors: Representatives B. Sullivan, Priest, Ericks, Jarrett, Morrell, Sells, Condotta, Upthegrove, Chase, Simpson, Conway and Linville.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes a joint legislative task force to examine how underutilized property and facilities at airports of regional significance can be used to expand the aerospace manufacturing industry.

Hearing Date: 2/8/07

Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).

Background:

Aerospace Industry in Washington State

Airports in Washington State

The state aviation system includes 139 public use airports. Airports are owned by: cities or towns (61); counties (3); port districts (31); private businesses (22); the state (16); and local governments jointly (6).

In 2004, a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Work Group identified five airport classifications:

Services available on airport property generally include aviation-related facilities and services (e.g., commercial and charter flights for passengers and cargo, equipment repairs, flight instruction). However, some airports also include special operations (e.g., search and rescue, medical evacuations, air shows) or specialized industries (e.g., food processing, aerospace manufacturing and services, aerial sightseeing, and higher education).

Summary of Bill:

Task Force Creation, Scope, Report and Timeline

A Joint Legislative Task Force on Aerospace Manufacturing (Task Force) is created to examine the potential use of underutilized facilities and property at regionally-significant airports to expand the state's aerospace manufacturing industry, associated research and development, education and training businesses. The Task Force will review:

The Task Force will report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by June 30, 2008.

Membership and Staffing

The 20-member Task Force will be appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, will have bi-partisan co-chairs, and will include:

The departments of Transportation and Community, Trade and Economic Development will each maintain a non-voting liaison member to cooperate with the Task Force and provide information as requested.

The Task Force will be staffed by Senate Committee Services and the House Office of Program Research, will use legislative facilities, and may, if necessary, hire additional staff or contractors with technical expertise.

The expenses, including the travel expenses of the legislative and nonlegislative members, of the Task Force shall be paid jointly by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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