SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5478
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.
As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Economic Development, Trade & Management, February 16, 2007
Title: Relating to less than county-wide port district formation.
Brief Description: Increasing local economic competitiveness.
Sponsors: Senators Kastama, Rasmussen and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Economic Development, Trade & Management: 2/09/07, 2/16/07 [DPS].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE & MANAGEMENT
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5478 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by Senators Kastama, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Clements, Kauffman and Shin.
Staff: Jack Brummel (786-7428)
Background: In 1992, for the third time since port districts were first authorized in the state, legislation was enacted allowing a less than countywide district to be created. Presently, a less than countywide port district with an assessed valuation of at least $ 150 million may be created in a county that already has a less than countywide port district located within its boundaries.
Summary of Bill: The stipulation that a less than countywide port districts may be formed only in a county that already has a less than countywide port district is eliminated. The stipulation is reinstated four years after the effective date of the act.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY RECOMMENDED SUBSTITUTE AS PASSED COMMITTEE (Economic Development, Trade & Management): The act is one relating to less than county-wide port district formation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Ports are the device in the state for generating public capital for strategic investments for economic development. There are groups in several counties that would like to form port districts but might not want to form a county-wide port. Washington ports are the largest ports in the world that elect their commissioners. This provides accountability.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Pat Jones, Washington Public Ports Association.