Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 2547
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: Providing for the creation of a less than countywide port district within a county containing no port districts.
Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby, Manweller, Riccelli, Warnick and Parker.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/14
Staff: Amanda Ondrick (786-7296) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Port Districts.
Port districts may take up an entire single county, or may be less than countywide. Port districts are authorized for acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation, development, and regulation of harbor, rail, air, or motor vehicle transfer and terminal facilities, as well as for industrial and commercial development. The creation of less than countywide port districts was authorized by the Legislature in 1992. Any port district that is less than countywide must have an assessed value of at least $150 million and be in a county that already has a port district.
Procedure for Formation.
To create a less than countywide port district, a petition must be filed to the county auditor. The petition must describe the boundaries of the proposed port district, designate whether there will be 3 or 5 commissioners, propose districts if the commissioners will be elected by district, and provide a name for the proposed port district. The petition must be signed by voters residing within the proposed port district equal to at least 10 percent of the voters who voted at the last county general election.
A public hearing on the proposed port district must be held by the county legislative authority. After the hearing, the county legislative authority can make changes in proposed boundaries as long as the changes are determined to be in the public interest. If the county determines that the creation of the district is in the public's interest, the county legislative authority must submit a ballot proposition authorizing the formation of the port district to the voters of the proposed port district. The port district is created if a majority of voters voting on the measure vote for it. Initial port commissioners are elected at the same election.
Summary of Bill:
Prior to December 31, 2020, a less than countywide port district with an assessed value of at least $150 million may be created in a county without a port district. In the creation of the port district, the initial port commissioners may be elected at the next general election after approval of the ballot proposition submitted to the voters authorizing the creation of the port district. All of the same procedures must be followed for the formation of less than countywide port districts, except the requirement to elect commissioners at the same election.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.