| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Capital Budget Committee | |
HB 3301
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: Regarding the public works assistance account.
Sponsors: Representatives Fromhold, McDonald and Armstrong.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/08
Staff: Nona Snell (786-7153).
Background:
The Public Works Assistance Account (PWAA), 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. All local governments
except port districts and school districts are eligible to receive loans. The Public Works Board
(PWB), 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. Existing debt or financial obligations
cannot be refinanced.
The PWAA appropriation is made in the capital budget, but the PWB must submit the project list
to the Legislature for approval annually in separate legislation. The CTED received an
appropriation of $327 million from the Public Works Assistance Account in the 2007-09 Capital
Budget. The funding is available for public works project loans in the 2007 and 2008 loan
cycles.
Summary of Bill:
Allows the PWB to reimburse projects for allowable expenses upon legislative approval of the
list of construction projects.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.