SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2059

BYRepresentatives Sayan, Cantwell, Basich, Van Luven, Jones, Dorn, Ferguson, Rayburn and P. King 

Creating the Washington hardwoods commission.

House Committe on Trade & Economic Development

Rereferred House Committee on Revenue

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 21, 1899

Senate Staff:John Korvell (786-7473)

AS OF MARCH 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Washington's forest products industries play a key role in the state's economy.  Traditionally, these industries rely upon softwoods such as fir, hemlock, and spruce.  As this industry matures and diversifies, new uses are created for nontraditional woods such as western red alder and various maples. Some of these uses are furniture, crating, lumber, pulp and paper.

Recognizing hardwood's growing importance, there is a need to manage and enhance the resource as well as to develop products and markets, while informing the public of this resource's value.

SUMMARY:

A seven member Hardwood Commission is established.  The Governor will appoint five members from the state's hardwood industry and two from the general public.  Each member will serve four years until reappointment.  This commission will hold annual meetings to elect officers and transact business.

The commission is to create a climate for the development of new hardwood products and markets and to work to retain and attract hardwood processors.  It will coordinate efforts between state, federal, industrial and educational institutions that enhance and expand the resource.  The commission will develop, with the Department of Natural Resources, hardwood resource management practices.  The commission will recognize government, academic, and business experts in meeting this charter.

The commission will recommend tax incentive programs that attract new firms to the state and promotes stability within the state's hardwood industry.  They will also develop financial assistance programs from private and public moneys to attract all types of hardwood processors.

The commission will be self funded through agricultural assessments on all hardwood harvesters.  Beginning July 30, 1989, these assessments will be 25 cents per 1,000 board feet or 3.6 cents per green ton.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.