SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2288

BYRepresentatives H. Sommers, Wood, Rasmussen, Schoon and R. King; by request of  Department of Community Development

Regarding appropriations for public works projects.

House Committe on Capital Facilities & Financing

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1990; February 26, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Fleming, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Matson, Moore, Newhouse, Niemi, Owen, Saling, Smith, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:David Sanford (786-7715)

                  February 28, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, FEBRUARY 26, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Public Works Board, within the Department of Community Development, may make low-interest or interest-free loans to assist local governments in financing public works projects.  Loans and grants are made from the public works trust fund from dedicated revenues from utility and sales taxes on water, sewer and garbage collection, as well as a percentage of the real estate excise tax.  Eligible public works include roads, bridges, water systems, and storm and sanitary sewage systems.  The statute establishes eligibility criteria for local governments and priorities for projects.  Each year, the board submits a list of projects to the Legislature for approval and appropriation.  The Legislature may delete a project from the list but may not add any projects or change the order of project priorities.

SUMMARY:

Fifty four projects for fiscal year 1991 combined with the emergency fund for a total cost of $34,068,230 are recommended by the Public Works Assistance Board.  The biennial appropriation to the public works assistance account is included in the 1989-91 capital budget.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one