SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2059

BYHouse Committee on Trade & Economic Development (originally sponsored by Representatives Sayan, Cantwell, Basich, Van Luven, Jones, Dorn, Ferguson, Rayburn and P. King) 

Creating the Washington hardwoods commission.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 22, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Barr, Benitz, DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Vic Moon (786-7469)

                  February 22, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 22, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The forest products industry remains a key part of Washington's economy, providing about one fifth of the manufacturing jobs in the state and contributing to many jobs in other areas of the economy.  This industry has traditionally relied on softwood timber, such as Douglas fir trees.  Hardwood timber, such as alder, has been a much smaller part of the economy than softwood, with a 10 year annual average of 231 million board feet harvested in Washington State in hardwoods and an annual average of six billion board feet harvested in softwoods. However while the softwood inventories are declining, hardwood inventories have been increasing.

The inventory of softwood timber in Washington in 1980 was 236 billion board feet.  The inventory of hardwood timber in Washington in 1980 was 18 billion board feet.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Hardwoods Commission is created.  The commission has seven members, all representatives of the hardwood industry.  The Governor will appoint the members to staggered terms.

The commission is to assist in the retention, expansion, and attraction of hardwood-related industries.  The commission is to coordinate state and federal agencies, industry organizations, and higher education institutions.  The commission has the power to develop products and markets for hardwoods, recommend a tax program to help stabilize existing firms and attract new firms, develop programs that protect the environment, and develop financial assistance programs.

Funding for the hardwoods commission is through an assessment levied on harvesters of hardwood by the commission.  The commission must also establish a method and rate of assessment on processors by December 31, 1990.  The commission must also develop a workplan.  A report to the Natural Resource Committees in the Legislature must be made by the commission regarding the assessment and the workplan by December 31, 1990.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      not requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one