SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8029

BYSenator Benitz

Requesting enactment of a Hanford Federal and State Plant Closing Disaster Program.

Senate Committee on Energy & Utilities

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 5, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benitz, Chairman; Bluechel, Vice Chairman; Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Owen, Pullen, Stratton, Williams.

Senate Staff:Phil Moeller 9786-7455)

                  February 5, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 5, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The tri-cities area in Eastern Washington has been dependent upon federal projects and related employment for several decades.  In December, Congress moved to terminate the nuclear waste repository project at Hanford.  Recently Congress did not appropriate funds to restart the N Reactor at the Hanford site.  Some estimates show as many as 12,000 high paying jobs may be lost by the lack of funding for the N Reactor and related facilities.

SUMMARY:

The President and Congress are asked to provide full replacement of income and benefits, retraining, education, and pension protection to workers affected by the downturn at Hanford.  Benefits should be provided for six years after closure, and a Hanford Federal and State Plant Closing Disaster Program should begin immediately with the participation of the state, communities, unions and businesses.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Dilger, Washington State Building and Trades Council (for); David Westberg, Operating Engineers (for)